What Coaches Want in a Practice Round
Maximizing your opportunity when playing with college coaches
The Purpose of Practice Rounds
What Coaches Are Evaluating
- • Golf swing mechanics and fundamentals
- • Course management and decision-making
- • Mental approach and attitude
- • Personality and coachability
- • Interaction with others
- • Competitiveness and focus
What They're NOT Evaluating
- • Your exact score for the round
- • Perfect execution of every shot
- • Impressing them with trick shots
- • How far you can hit the ball
- • Your equipment or apparel
- • Your family's golf background
Pre-Round Preparation
24 Hours Before
- • Get a good night's sleep (8+ hours)
- • Eat a nutritious dinner
- • Prepare your equipment and clothes
- • Review course layout and yardages
- • Confirm tee time and meeting location
- • Set realistic expectations for the round
Day of the Round
- • Arrive 90 minutes early
- • Eat a light, familiar breakfast
- • Complete your normal warm-up routine
- • Check in with coach 30 minutes before tee time
- • Stay hydrated and bring snacks
- • Have a positive, relaxed mindset
During the Round: Key Behaviors
Positive Behaviors
Stay Engaged
Ask thoughtful questions about the program and course strategy
Show Respect
Treat coach, course, and other players with respect
Be Authentic
Let your personality show naturally - don't try to be someone else
Stay Positive
Maintain good body language even after poor shots
Behaviors to Avoid
Don't Be Fake
Coaches can spot insincerity from a mile away
Don't Make Excuses
Avoid blaming equipment, conditions, or bad luck
Don't Overshare
Keep personal problems and family issues private
Don't Be Negative
No complaining about other schools or coaches
Shot Decision Making
Smart Course Management
Play Within Your Abilities
- • Choose clubs you're confident with
- • Aim for center of greens
- • Play conservative on difficult holes
- • Don't attempt shots you rarely practice
Show Strategic Thinking
- • Explain your thought process
- • Consider wind and pin positions
- • Plan your approach shots
- • Show you understand course layout
Conversation Topics
Good Topics
Golf-Related
Practice routines, favorite courses, golf goals
Academic Interests
Intended major, academic achievements, career goals
Program Interest
What attracts you to their school and program
Personal Interests
Hobbies, volunteer work, leadership experiences
Topics to Avoid
Money Talk
Don't discuss scholarships or financial aid
Negative Comments
Criticism of other schools or coaches
Personal Problems
Family issues, health problems, relationship drama
Controversial Topics
Politics, religion, or other divisive subjects
Post-Round Protocol
Immediately After
- • Thank the coach for their time
- • Shake hands with all playing partners
- • Offer to help with equipment or course setup
- • Exchange contact information if appropriate
- • Ask about next steps in the process
- • Stay available for additional questions
Within 24 Hours
- • Send a personalized thank you email
- • Include key takeaways from your conversation
- • Mention specific things you learned about the program
- • Reaffirm your interest in the school
- • Attach any additional materials they requested
- • Keep the message concise but heartfelt
What Coaches Remember
Character
How you handle adversity and interact with others
Golf IQ
Course management and strategic thinking
Potential
Room for improvement and coachability