University Golf (Canada)

[mitchl17]

Hey everyone,

I was just wondering if any of you had experience with university golf in Canada (more specifically Ontario). I was just wondering what type of scores I would need to post in order to be able to compete (or at least not make a fool out of myself if I want to tryout). My guess would be that it is less competitive here than in the States, but I'm assuming I would still have to be hitting in the 70's consistently. What do you guys think?

Thanks,

Mitch

[Golf Ghost]

My friend tried out for the Holland College team in PEI, he's a 2.8 handi. For tryouts they had a three day tournament, he finished 12 over par and wasn't even in the top 15. You have to be able to shoot par consistently at least. University/college golf in Canada is really starting to grow, before all the good players would go to the NCAA because they can offer bigger and better scholarships, but more players are starting to stay, which is great to see.

[Deryck Griffith]

Here is a great article that I found online that explains what most kids require to enter college in the states.  I would assume that the same would more or less apply for Canadian universites.

http://golf.about.com/od/juniorgolf/a/jrcollegegolf.htm

Interestingly enough, the person who was interviewed (Chris Wilson, coach from McNeese State) said that most Div1 schools look for scores of 75 or better and that only the top 20 schools look for kids who average par.  Lower Div1 and Div2 schools look for tournament scores of 75-80.  Again, that is for US Universities and I would be surprised if Canadan schools are "harder than that."  If anything, they might be a bit easier to get into.

Based on that, I would say go for it man.  Try to find as many tournaments that you can locally in your area and obviously try to play as best as you at all of your high school tournaments.  The 75-80 requirement is dooable if you work hard enough.  And keep in mind that most schools if you right at the 79 range will look at your projectability (body type, distance off the tee and with irons, etc) as they know that they can groom you to be a better player while in college.

BTW, how old are you and were are you located in Ontario?

[mitchl17]

Thanks for the info.

Unfortunately I missed my chance to play high school golf as I am currently in University. I was never interested in playing golf competitively when I was younger and I played other more traditional sports (hockey and baseball - both at the rep level which didn't leave much room to play too much golf). In the past year or year and a half I have become really interested (obsessed with??) golf. Until recently I have been fully self taught. I should have been breaking 90 consistently, but my putting was horrendous. This winter I took some lessons and changed a few things in my swing that were leading to a lot of inconsistencies. I've been swinging the club indoors the whole winter so my new swing is ingrained pretty well. I've decided to practice at least 4 times a week this summer after work and hopefully play at least once a week.

Also, I just turned 20 last month. I'm not a big guy (5'8, 145-150) but I'm pretty athletic and can generate quite a bit of clubhead speed (I've got a very strong lower back and core). I know I might not be able to get on the team, but I'm hoping that in 2 years I might be good enought to at least try out. I know I have the potential to shoot in the 70's, it only depends on how long it takes me to get there. I'm in Hamilton (McMaster University).

[Deryck Griffith]

Very cool.  Well good luck man.  I'm in Mississauga and actually went to Bowling Green State University in Ohio on a Baseball Scholarship.

Sport at the NCAA or Canadian level are very competitive but, you can do it if you work hard.

Considering that you are close, hit me up anytime in the summer if you wish to play a round!

[mitchl17]

I actually live in Mississauga most of the time.  I'm only in Hamilton for school.  What course do you usually play?  I live like 30 seconds drive from Braeben.