It’s important for junior golfers with an eye on playing in college to keep certain things in mind when they embark on the recruiting process. Here are some tips that you should follow:
- Be realistic about your ability.
- Create a list of schools that you might like to attend, with the thought of
playing golf. Don't wait. It's never too early.
- Early in high school, send the coach a short awareness e-mail or letter
introducing yourself with the basic information. You want it to be simple
and an easy read. Coaches who have interest will respond. If they don't,
send them a follow-up e-mail, letter or call. You'll find out quickly if
there is interest. This will help you narrow your list.
- Utilize online resume services to complete and send a link to a coach.
- Inform the coach of your tournament schedule as early as possible. After a
tournament, let the coach know how you did.
- Make unofficial visits to campuses. Call the admissions office to arrange a
campus tour and let the coach know that you would like to meet.
- Phone the coach. There are no NCAA restrictions against your initiating
contact. However, keep in mind that a coach is not allowed to phone you
until July 1 before your senior year.
- Ask a lot of questions and make sure you get the answers you want. You also
are recruiting - to find the best fit academically and athletically.
- Do research on the golf programs in which you are interested. More than one
source is recommended.
Lance Ringler is a former assistant coach at the University of Idaho and Iowa State University and has covered college golf for Golfweek the past 11 years. He also manages the Golfweek/Sagarin rankings which rates players nationally and internationally from juniors to touring professionals.
Lance wants to keep members of Golfweek’s Junior Tour up to speed and ahead of the game when it comes to many aspects of college golf. Here, he will try to clear up any questions or misconceptions you may have.
So click on the link to send Lance your question today!