College Golf Divisions Comparison

Understanding the differences between D1, D2, D3, NAIA, and JUCO golf

Select Division

Division I Overview

Key Facts

Scholarships:4.5 full scholarships
Teams:~300 teams
Season:Aug-May
Commitment:Full-time athletic focus

Recruiting Level

Highly competitive

Academic Standards

High academic standards

Advantages

  • Highest level of competition
  • Best coaching and facilities
  • Most scholarship opportunities
  • Potential professional pathway

Challenges

  • Extremely competitive recruiting
  • High academic requirements
  • Year-round commitment
  • Limited roster spots

Division Comparison

Scholarships

Division I
4.5 full scholarships per team
Division II
3.6 full scholarships per team
Division III
No athletic scholarships
NAIA
5 full scholarships per team
Junior College
Full scholarships available

Academic Standards

Division I
High GPA + standardized test scores
Division II
Moderate academic requirements
Division III
Highest academic standards
NAIA
Flexible academic requirements
Junior College
Open enrollment policy

Competition Level

Division I
Highest level of competition
Division II
Strong regional competition
Division III
Competitive but balanced
NAIA
Good competition level
Junior College
Development-focused competition

Time Commitment

Division I
20+ hours/week year-round
Division II
15-20 hours/week in season
Division III
Limited practice hours
NAIA
Moderate time commitment
Junior College
Flexible scheduling