walking on to a college golf team?

[golflax65]

  Wallstreet said:

Thanks for the replies and insight everyone.

I knew it was a long shot and I was hovering over the submit button for this thread last night for awhile, I kind of expected these types of answers so the responses aren't crushing or anything. It would be a daunting task, and even if I dedicated myself 100% for a year the chances would be slim. If I end up going for this I feel like the journey will be more important than the destination, even if I come up short it would at least put the idea to rest and I will become a better golfer.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wallstreet

Most D1 schools are extremely hard to walk on to.  I went to Michigan State University and I did try to walk on to their golf team.  I was a good golfer in high school...consistently shot in the mid to high 70's in competitive play.  And I actually played well in the tryout.  However at most D1 schools they recruit their golfers like any other sport.  I shot a 74 the first round and it wasn't good enough to even be considered.  In order to walk on to a D1 school that recruits and gives them scholarships, you need to shoot under par in order to even have a chance.  They have obviously put in too much money and recruiting effort to waste their time on someone who can shoot in the mid 70's one day.

I'm sorry but I just don't believe some of your distances.  You are either lying or the markers at your driving range are way off.  240-260 with your 4 iron?????  Come on....Rory hit's his 4iron 210. (yes he can swing harder and hit it farther if he needs to)  Even Sergio Garcia's max 4 iron was 250 yards.

Anyways,  Its possible to get your handicap from a 20 down to single digits in a year if all you did was golf.  Range every day, practice rounds 3,4 times a week.  You would probably want to get a swing coach also.

And if you hit the ball that far what's the problem that is allowing a 20 handicap?  How is your short game?  What causes your bogeys, double bogey's etc?

Thanks for the response, but the numbers I posted are indeed accurate. When I manage to pure the ball I think my seven years of heavy weight lifting are paying off a little bit .If I could get my handicap into single digits in this year I would feel very accomplished so that is encouraging to see it's possible.

As for your question, the problem is I'm not consistent enough yet all in all aspects of the game. I never know how my driver or fairway woods are going to play on a given day, sometimes I'm bombing them down the fairway all day, and sometimes it feels like I can't even make  contact with the ball with those clubs. Most of the time it's poor driving and fairway wood play that leads to stroke penalties or in a bad lie in the trees where I have to take a stroke to even get it in play. Combine that with poor putting that results in a lot of 3 putts. Put those together and it's what kills my scores consistently. The only consistency in my game right now is my iron play, and it's not always accurate, but I can always make good contact and get the ball out there especially with 6-P. My chipping and pitching usually show up, and bunkers seem to be easy to get out of for me, but it's off the tee and putting that really hurt my score almost every round.

[Unforgiven93]

Well, I was a good high school.  I've played since 8th grade.  I averaged 74.2 out of about 10 rounds this summer in my state's junior tour.  I had the lowest scoring average out of 148 kids, excluding one kid who only had one round.  I've been scratch for a couple months now.  I'm just starting my freshman year in college.  I planned on trying to walk onto a D1 big 10 team sometime this week.  The coach told me I should try last year.  I just received an email from him today saying he wasn't even going to let me try.  I'm kind of crushed a little bit, I don't really know where to go with golf now.  I have tons of room for improvement still but to be told I can't even try? It hurts. I went from a 79 average last year to 74.2 this year, so I'm still rapidly improving.. I just don't know what to do.

[Beachcomber]

  Unforgiven93 said:

Originally Posted by Unforgiven93

Well, I was a good high school.  I've played since 8th grade.  I averaged 74.2 out of about 10 rounds this summer in my state's junior tour.  I had the lowest scoring average out of 148 kids, excluding one kid who only had one round.  I've been scratch for a couple months now.  I'm just starting my freshman year in college.  I planned on trying to walk onto a D1 big 10 team sometime this week.  The coach told me I should try last year.  I just received an email from him today saying he wasn't even going to let me try.  I'm kind of crushed a little bit, I don't really know where to go with golf now.  I have tons of room for improvement still but to be told I can't even try? It hurts. I went from a 79 average last year to 74.2 this year, so I'm still rapidly improving.. I just don't know what to do.

If you enjoy the game.... Get a accredited to become an instructor.  Also, there are several DII and DIII schools that would probably love to have you.

