Using WAGR & Junior Golf Scoreboard in Recruiting
Understanding WAGR (World Amateur Golf Ranking)
The World Amateur Golf Ranking is the official ranking system for amateur golfers worldwide. College coaches use WAGR to evaluate and compare players from different regions and competition levels.
What is WAGR?
- Global ranking system for amateur golfers
- Updated weekly based on tournament results
- Considers strength of field and course difficulty
- Separate rankings for men and women
- Tracks players from junior through amateur levels
- Used for major championship exemptions
How WAGR Rankings Work
Ranking Calculation
Points System
- Based on finishing position in tournaments
- Points decrease for lower finishes
- Stronger fields award more points
- Recent results weighted more heavily
- Minimum 6 counting events in 2-year period
Tournament Categories
- Category 1: Major amateur championships
- Category 2: National and international events
- Category 3: Regional championships
- Category 4: Local and state events
- Category 5: Club and junior tournaments
Recruiting Relevance
- Division I coaches heavily consider WAGR rankings
- Top 1000 WAGR typically Division I level
- Top 500 WAGR often receive scholarship offers
- International comparison tool for coaches
- Validates tournament performance quality
Junior Golf Scoreboard Overview
Junior Golf Scoreboard (JGS) is the leading database for junior golf tournament results and rankings in the United States. It's an essential tool for college recruiting.
Key Features
Tournament Database
- Comprehensive results tracking
- AJGA, HJGT, and other tours
- State and regional events
- Course and conditions data
Player Profiles
- Complete tournament history
- Statistical analysis
- Handicap tracking
- College commitment status
Rankings System
- National and state rankings
- Class year breakdowns
- Regional comparisons
- Trend analysis
Using Rankings in Your Recruiting Strategy
For Players and Families
Strategic Tournament Selection
- Target tournaments that count toward WAGR
- Balance strong fields with scoring opportunities
- Play in your region's premier events
- Include national-level competitions when ready
- Track which events coaches attend
Profile Development
- Ensure all tournament results are properly recorded
- Verify accuracy of information on both platforms
- Include WAGR ranking in recruiting materials
- Highlight trend improvements over time
- Compare rankings to committed players at target schools
How Coaches Use These Tools
Evaluation Process
Initial Screening
- Search by ranking ranges
- Filter by geographic region
- Review tournament performance
- Assess scoring consistency
- Check field strength in events
Detailed Analysis
- Compare head-to-head results
- Analyze performance trends
- Evaluate course difficulty factors
- Review statistical breakdowns
- Cross-reference with video footage
Recruiting Benchmarks
Division I Targets
- WAGR Top 1000: Strong consideration
- WAGR Top 500: Scholarship likelihood
- WAGR Top 200: Priority recruit
- JGS Top 100 nationally: Elite level
- State rankings: Top 10-20 consideration
Maximizing Your Rankings Potential
Tournament Strategy
Building Your Foundation
- Start with regional tournaments
- Establish consistent scoring
- Gradually move to stronger fields
- Play 15-20 ranked events annually
- Balance risk with opportunity
Advanced Competition
- Target WAGR Category 1-3 events
- Play in multiple AJGA tournaments
- Compete in state amateur championships
- Seek international opportunities
- Maintain minimum event requirements
Performance Optimization
- Focus on top finishes rather than just participation
- Prepare specifically for ranking-eligible events
- Track performance against other recruits
- Document improvement trends over time
- Use rankings as motivation and benchmarks
Communicating Rankings to Coaches
Effective Presentation
In Recruiting Materials
- Include current WAGR ranking prominently
- Show ranking progression over time
- Highlight best ranking achieved
- Compare to committed players at target schools
- Include JGS state and national rankings
Email Communication
- Update coaches on ranking improvements
- Share significant tournament results
- Provide links to player profiles
- Context around challenging fields faced
- Regular updates during peak tournament season
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Ranking Pitfalls
- Playing only weak fields for easy wins
- Ignoring minimum event requirements
- Focusing only on ranking vs. development
- Not verifying result accuracy
- Overemphasizing rankings vs. fit
Best Practices
- Balance development with ranking goals
- Play challenging but appropriate fields
- Monitor and update profile information
- Use rankings as one of many tools
- Focus on long-term improvement trends
Beyond Rankings: Complete Player Evaluation
Remember
While WAGR and Junior Golf Scoreboard rankings are important tools in the recruiting process, they represent just one piece of the evaluation puzzle. Coaches also consider:
- Academic performance and character
- Coachability and team fit
- Physical and mental development potential
- Course management and competitive instincts
- Leadership qualities and work ethic
- Overall program fit and culture match
Use these ranking systems strategically to showcase your abilities while continuing to develop all aspects of your game and character that will make you successful at the college level.