College golf?

[Kygolf]

I'm 16 I started playing back in the summer of 2012, I've improved alot. The last 3 times I've played 18 I shot an 81, 82, and a 80. I would love to be able to play college golf anywhere. I should be able to be shooting in the mid 70's by summer, because I make lots of small mistakes on the course. What would be the golf requirements in order to receive a scholarship to a college?

[KrazyTrain18]

Depends on which Tier of College golf you wish to play, Div.1 will require scratch golf and the ability to go low as in 60s.  Div.2 isn't as demanding but still difficult to get into.  The divisions above should be okay for mid 70s scoring, but don't expect full ride scholarships for anything but Div.1 You may get part scholarships for Div.2 but they probably will only be smaller amounts. Good luck on your goal !

[CanuckAaron]

My best friend growing up (Division 3, may have been Division 2) and one of the guys I played with at my local club (Division 1) had full scholarships and the most important thing according to them was tournament results. College coaches are less impressed by handicap indexes if you do not have any tournament results to back it up.

My friend had one several local tournaments including club championships at two separate courses, a few events on our junior tour and he had played in the junior provincial amateur championships and he got a full ride. The other guy that played at the club went Division 1 but he was also a national champion and qualified for the round of 64 in the U.S. junior amateur.

If I can add one piece of advice though: If you have the grades to get into a very good school (from an academic perspective) then maybe consider that instead of going to another school just for golf that doesn't have the same academic reputation because it will have a big impact on your ability to get a job or if you plan on attending grad school etc.. In either case, good luck with your decision.

[WUTiger]

Originally Posted by CanuckAaron

... If I can add one piece of advice though: If you have the grades to get into a very good school (from an academic perspective) then maybe consider that instead of going to another school just for golf that doesn't have the same academic reputation because it will have a big impact on your ability to get a job or if you plan on attending grad school etc.. In either case, good luck with your decision. ...

I now teach at a mid-sized private university in the Midwest (Div. III athletics).

I got my PhD at a Division I school, and taught previously at a Div. II and an NAIA school. I had golfers as students in all four settings.

A rule at all levels: Time management is the key to success. Especially during the spring semester, golf-team students will miss class several times a month for golf matches. College golfers have to be upfront with their professors, and make arrangements to pick up class information and keep up on assignments - when possible, submit assignments early so professors can keep them in normal grading cycle.

NCAA Div. III programs have no athletic scholarships for any sports - but, the top Div. III golf squads are difficult to make. The NAIA school normally have partial scholarships - at best - for golfers.

Most Div. III and NAIA teams carry a transfer or two from big-school programs. These boys and girls played decent golf but crashed academically.  Successful college golfers are true student-athletes.

I don't want to seem gloomy - college golf can be a great thing. You just have to plan your weeks well, and stick to the plan.

Don't forget to tell your HS coach about your plans. And, keep us posted on what happens.