[Unforgiven93]

  Beachcomber said:

Originally Posted by Beachcomber

If you enjoy the game.... Get a accredited to become an instructor.  Also, there are several DII and DIII schools that would probably love to have you.

I basically have to go to school here.  It is great for my major specifically, and my dad wants me to have a degree from this school.  I do enjoy the game, I love winning and hate losing.  He said in his email we could talk about my sophomore year and beyond, but I just don't know if I can dedicate myself if he isn't even going to let me try this year.  I want to know where I stand on the team, I find it incredibly hard to believe that I couldn't beat their worst player.  Maybe I'm wrong... actually no, apparently I AM wrong or he would let me try.  Also, I'm awful at teaching the game, I helped my HS coach teach a camp and it was awful

I don't want to quit, but it takes so much time and money to continue improving at this point.  I think if I made the team I would drop another 2-3 shots this year alone, but he told me he doesn't care about potential whatsoever, simply where you are now.   And he can get away with that, because he's a big 10 coach.  But I think that is a little silly because in 4 years, I would be extremely good.. but I'm not the coach, am I?  Ahhh.. I don't know what to do

[Valleygolfer]

  Unforgiven93 said:

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beachcomber

If you enjoy the game.... Get a accredited to become an instructor.  Also, there are several DII and DIII schools that would probably love to have you.

I basically have to go to school here.  It is great for my major specifically, and my dad wants me to have a degree from this school.  I do enjoy the game, I love winning and hate losing.  He said in his email we could talk about my sophomore year and beyond, but I just don't know if I can dedicate myself if he isn't even going to let me try this year.  I want to know where I stand on the team, I find it incredibly hard to believe that I couldn't beat their worst player.  Maybe I'm wrong... actually no, apparently I AM wrong or he would let me try.  Also, I'm awful at teaching the game, I helped my HS coach teach a camp and it was awful

I don't want to quit, but it takes so much time and money to continue improving at this point.  I think if I made the team I would drop another 2-3 shots this year alone, but he told me he doesn't care about potential whatsoever, simply where you are now.   And he can get away with that, because he's a big 10 coach.  But I think that is a little silly because in 4 years, I would be extremely good.. but I'm not the coach, am I?  Ahhh.. I don't know what to do

You could make the team or not and still sacrifice your time and effort. Watch "Rudy" again and keep going for it. Unless it will affect your grades because your future is more than likely rec golf. I never said the op could not make it, just trying to explain the incramental (sp?) Steps forward of improvement that occur.

[TourSpoon]

  Unforgiven93 said:

Originally Posted by Unforgiven93

I basically have to go to school here.  It is great for my major specifically, and my dad wants me to have a degree from this school.  I do enjoy the game, I love winning and hate losing.  He said in his email we could talk about my sophomore year and beyond, but I just don't know if I can dedicate myself if he isn't even going to let me try this year.  I want to know where I stand on the team, I find it incredibly hard to believe that I couldn't beat their worst player.  Maybe I'm wrong... actually no, apparently I AM wrong or he would let me try.  Also, I'm awful at teaching the game, I helped my HS coach teach a camp and it was awful

I don't want to quit, but it takes so much time and money to continue improving at this point.  I think if I made the team I would drop another 2-3 shots this year alone, but he told me he doesn't care about potential whatsoever, simply where you are now.   And he can get away with that, because he's a big 10 coach.  But I think that is a little silly because in 4 years, I would be extremely good.. but I'm not the coach, am I?  Ahhh.. I don't know what to do

Make an appointment to see him in person and ask him what you should do. Most college coaches worth their salt will counsel players. Once you get your questions answered (good, bad, or indifferent) make a game plan. At least that way you will have a starting point and won't feel in the dark.

[Unforgiven93]

  TourSpoon said:

Originally Posted by TourSpoon

Make an appointment to see him in person and ask him what you should do. Most college coaches worth their salt will counsel players. Once you get your questions answered (good, bad, or indifferent) make a game plan. At least that way you will have a starting point and won't feel in the dark.

