College Golf

[bogeyhitter25]

I'm currently a sophomore in high school. My main priority over the next year or two is too play well, and then play college golf somewhere nice. On most of the Golf pages on colleges websites, it has a tab that says "Recruiting Questionnaire" or something to that extent. I was wondering if I should send some to some schools now or if it's too early. Another thing that I could do would be to e-mail the coach.

So to answer my question (mainly to experienced collegiate or former collegiate golfers), is it too early to send out emails/questionaires/etc.?

And if yes, what types of things should I put in this email (school stats, distances, video of swing, etc.).

Thanks to all of you in advance.

[kpaulhus]

Where I went to high school, we had some serious football talent, even as sophmores. I believe that the NCAA rule is that school cannot show any active interest in a prospect until they are in JR standing. That doesnt mean you cannot contact them though....

[iammpspeer]

I would wait til Jr. year. I was doing this for basketball. Jr. year is when I was told to start. Got a couple D2 offers, but decided to not even play lol.. this was class of 07 btw.

[kpaulhus]

Same here. I had several D2 offers, but it would have cost me money to go to school. Instead I stayed in state and school is a lot cheaper. I was on a nationally recognized football program too. Probably the only reason schools looked at my game film.

[Three Putt]

I'm currently a sophomore in high school. My main priority over the next year or two is too play well, and then play college golf somewhere nice. On most of the Golf pages on colleges websites, it has a tab that says "Recruiting Questionnaire" or something to that extent. I was wondering if I should send some to some schools now or if it's too early. Another thing that I could do would be to e-mail the coach.

Play in some high profile junior golf tournaments (AJGA is the grandaddy of them all but very $$$$$$). They nationally rank the players based on performance in AJGA events...so it's the sheets the college recruiters look at first. Also FCWT and the FJA (Florida Sanctioned USGA junior series) are high profile. High Schoolers are usually shooting under par from the tips in these tournaments to win (usually on very good courses). Check out some of the scores.

[DBeane]

Getting to play college golf is a treat.

I would say try and compete in some of the State Amateur tournaments to get a taste of college level competition. With a 5 or so handicap you can walk on at almost any college (assuming you are paying your own way).

I would pick a college based on its achademic/networking reputation, not on its golf program, unless the college is offering you some money to come play.

-Beane

[jamo]

I wouldn't do it as a sophomore. I'm a senior and i just did it. That way, you can tell the coaches yo stats as a senior, which are probably much better. Also, as a sophomore i had no idea where i wanted to go to school.

I don't know if your decision is a purely golf one or a golf/school mix or a purely school one, but for me, i have some really good grades so i'm applying to schools that i wanted to go to for the school, and then i'm going to try to play golf there. My top three (Lehigh University, Lafayette College, and the University of Delaware) all good schools that are in D1, but are in low conferences. I figure i have a chance to make it, even if i don't play on the team much.

Edit: You might want to E-mails the coaches of your top schools when you are a senior too.

2nd edit: Found this on Lehigh's website: "According to NCAA Bylaw 13.4.1 (Printed Recruiting Materials): In sports other than men's basketball, a member institution may not provide recruiting materials to a prospect (including general correspondence related to athletics) until September 1 at beginning of the prospect's junior year in high school. In the sport of men's basketball, an institution may not provide recruiting materials to a prospect (including general correspondence related to athletics) until the conclusion of the prospect's sophomore year in high school. If we are not allowed to contact you at this time due to NCAA restrictions (listed above), we will be in contact with you once we are able to do so. Thank you for your understanding and your interest in Lehigh University and our athletics programs."

[bogeyhitter25]

2nd edit: Found this on Lehigh's website:

So I can't even E-mail the coach, or send in the questionnaire at all?

[WUTiger]

So I can't even E-mail the coach, or send in the questionnaire at all?

Have you discussed your plans with your high school coach? Your coach and the school athletic director could give you info on what colleges to apply to, and when you are allowed to do so.

Make sure you work on your grades. I'm a college professor, and golf is one of the most time-consuming sports for student athletes. A scratch golf game won't help you much if you don't have excellent time management skills - you will miss a lot of classes, so you have to be able to learn a fair amount on your own. If you can make it work, though, college will best one of the best times of your life. You'll get to play golf, and travel around to different places to play. Good luck!

[Buckeyegolf10]

I had this dilema a few years ago as well. This is what i did i waited till the middle of my junior year to start sending stuff out to college coaches then i started visiting campuses an actually talking to coaches my senior year which im about to graduate from and i really didnt get many responses untill my senior golf season ended and then i had 10-15 messages on my answering machine from golf coaches a week after the season ended and now ive already commited to a good D2 school. So its not going to hurt to wait untill your junior year sometime but the earlier the better. Good Luck in the Rest of your High School Career.

[kpaulhus]

2nd edit: Found this on Lehigh's website:

I knew this was a rule somewhere.... just didnt have an actual ruling...

Thanks lol

[jamo]

So I can't even E-mail the coach, or send in the questionnaire at all?

I think you can contact them, but i don't think they will be able to reply until September.