Understanding College Golf Recruiting
We know better than most that getting recruited to play collegiate golf is a dream for many talented young athletes from all walks of life. The process is quite intricate and highly competitive. With the right coaching and environment to dial in your unique skillset, determination, and preparation, we can significantly increase your chances of securing your college golf dreams. 99% of our college golf program graduates go on to play collegiate golf. In this guide, we’ll walk you through our unique approach to college golf recruiting, from understanding what coaches are looking for to securing college golf scholarships. Let’s get into it:
The Fundamentals of College Golf Recruiting
College golf recruiting typically begins early in high school. If you’re truly serious about the game and your goals of playing in college, a college golf program such as ours should undoubtedly be on your radar. Here’s why:
1. We Build Your “Golf Resume”
You’re going to need a “golf resume”. Recruiters and universities alike want to see your achievements, tournament scores, and any other relevant information such as your GPA, standardized test scores, etc. Our college golf program provides students access to the leading Junior Golf Tours and tournaments such as AJGA, Hurricane Junior Golf Tour, World Junior Ranking and more.
In addition to this, students attend Florida’s top Preparatory School: Windermere Preparatory Academy to gain a world-class education.
2. Creating a Recruiting Video
A well-produced recruiting video is a crucial step in getting recruited for college golf. It should showcase every aspect of your golf game: your swing, putting, short game, and everything in between highlighting your strengths and demonstrating your consistency and skill level.
Unlike other college golf programs, GLA has a professional video production expert on staff to create incredible, polished pieces to help you check all the necessary boxes.
Steps to Get Recruited for College Golf
1. Participate in Junior Golf Tournaments:
As we mentioned above, competing in national and regional junior golf tournaments is absolutely essential. These events are where college coaches scout for talent. Below is a list of premiere tournaments/tours that our students participate in:
1.) American Junior Golf Association
2.) Florida Junior Tour
3.) Junior United States Golf Association
2. Attend Golf Camps and Clinics
Our Summer Golf Camps and Clinics are excellent opportunities to get coaching from award-winning Leadbetter Certified Instructors who maintain close relationships with college coaches. Our golf summer camps also serve as a great entry point into our full-time golf academy program.
3. Maintain Academic Excellence
College golf programs look for well-rounded student-athletes. Your academic performance is crucial. Ensure your grades and test scores meet the admission requirements of the colleges you’re interested in. College golf recruiting is based upon more than just skill alone!
Understanding College Golf Scholarships
1. Types of Scholarships
College golf scholarships come in two main forms: full scholarships and partial scholarships. Full scholarships cover tuition, room, board, and other expenses, while partial scholarships cover only a portion of these costs.
2. Division Differences
NCAA Division I and Division II college golf programs can offer athletic scholarships. Division III schools do not offer athletic scholarships but may provide academic scholarships or need-based financial aid. NAIA schools also offer athletic scholarships.
3. Scholarship Availability
The number of scholarships available varies by school and program. Some top-tier programs may have more scholarships to offer, while smaller programs may have limited funding. Understanding each program’s scholarship availability is crucial.
Tips for Securing College Golf Scholarships
1. Excel in Your Sport
Consistently perform well in tournaments and showcase events. How do you do this? By attending a college golf program like ours and receiving the best golf instruction you can receive. High rankings and a strong golf resume significantly increase your chances of receiving a scholarship.
2. Showcase Your Potential
College golf recruiters look for your potential as much as your current skill. Show your dedication, work ethic, and willingness to improve. Attend our camps, clinics, and other events to demonstrate your commitment – this will increase your chances of the right people seeing you.
3. Build Relationships with Coaches
Establishing a good relationship with college coaches can make a difference. Our Leadbetter Coaches have many valuable connections in the world of college athletics.
Conclusion
Getting recruited to play college golf requires a strategic approach, hard work, and dedication. There’s no easy way for anyone – no matter how good you may be! Start early, build a strong resume, stay focused, maintain your academic excellence, and keep honing your golf skills.
By understanding the college golf recruiting process and taking the necessary steps outlined above, you can increase your chances of joining a college golf program and securing college golf scholarships. Whether you’re aiming for a Division I powerhouse or a smaller Division III school, the journey is demanding but incredibly rewarding and we know you have it in you.