I will do that.  It's just very frustrating to me because I think by the time I am I senior in college, with the coaching and 3 hours of practice every day that I would be one of his best players.  I've never had an opportunity to practice, I live 30 minutes from the closest good facility.  I've only been playing for 5 years, and of those 5 years, I only played in the summer the last two.  The kids I'm competing with have been playing since they could walk.  My home course in HS was a goat ranch, no driving range, no practice facilities, horrible greens.  Despite all of the things holding me back, I was still top 10-15 in the state (I don't really know specifically) my senior year. But like I said, he doesn't care about potential.  That's why I really wanted to make the team, to actually see how good I can be.  I can't quit, I'll just keep practicing and make it next year.

[BuckeyeNut]

  golflax65 said:

Originally Posted by golflax65

Should I tee it up and give it a shot, or am I simply attempting to bite off a lot more than I can chew?

Sorry golflax.........the odds of hell freezing over are better.

[Beachcomber]

  Unforgiven93 said:

Originally Posted by Unforgiven93

I will do that.  It's just very frustrating to me because I think by the time I am I senior in college, with the coaching and 3 hours of practice every day that I would be one of his best players.  I've never had an opportunity to practice, I live 30 minutes from the closest good facility.  I've only been playing for 5 years, and of those 5 years, I only played in the summer the last two.  The kids I'm competing with have been playing since they could walk.  My home course in HS was a goat ranch, no driving range, no practice facilities, horrible greens.  Despite all of the things holding me back, I was still top 10-15 in the state (I don't really know specifically) my senior year. But like I said, he doesn't care about potential.  That's why I really wanted to make the team, to actually see how good I can be.  I can't quit, I'll just keep practicing and make it next year.

My advice is quit looking at it as all the things you don't have... And be thankful for all the things you do have - and the tremendous opportunities that lie ahead.

My high school teacher (Advanced Algebra) told my parents during a meeting (mid semester of my Jr year) that I should not have aspirations to go into Engineering (at the time I wanted to be a Mechanical Engineer).  And that I should begin thinking of going to college to be something else.  Because I wasn't strong enough in math - and he thought I would fail miserably.

My parents were a little surprised that he said what he said... But it helped, because my parents and I sat down and discussed it.  And ultimately, we decided that I needed to spend more time focusing on building my match skills... And they go me a tutor for after school.  I met with the tutor twice a week - for two hours a night per session.  I ended up passing Advanced Algebra and Pre-Calculus in HS.  I worked my ass off over the next five years (in particular through my first two years of college) with study tables and tutors to make it into and through Engineering school (5yr degree program at the University of Cincinnati).  I ended up graduating with a degree in Industrial Engineering.  It wasn't easy - I had to make a few modifications to my goal (couldn't get into Mechanical - had to go into Industrial)... But in the end - I obtained a very good degree.  And it helped me land a solid job - directly out of college making more $ than I knew what to do with as a 23yr old.

The point here is that this is part of growing up.  You don't always get what you want.  And sometimes you have to take a road less traveled to get there.  In the end - it will make you a stronger and a better man.  So good luck... Don't give up.  And continue to fight for what you want.

[colin007]

did he say D1?  im sure theres some community colleges that would take him.  i have a friend whos even more of a hack than i am and he walked on at a small college nearby.

[Valleygolfer]

  colin007 said:

Originally Posted by colin007

did he say D1?  im sure theres some community colleges that would take him.  i have a friend whos even more of a hack than i am and he walked on at a small college nearby.

Yes he did

[x129]

He either has to decide he is going to spend 4+ hours a day every day for the next year or he has to decide not to.   And yes that will suck up pretty much 100% of a free time for a college student.  He would have to decide if not getting drunk on friday night is worth it or if he would rather try and be a golfer. 99% of the people would say it isn't worth it. The other 1% try. If you enjoy the journey if doesn't matter if you fail or make your goal. Just go in knowing that failure is the likely outcome. Personally he should have all july and august playing 6+ hours a day. Either there will be huge improvements (i.e. 90% of the PW shots go that 150 yards instead of the 1 out of 10) or there will not be.

  BuckeyeNut said:

Originally Posted by BuckeyeNut

Sorry golflax.........the odds of hell freezing over are better.

