By Rex Grayner, SVP Business Development at the Hurricane Junior Golf Tour
Summer in junior golf isn’t just about warmer weather and longer days. It’s the single most important stretch in the recruiting calendar for players dreaming of college golf.
It’s when tournament play ramps up, academic distractions are minimal, and most importantly, it includes a key NCAA milestone that can change the game for prospective student athletes (PSAs) hoping to be recruited.
Whether your child is preparing to enter high school or already deep into the recruiting process, how you spend the summer months can be the difference between missed opportunities and meaningful progress.
Let’s break it down.
June 15: The Date That Changes Everything
For NCAA Division I golf, June 15 after the sophomore year is the moment college coaches are allowed to contact recruits directly. That means:
- Phone calls
- Emails
- Text messages
- Direct messages on social media
- Verbal offers
This date represents the first time a coach can reach out without having to go through intermediaries or wait for camps or campus visits. For student-athletes, it’s not just a milestone. It’s a key metric where you stand on recruiting boards nationwide.
But if you wait until June 15 to get ready, you’re already behind.
What to do before June 15:
- Finalize your golf video and resume.
- Create a target list of schools (reach, realistic, and fallback).
- Send your upcoming summer tournament schedule to coaches.
- Make sure you’re registered with the NCAA Eligibility Center.
Pro Tips: “Starting early gives athletes a huge advantage,” explains Brian Schiffbauer, Golf Recruiting Coach at NCSA. “The kids who stand out are those who already have profiles built and have begun networking by their sophomore year.”
“Start by identifying target schools and understanding both NCAA and school-specific academic requirements,” advises Paul Kilgas of Qualifier Eligibility Consulting. “Focus on taking core subjects—English, Math, Science, and Social Studies—each year.”
Know the NCAA Recruiting Calendar
Understanding the rules of the game is just as important as playing it well. The NCAA divides the year into recruiting periods—each one has unique limitations and opportunities. A majority of the NCAA golf recruiting calendar falls under the contact period, when college coaches can evaluate recruits in-person and conduct off-campus contact.
Dead Period
- Definition: No in-person contact between coaches and recruits.
- What’s Allowed: Digital communication only… emails, calls, texts.
- Purpose: Gives athletes and families space to evaluate their options without pressure.
Quiet Period
- Definition: Coaches can meet with recruits, but only on their campus.
- Why It Matters: Great time for unofficial visits and in-person conversations.
- Pro Tip: Schedule campus visits and show interest in programs that match your goals.
Evaluation Period
- Definition: Coaches can attend events and observe athletes, but cannot interact in person.
- Why It Matters: Tournaments during this period are a big opportunity to impress from afar.
National Letter of Intent (NLI) Signing Period
- Definition: The window when athletes can officially commit to a school.
- Why It’s Important: It’s the culmination of the process, and everything done before this point leads here.
How to Maximize the Summer Recruiting Window
Summer is your stage, and every decision matters. Here’s how to make the most of it:
1. Play in High-Impact Events
Choose tournaments that draw college coach attention and offer strong fields.
- National events (like HJGT Majors & Invitationals) signal your ability to compete at the next level.
- Regional events can build consistency and confidence.
2. Train With Intention
Summer is the perfect time to refine your game.
- Work with swing coaches or academy programs on targeted skills.
- Address weaknesses from the spring season.
- Consider strength and conditioning or mental game coaching.
3. Focus on Academics
College coaches are always watching grades.
- Use summer to raise your GPA with online or community college courses.
- Start SAT/ACT prep early, especially before junior year.
- Ensure your high school courses align with NCAA Eligibility Center requirements.
4. Initiate Contact With Coaches
Don’t wait. Take the first step.
- Send emails with your schedule and video.
- Ask thoughtful questions about their program.
- Follow up after tournaments and show that you’re truly interested.
5. Visit Campuses
Use unofficial visits during quiet periods to:
- Walk the campus
- Watch a team practice or round
- Ask questions about academics, culture, and the golf program
Academy Coach Insight: “Our summer training emphasizes individualized plans that align with our athletes’ goals, especially for those actively being recruited.”
Final Thoughts
Summer is the most leveraged time of year in the college golf recruiting journey. It’s when freedom from the classroom meets peak competition season. It’s when conversations begin, impressions are made, and momentum is built.
If your junior golfer is serious about playing college golf, this summer can’t be left to chance.
Plan intentionally. Train purposefully. Compete boldly. And keep showing up… on the course, in the classroom, and in your communication.
The opportunity is there. The question is, how will you use it?
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Check out the latest junior golf tournaments this summer on the Hurricane Junior Golf Tour!
