Chapter 02
Before College
For high-school players and families considering how golf might fit into college.
Start with the college experience the player wants, then investigate where golf fits. Team golf, junior events, academics and affordability belong in the same conversation. D1 recruiting is one route; it is not the definition of a successful college choice.
Build a season around development, not just exposure.
Work out what school golf and junior events each contribute. Leave time to practise what the results reveal. A busier schedule is not automatically a more useful one, and the team’s local requirements still need checking.
Compare schools, divisions and the actual cost.
Keep the list broad enough to include different playing and academic environments. Compare the full financial picture with the school, rather than assuming a golf award will make the choice affordable. NCAA divisions, NAIA and junior college routes deserve their own consideration.
Make the player record clear and easy to verify.
Prepare an accurate record of results, academics and contact information. A concise profile and useful video help present the player; they do not promise a coach’s response or replace the program’s own requirements.
Build a realistic list, then check the next step.
Use program information as a starting point and verify details with the school. Contact rules, eligibility processes and dates vary by governing body and division. Read the relevant guidance before assuming one timeline applies to every program.
- Explore the college golf directoryBrowse programs, then check the school’s current athletics and admissions information.
- Build a recruiting target listTurn a broad search into a set of schools worth investigating.
- Check recruiting rules and timingUse the governing body’s current rules for the player and program involved.
Make the next step concrete.
- Write down academic interests, playing goals and a family cost range.
- Compare several types of program and check the current roster and school information.
- Prepare an accurate player record and confirm the relevant contact and eligibility rules.
The chapters overlap. Keep using the development resources that fit the player; if varsity recruiting is not the goal, college club golf and amateur play remain options in And Beyond.