[mdl]

  Unforgiven93 said:

Originally Posted by Unforgiven93

I basically have to go to school here.  It is great for my major specifically, and my dad wants me to have a degree from this school.  I do enjoy the game, I love winning and hate losing.  He said in his email we could talk about my sophomore year and beyond, but I just don't know if I can dedicate myself if he isn't even going to let me try this year.  I want to know where I stand on the team, I find it incredibly hard to believe that I couldn't beat their worst player.  Maybe I'm wrong... actually no, apparently I AM wrong or he would let me try.  Also, I'm awful at teaching the game, I helped my HS coach teach a camp and it was awful

I don't want to quit, but it takes so much time and money to continue improving at this point.  I think if I made the team I would drop another 2-3 shots this year alone, but he told me he doesn't care about potential whatsoever, simply where you are now.   And he can get away with that, because he's a big 10 coach.  But I think that is a little silly because in 4 years, I would be extremely good.. but I'm not the coach, am I?  Ahhh.. I don't know what to do

To be fair to the coach, especially golf, as evidenced by the OP here, at a huge state university campus I bet he gets all kinds of BS emails from kids talking about how they won some high school tournament out in rural Indiana somewhere and how they were held back by X and Y and will be better than Tiger in 4 years if he gives them a chance.

You said you ranked 1 out of 148 players with multiple rounds on the state junior tour this summer?  Is that not a respected set of junior events or something?  Does the fact that there were only 148 total competitors mean it's only the top kids who get to compete, that golf's not a very popular high school sport in Indiana, that's it not respected and most kids don't bother, that it's a money maker where you have to pay to play so most don't?  I would assume the state junior tour would be among the most competitive circuits in the state, meaning if you ranked 1st in average scoring, wouldn't you be getting recruited by a bunch of schools?

Anyway, as you describe your situation, I second Beachcomber's advice.  Go see him in person.    You should print out the overall rankings from the junior tour this year which show you tops amongst players with multiple rounds.  Also couldn't hurt to bring a DVD with some high quality video of you swinging a few different clubs, DTL and caddy.

[Unforgiven93]

The problem with the tour I played on was that they only do one day events.  I did play in several other tournaments that are two day events, like the Indiana Section Junior PGA etc, and still did well. In his email he told me to play in the State Am, State Open, US Am qualifier, US Open Qualifier, or the US Public Links Qualifier.  Apparently the tour I played on wasn't very well respected to him.  I just don't think he's giving me the chance I deserve, I know I'm not a prodigy like Adam Wood (junior in HS from near where I live that is 7th in the world on the Junior Golf Scoreboard) but I do think I could beat their worst player, and by the time I was a senior I definitely think I could be one of their best.  I do understand fully where he's coming from though, he gets thousands of emails a month from kids just like me, and plenty of them probably have more impressive resumes than me... but would it hurt for him to at least watch me swing a club? Especially since I'm already right here on campus, and he told me I could try to walk on this year when I met with him last year.

  Beachcomber said:

Originally Posted by Beachcomber

My advice is quit looking at it as all the things you don't have... And be thankful for all the things you do have - and the tremendous opportunities that lie ahead.

My high school teacher (Advanced Algebra) told my parents during a meeting (mid semester of my Jr year) that I should not have aspirations to go into Engineering (at the time I wanted to be a Mechanical Engineer).  And that I should begin thinking of going to college to be something else.  Because I wasn't strong enough in math - and he thought I would fail miserably.

My parents were a little surprised that he said what he said... But it helped, because my parents and I sat down and discussed it.  And ultimately, we decided that I needed to spend more time focusing on building my match skills... And they go me a tutor for after school.  I met with the tutor twice a week - for two hours a night per session.  I ended up passing Advanced Algebra and Pre-Calculus in HS.  I worked my ass off over the next five years (in particular through my first two years of college) with study tables and tutors to make it into and through Engineering school (5yr degree program at the University of Cincinnati).  I ended up graduating with a degree in Industrial Engineering.  It wasn't easy - I had to make a few modifications to my goal (couldn't get into Mechanical - had to go into Industrial)... But in the end - I obtained a very good degree.  And it helped me land a solid job - directly out of college making more $ than I knew what to do with as a 23yr old.

The point here is that this is part of growing up.  You don't always get what you want.  And sometimes you have to take a road less traveled to get there.  In the end - it will make you a stronger and a better man.  So good luck... Don't give up.  And continue to fight for what you want.

