Preparing for College Golf: A Focus on Development, Not Getting Recruited
Recently, four of our academy athletes signed to play college golf at their respective universities. This is the next step in their golfing journey, one filled with excitement and opportunity. However, it’s important to remember that college golf should be viewed as a part of the journey—not the destination.
Too often, juniors and their parents become overly fixated on the recruiting process, placing excessive pressure on tournament results to attract attention from top schools. The college recruiting experience can be long and stressful, and when athletes feel the weight of this pressure, it can be overwhelming—leading to a regression in performance. Golf is already a challenging game, especially in competitive settings. Juniors should use this time to enhance their skills and apply what they’ve learned in practice to real-life competition, without added pressure from outside forces. More pressure can negatively impact their performance and even affect college recruitment.
The Division I Dilemma
A common aspiration for many juniors is to play Division I golf. But why is this the goal? If the aim is to compete at the highest level, that’s great. However, my advice is to focus on finding a program where you have the opportunity to play and showcase your skills regularly. The goal should be to play, not just to say you’re a Division I athlete.
It’s essential to choose a school where you’ll be challenged, but also one where you can make an impact on the course. You don’t want to be guaranteed a spot in the top five simply because you’re the best on the team, but you also don’t want to struggle to crack the sixth spot, limiting your chances to compete in tournaments. Many juniors are drawn to Division I for the external prestige, but it’s crucial to understand that playing time is where true growth happens.
Focus on What You Can Control
College athletics, especially golf, is one of the most competitive fields for junior athletes. Thousands of players across the world are vying for limited spots on teams, and the recruiting process can be highly unpredictable. Coaches evaluate many players each year, and as players and parents, we have little control over the outcome.
So, what can you control? Your development. Focus on improving your skills and all aspects of your game. Invest time and effort into becoming the best player you can be, and everything else will follow naturally. Remember, college golf is not the end goal; the ultimate aim is to be the best player you can be, on and off the course.
