Preparation for College Golf
It’s never too early to begin preparing for college. One of the biggest myths about college golf is that the coaches find you. Truth is: you have to find them. Do your research and seek out the coaches of the schools that interest you.
Here’s an outline of what I share with our students at Hank Haney International Junior Golf Academy.
As Freshman
- Set up a solid tournament schedule, playing in lots of tournaments at the local, regional and national level.
- College coaches are looking for players with deep resumes and a lot of tournament experience.
- Study hard in school since academics are very important.
As a Sophomore
- Begin to record your scores and tournament experience on a golf resume
- Continue to play in local and start to push for more national tournaments i.e. AJGA, US
Junior.
- Take the time to visit any colleges close by.
- Go watch a nearby college tournament, no matter what level
- Look into taking PSAT
- Research some dream schools and see what their new freshman players have played in. This is a good way to follow in the footsteps of a player who has a spot on the team.
As a Junior
- Begin developing your list of schools. I always recommend 10 dream, 10 realistic, and 10 fall back schools
- Continue playing National events and any other events where you can build your confidence.
- Begin to email college coaches with your detailed resume and interest in the program
- Ask coaches where you could play where they can watch ( this shows you want to travel where they can see you play, shows interest)
- Keep a spreadsheet of contact with coaches.
- The more organized you are, the easier it will be to know which schools are showing interest
- Take SAT/ ACT spring semester
- Take unofficial visits
As a Senior
- Continue to keep in contact with your potential schools, updating coaches on your progress.
- Take the SAT/ACT if required again (always good to take again and match your scores, helps with financial aid packages)
- Take the opportunity to go on more visits (official or unofficial)
- Have your guidance counselor help you prepare your final application
- Be sure to weigh all your options, what means most to you when making your final decision?
- Does golf mean the most? Education? Facilities? Climate? Size of school? Close to home?
- Talk to other people who have played college, network to help find answers to questions you may have.
- Remember that when you are a college golfer you are a student-athlete and you can always fall back on a degree.
If you follow these guidelines, there is no doubt you can live your dream of playing college golf.
Until next time, fairways and greens!
Stephen Thomson
Director of College Placement
Hank Haney IJGA
