By Rex Grayner, SVP of Business Development, Hurricane Junior Golf Tour
Most college golfers didn’t dominate every junior tournament they played.
I’ve spent 25 years helping families navigate the college recruitment process. And I can tell you this with confidence:
Winning is great, but it’s not the only path to standing out.
In fact, many of the college recruits with interest from dozens of college programs weren’t the ones holding trophies.
They were the ones showing progress, working hard, and telling their story in a way that made college coaches take notice.
Let’s dive into what that looks like.
Understand What Coaches Are Really Looking For
College coaches aren’t building fantasy teams. They’re building programs with kids they can coach and count on. Talent matters, of course. But coaches also want players who:
- Improve steadily over time
- Handle adversity well
- Communicate like professionals
- Are coachable and mature
- Can contribute to team culture
A 75 that shows resilience and growth can be more impressive than a 70 from a player who flames out under pressure.
If your child isn’t winning events, that doesn’t mean they’re invisible. It means you need to be intentional about what you’re showing and how you’re showing it.
Your Tournament Results Are a Story
Every round tells a story. But most families only look at the final number.
Instead, zoom out and look at patterns:
- Are scores trending in the right direction?
- Is your player bouncing back after a tough start?
- Are they showing consistency in different course conditions?
A coach might notice a 78 in round one and a 72 in round two. That tells a story of adjustment and focus. One bad hole might ruin a score, but a strong finish shows mental toughness.
Don’t be afraid to share this story. When reaching out to coaches, explain context. Let them know how you played in difficult weather, or how you recovered from a triple on hole three to shoot even on the back nine.
Character and Coachability Matter
College golf is a team sport. Coaches don’t just need scorers. They need teammates. They need players who listen, grow, and lead.
This is where non-golf traits become part of the recruiting conversation. Things like:
- Being early for tee times and meetings
- Handling rules disputes with maturity
- Supporting other players during practice rounds
- Saying thank you to volunteers and staff
- Keeping a composed attitude, no matter the score
At one of the biggest HJGT events this season this year, a 15-year-old disqualified himself after realizing he played the wrong ball on a hole. He spoke up on the very next tee and informed his group he was DQ’ing himself, even though he was just a few holes from finishing.
That kind of integrity doesn’t show up on a leaderboard, but it leaves a lasting impression.
These small moments get noticed. And when they get passed along to a coach through a tour staff member or another parent, they carry weight.
The Right Email Can Open the Door
A great intro email is often the first step in building a connection with a coach. It’s your chance to make a strong impression, even if you’re not a ranked player or tournament winner.
Here’s what it should include:
- A clear subject line: “Class of 2026 – John Smith – Interest in XYZ University”
- A brief introduction: Name, grad year, hometown, GPA, and golf accomplishments
- Why you’re reaching out: Be specific about why you’re interested in their program
- Tournament highlights: Include recent results and upcoming schedule
- Link to video: A simple 3-hole video with good quality and variety
- Contact info: Cell, email, coach or instructor reference
Keep it short and professional. A few sentences go a long way. And always follow up after tournaments with a quick update on how you played and what you learned.
A Simple Video Can Make a Strong Impression
You don’t need a cinematic production. A clear, 3-hole highlight video is enough. It gives coaches a quick look at:
- Your ability to think through a shot and articulate a plan
- Your swing from multiple angles
- How you carry yourself on the course
- Short game and putting rhythm
Bonus points if the video includes on-course decision making and reaction to results. That tells coaches how you think and how you handle mistakes.
We’ve said it before, but it’s worth repeating: Coaches aren’t recruiting swing videos.
They’re recruiting people who compete.
Use Social Media as a Smart Extension of Your Story
This isn’t about going viral. It’s about showing a consistent, thoughtful version of who you are.
If your junior golfer uses Instagram or X for recruiting, remind them that every post tells coaches something. Tournament photos, workout clips, coach shoutouts, and even community service can all reinforce the kind of person you’re raising.
Avoid highlight-only content. Wins are great, but authenticity builds trust. Post about the journey, not just the outcomes. Lift up teammates, show gratitude, and give coaches a peek behind the curtain of who you really are.
Let the Growth Speak for Itself
I’ve seen kids go from shooting 82 to 72 over the course of a season. That kind of improvement turns heads.
So don’t worry if your junior golfer isn’t winning yet. Focus on:
- Playing events with strong fields
- Tracking progress from event to event
- Reflecting on what they learned after each tournament
- Building a balanced schedule of challenge and confidence-boosting events
Then, take that story and share it with coaches in a way that shows maturity and momentum.
Final Thought
Parents, winning helps. But it’s not the only way your child gets recruited.
The real goal is to show who your junior golfer is becoming, not just where they finish.
If you can help them present their journey clearly, confidently, and consistently, they’ll have more opportunities than you think.
And if you’re looking for events where your child can compete, grow, and build that story, check out our upcoming schedule here: https://tournaments.hjgt.org/Tournament
Keep moving forward. Your child’s story is still being written. And it’s one worth telling.
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You might also like these helpful articles:
7 Realities of Getting Recruited to Play College Golf
College Athletes Are Now Getting Paid (Here’s Why Junior Golf Families Should Pay Attention)
How to Write the Perfect Intro Email to a College Golf Coach