I do need to look at what I have.. that is very true. I'm going into engineering too!  I bet you can't guess which big 10 school in Indiana I'm going to.. haha.  So are you telling me to keep practicing and try again next year?

If you want to spend an hour reading a very long post by me about my last 4 years, here it is: http://thesandtrap.com/t/60690/alright-i-want-an-outside-source-to-assess-my-potential-thats-you#post_747241

That was before my last tournament of the year, the tour championship, where I shot -4 68 and won by 7 shots.  So my average went down a little after that.

Edit:  I just realized I'm not really sure why I'm talking about this on the internet.  I guess the basic question I'm asking is, should I just start playing for fun and never try to make the team, or should I keep trying to improve and make the team in the later years?

[BuckeyeNut]

This hobbit has an equal chance of "walking on" and earning a position with the LA Lakers.

[newtogolf]

Do what you can to support the team.  Ask him if you can practice with the team or at least be around for instructional sessions.  I'm a bit surprised he didn't even allow you to try out.  My guess is, he's thinking if you were that good you'd have pursued a scholarship from some school and gotten a full or partial ride.

Explain to the coach that you attended the school because of your dads influence and the schools reputation in you major but that you love golf and want to play for the school.

A letter from your H.S. coach or swing coach validating your abilities might help too.  In the meantime, show the coach this means a lot to you and you're willing to pay your dues to make the team.  If he still doesn't even let you try out then you might consider going over his head to the Athletic Director of the school.  If it gets to that point, you better be as good as you claim cause you're only going to get one shot.

  Unforgiven93 said:

Originally Posted by Unforgiven93

I basically have to go to school here.  It is great for my major specifically, and my dad wants me to have a degree from this school.  I do enjoy the game, I love winning and hate losing.  He said in his email we could talk about my sophomore year and beyond, but I just don't know if I can dedicate myself if he isn't even going to let me try this year.  I want to know where I stand on the team, I find it incredibly hard to believe that I couldn't beat their worst player.  Maybe I'm wrong... actually no, apparently I AM wrong or he would let me try.  Also, I'm awful at teaching the game, I helped my HS coach teach a camp and it was awful

I don't want to quit, but it takes so much time and money to continue improving at this point.  I think if I made the team I would drop another 2-3 shots this year alone, but he told me he doesn't care about potential whatsoever, simply where you are now.   And he can get away with that, because he's a big 10 coach.  But I think that is a little silly because in 4 years, I would be extremely good.. but I'm not the coach, am I?  Ahhh.. I don't know what to do

[Harmonious]

To Unforgiven93:  I am assuming you are going to attend Purdue, right?  If so, here are the high school bios of the 3 freshmen from last year's team:

Player 1: "Was named team MVP and led Duluth in scoring in each of his four high school seasons ... Named a Gwinnett County Super Six athlete in 2011 ... Won two SJGT tournaments and finished in the top five in pair of AJGA events ... Eared a final Golfweek junior ranking of No. 44."

Player 2: "A three-time all-state selection in golf and a one-time honoree in tennis ... Owns an Indiana boys junior championship ... Runner-up in both the 2008 and 2009 regional tournaments ... Won sectional golf championships in 2008 and 2011 ... A two-time qualifier for the state high school tournament ... Also won the 2011 regional championship in tennis."

Player 3:  "A two-time all-state selection in golf ... Led Davison to a runner-up finish at the 2011 state tournament ... Set program records for low career average and low tournament score ... Also earned all-state honors and was named area player of the year in football in 2009."

As you can see from the bios above, these are the type of players that receive invites to Division 1 golf teams, and are the level of golfers that the golf coach is looking for. He probably considered your body of work, so to speak, and decided that you did not have enough to offer his program to give you a tryout. Until or unless you can prove your mettle in higher levels of competition, it's doubtful you will get any interest from the big schools.

In short, no one DESERVES a shot to make the team.

