Recruiting for Girls vs Boys: Key Differences

Understanding the unique aspects of women's and men's golf recruiting

Scholarship Comparison

Women's Golf

Scholarships Available

6.0 full scholarships per team

Typical Team Size

8-12 players

Scholarship Distribution

Often split among 8-10 players

Men's Golf

Scholarships Available

4.5 full scholarships per team

Typical Team Size

10-15 players

Scholarship Distribution

Often split among 6-8 players

Competition Level Differences

Women's Golf Recruiting Standards

Elite Programs

Scoring Average: 72-75

Handicap: +2 to +4

Competitive Programs

Scoring Average: 75-78

Handicap: 0 to +2

Opportunity Programs

Scoring Average: 78-82

Handicap: 2 to 6

Men's Golf Recruiting Standards

Elite Programs

Scoring Average: 70-73

Handicap: +3 to +6

Competitive Programs

Scoring Average: 73-76

Handicap: 0 to +3

Opportunity Programs

Scoring Average: 76-80

Handicap: 2 to 5

Tournament Participation

Women's Golf Tournaments

Premier Events

Girls Junior PGA Championship, AJGA Rolex Tournament of Champions

Regional Focus

State amateur championships, regional AJGA events

Field Sizes

Generally smaller fields, more opportunities to excel

Men's Golf Tournaments

Premier Events

U.S. Junior Amateur, Junior PGA Championship, AJGA events

Broader Competition

More tournaments available, higher participation rates

Field Sizes

Larger fields, more competitive depth

Recruiting Timeline Differences

Women's Golf Timeline

1

Sophomore Year

Initial interest, camp invitations, coach awareness

2

Junior Year

Serious communication begins, unofficial visits

3

Senior Year

Official visits, commitments, signing period

Men's Golf Timeline

1

Sophomore Year

Building resume, early coach contact

2

Junior Year

Intense recruiting period, multiple visits

3

Senior Year

Final decisions, competitive scholarship offers

Coaching Approach Differences

Women's Golf Coaches Look For

Technical Skills

Solid fundamentals, consistent ball-striking, good short game

Mental Approach

Course management, emotional control, competitive drive

Team Dynamics

Leadership potential, positive attitude, team chemistry

Academic Focus

Strong emphasis on academic achievement and graduation rates

Men's Golf Coaches Look For

Physical Attributes

Distance, power, athletic ability, physical maturity

Competition Results

Tournament wins, low rounds, consistency under pressure

Technical Potential

Swing mechanics, improvement trajectory, coachability

Competitive Fire

Desire to win, handling pressure, clutch performance

Unique Opportunities

Women's Golf Advantages

More Scholarships

6.0 scholarships vs 4.5 for men

Less Competition

Fewer players competing for spots

Growing Support

Increased investment in women's programs

Professional Pathways

LPGA opportunities and growth

Men's Golf Advantages

More Programs

Larger number of college programs available

Tournament Opportunities

More competitive events and exposure

Professional Options

PGA Tour and extensive mini-tour system

Industry Connections

Broader network in golf industry

Recruitment Strategy Adjustments

For Female Golfers

  • • Emphasize academic achievements and career goals
  • • Highlight leadership roles and team contributions
  • • Focus on consistency and improvement trends
  • • Showcase versatility and adaptability
  • • Demonstrate mental toughness and resilience
  • • Build relationships with female assistant coaches

For Male Golfers

  • • Emphasize competitive achievements and low rounds
  • • Highlight physical attributes and distance
  • • Focus on tournament results and rankings
  • • Showcase technical skills and improvement potential
  • • Demonstrate clutch performance under pressure
  • • Build relationships early due to higher competition