College Golf Recruiting Guide
Complete roadmap for navigating the college golf recruiting process from freshman year through signing day
📺 Recruiting Process Videos
Recruiting Education
Learn from successful recruiting stories and expert advice on navigating the college golf recruiting process.
🎥 Featured Recruiting Content:
- • NCAA eligibility requirements and timelines
- • Creating effective recruiting videos
- • College coach interview insights
- • Scholarship negotiation strategies
- • Campus visit preparation guides
📅 Four-Year Recruiting Timeline
9
Freshman Year
Foundation Building
📚 Academic Focus
- • Maintain 3.5+ GPA from day one
- • Take challenging courses (Honors/AP when available)
- • Develop strong study habits
- • Meet with guidance counselor regularly
🏌️ Golf Development
- • Focus on fundamental skill development
- • Play junior tournaments locally
- • Work with qualified teaching professional
- • Track all tournament scores and statistics
🎯 Recruiting Actions
- • Research college programs and requirements
- • Attend college golf camps in your area
- • Start building relationships with local golf professionals
- • Create basic golf resume template
10
Sophomore Year
Skill Development
📚 Academic Focus
- • Continue strong academic performance
- • Take PSAT for practice
- • Consider dual enrollment courses
- • Maintain detailed transcript tracking
🏌️ Golf Development
- • Expand tournament schedule regionally
- • Establish official handicap index
- • Begin strength and conditioning program
- • Start recording tournament highlights
🎯 Recruiting Actions
- • Attend college golf camps and showcases
- • Begin following college programs on social media
- • Create professional email address
- • Start networking with other competitive golfers
11
Junior Year
Serious Recruiting
📚 Academic Focus
- • Take SAT/ACT (target 1200+ SAT, 26+ ACT)
- • Maintain strong GPA (3.7+ preferred)
- • Visit college campuses informally
- • Register with NCAA Eligibility Center
🏌️ Golf Development
- • Compete in regional and national tournaments
- • Target sub-75 scoring average
- • Create professional highlight video
- • Develop comprehensive statistics tracking
🎯 Recruiting Actions
- • Begin serious contact with college coaches
- • Attend target schools' camps and ID camps
- • Create comprehensive recruiting packet
- • Build relationships through consistent communication
12
Senior Year
Decision Making
📚 Academic Focus
- • Complete college applications early
- • Submit FAFSA and financial aid forms
- • Finalize NCAA Eligibility Center certification
- • Maintain academic standards through graduation
🏌️ Golf Development
- • Continue competitive tournament play
- • Maintain or improve scoring average
- • Prepare for college-level competition
- • Complete any remaining highlight videos
🎯 Recruiting Actions
- • Make official and unofficial visits
- • Compare scholarship offers carefully
- • Sign National Letter of Intent
- • Maintain communication with chosen program
🏆 College Division Breakdown
Division I
Scholarships Available
4.5 scholarships per team
6 scholarships per team
Program Characteristics
- • Highest level of competition
- • Full-time coaches and support staff
- • Extensive travel schedules
- • Strong academic requirements
- • Significant time commitment
Typical Recruit Profile
Scoring Average
Sub-72 scoring average
Tournament Level
Regional and national events
Academic Requirements
3.5+ GPA, 1200+ SAT
Division II
Scholarships Available
3.6 scholarships per team
5.4 scholarships per team
Program Characteristics
- • Competitive but balanced approach
- • Strong academic emphasis
- • Regional competition focus
- • Excellent coaching and facilities
- • More flexible scheduling
Typical Recruit Profile
Scoring Average
Sub-75 scoring average
Tournament Level
Strong regional competition
Academic Requirements
3.3+ GPA, 1100+ SAT
Division III
Scholarships Available
No athletic scholarships
No athletic scholarships
Program Characteristics
- • Academics-first philosophy
- • High-quality education focus
- • Academic merit aid available
- • Strong alumni networks
- • Competitive but time-balanced
Typical Recruit Profile
Scoring Average
Sub-78 scoring average
Tournament Level
Regional and conference events
Academic Requirements
3.5+ GPA, 1250+ SAT
NAIA
Scholarships Available
5 scholarships per team
5 scholarships per team
Program Characteristics
- • Smaller school environment
- • Personalized attention
- • Flexible eligibility requirements
- • Character-based recruiting
- • Strong community feel
Typical Recruit Profile
Scoring Average
Sub-78 scoring average
Tournament Level
Regional competition
Academic Requirements
3.0+ GPA, 1000+ SAT
💬 Coach Communication Strategies
Email Communication
Bi-weekly to monthlyContent to Include
- • Tournament results and statistics
- • Academic updates and achievements
- • Schedule of upcoming events
- • Personal interest in their program
Best Practices
- • Keep emails concise and professional
- • Include specific details about their program
- • Always proofread before sending
- • Follow up appropriately
Social Media
Weekly postsContent to Include
- • Tournament highlights and results
- • Practice session updates
- • Academic achievements
- • Community involvement
Best Practices
- • Maintain professional image
- • Tag coaches and programs appropriately
- • Share achievements humbly
- • Engage with program content
Phone Calls
Monthly (when allowed)Content to Include
- • Deeper conversation about goals
- • Questions about their program
- • Discussion of visit opportunities
- • Relationship building
Best Practices
- • Be prepared with questions
- • Listen actively to their responses
- • Take notes during conversations
- • Follow up with thank you email
📋 Essential Recruiting Tools
Official Resources
Golf-Specific Resources
🎯 Recruiting Checklist
Academic Requirements
- ☐ Maintain 3.5+ GPA
- ☐ Take SAT/ACT multiple times
- ☐ Complete 16 core courses
- ☐ Register with NCAA Eligibility Center
Golf Performance
- ☐ Establish official handicap
- ☐ Play 20+ competitive rounds
- ☐ Create tournament resume
- ☐ Record highlight videos
Recruiting Materials
- ☐ Professional golf resume
- ☐ Academic transcript
- ☐ Letters of recommendation
- ☐ Character references