[Beachcomber]

  Unforgiven93 said:

Originally Posted by Unforgiven93

The problem with the tour I played on was that they only do one day events.  I did play in several other tournaments that are two day events, like the Indiana Section Junior PGA etc, and still did well. In his email he told me to play in the State Am, State Open, US Am qualifier, US Open Qualifier, or the US Public Links Qualifier.  Apparently the tour I played on wasn't very well respected to him.  I just don't think he's giving me the chance I deserve, I know I'm not a prodigy like Adam Wood (junior in HS from near where I live that is 7th in the world on the Junior Golf Scoreboard) but I do think I could beat their worst player, and by the time I was a senior I definitely think I could be one of their best.  I do understand fully where he's coming from though, he gets thousands of emails a month from kids just like me, and plenty of them probably have more impressive resumes than me... but would it hurt for him to at least watch me swing a club? Especially since I'm already right here on campus, and he told me I could try to walk on this year when I met with him last year.

I do need to look at what I have.. that is very true. I'm going into engineering too!  I bet you can't guess which big 10 school in Indiana I'm going to.. haha.  So are you telling me to keep practicing and try again next year?

If you want to spend an hour reading a very long post by me about my last 4 years, here it is: http://thesandtrap.com/t/60690/alright-i-want-an-outside-source-to-assess-my-potential-thats-you#post_747241

That was before my last tournament of the year, the tour championship, where I shot -4 68 and won by 7 shots.  So my average went down a little after that.

Edit:  I just realized I'm not really sure why I'm talking about this on the internet.  I guess the basic question I'm asking is, should I just start playing for fun and never try to make the team, or should I keep trying to improve and make the team in the later years?

Purdue is an excellent education.  Very solid engineering program.  I know several and have worked with various Purdue Engineering alumni.  One major employer who recruits heavily (I'm sure other major employers do as well) is Intel... Intel is one of the most recognizable global brands in the world.  And they just don't hire anyone.  So a degree from Purdue will give you a wonderful opportunity in life - to make a decent living.  That is for sure as excellent employers will be looking for grads from Purdue's engineering program.

Without knowing your situation it is hard for me to give sound advice... But again, I'll draw from some of my own experiences.  And throw in a potential reason why the coach isn't really giving you a chance...

(1.) Engineering - especially at a respected school like Purdue is going to take a lot of focus and dedication. I know at Cincinnati for instance, our Engineering based Physics was all calculus based.  It started in the 2nd quarter of my Freshman year.  The class met three times a week.  M/W/F... Monday was where they brought all of the Engineering based Physics students into a large auditorium and taught.  It was full of ~ 400 to 500 freshman engineers (from all facets of engineering) as it was a mandatory class.  Our professor told us to look to our left, and then look to our right.  He said, these students will most likely not be here at the end of this quarter.  He went on to say that the college of engineering, used its Physics class as a weed out tool.  And he was right... By the end of the quarter, over half of the Freshmen had dropped the class - some deciding to change their major.

I tell you this story because I'm sure Purdue will have a similar class - which will be used to weed out the students and get only the core engineering students to retain their focus/major.  So you need to be on your P's and Q's when it comes to school work.  It isn't a joke - and will take time studying and learning new concepts.  Unless you are naturally gifted, it will take time.  I know I had to work my tail off in study tables and using a tutor to even slip through the class my Freshman year.  I'll never forget getting back my first Physics exam - and having a 17% on it.  Thinking, how the hell am I going to do this?  And studying really became like a job for me.  I was in the library a lot those first couple of years just getting through my classes with B's and C's.  It was tough.

(2.) I wanted to expand on item 1 a little bit so that you could possibly understand where the golf coach may be coming from?  And I may offend some members when I say this... But I'm just being honest. The golf coach may know you are enrolled in Engineering.  And he probably understands how much of a commitment that takes in and of itself.  And then adding to his own pressure to perform within the Big 10 - and on a national front.  He may feel that he would be better suited by fielding a player that is enrolled and studying within a less demanding curriculum/major?  I mean lets be honest, a guy enrolled in Engineering is going to have to work a lot harder than someone who is enrolled in Criminal Justice or Communications.  And if the coach knows you need to improve your golf game... Would he rather have a guy who can focus on golf - hitting the links regularly... Or a guy who has to focus on hitting the library and studying and manage to find time to work on his golf game on top of that?

Lastly, my recommendation is that if you are going to pursue golf at the University - that you follow the guidelines that he gave you.  And enter into those amateur tournaments... And then go kick some tail and prove you are worth a spot on the team.  If you execute... And play well.  Nothing is going to stop you from landing that prestigious spot on the team (other than poor grades!! ). Good luck!