It’s not too late for high school golfers to get recruited. Learn what seniors, juniors, sophomores, and freshmen should do now to improve college golf opportunities.
By Rex Grayner, SVP of Business Development, Hurricane Junior Golf Tour
Every August, we hear the same thing from high school seniors:
“It’s probably too late.”
“All the scholarships are probably gone.”
“Coaches have already made their decisions.”
That mindset is not only untrue. It’s dangerous.
The truth is this: many college golf coaches are still looking for players well into senior year. Some are filling roster spots they did not expect to have. Others are replacing recruits who changed their plans. And many programs move slower in their recruiting process than people think.
If your child is a senior, hope is not lost. There is still time to create opportunities. But waiting will not change anything. You must take action now.
And if you are the parent of a junior, sophomore, or freshman reading this, you are not off the hook. This is the moment to lay the groundwork so your child does not feel the same senior-year panic later.
Here is what golfers at each stage of high school should be doing right now to improve their recruiting opportunities.
For Seniors: Be Proactive in the Recruiting Process
If you have a senior who does not have many offers or is only hearing from a small group of schools, do not panic. You still have options. Here is how to make the most of the next few months:
1. Expand the List
Many players lock in on a dream school. By now, that school may not have roster space left. That does not mean the journey is over. Encourage your child to expand their search to include:
- Smaller Division I programs
- Division II and Division III schools
- NAIA programs
- Junior colleges that can lead to bigger opportunities later
The right fit is about playing time, development, academics, and cost, not just the logo on the shirt.
2. Contact Coaches Directly
At this stage, you cannot wait for the phone to ring. Seniors should be emailing and calling coaches every week. Share tournament results, 3-hole videos, academic updates, and a short introduction that highlights who they are as a person and as a player.
Most importantly, follow up. Coaches are busy. Persistence that is polite shows maturity and genuine interest.
3. Keep Competing
Coaches want to see kids competing year-round. Every tournament round, whether it is a 68 or a 78, is another chance to show improvement, resilience, and coachability. Map out your next few months and play in events with solid fields on courses that are challenging. Continue to show coaches that your game travels well.
4. Get Help
This is where leaning on people who know the process makes a difference. Your child’s high school coach, swing coach, or a trusted recruiting advisor can help build the right list of schools and make introductions. The HJGT has a wealth of recruiting resources, including NCSA and Junior Golf Hub. Also, go back and read the articles we’ve published in our blog. There are numerous educational resources included in these.
The bottom line for seniors: do not give up. Get busy.
For Juniors: Build Recruiting Momentum Now
Junior year is often the most important year in the recruiting process. Here is what juniors should focus on:
- Tournament Schedule: Play events that provide exposure and measurable results. Coaches want to see scores in competitive fields.
- Academics: GPA and test scores matter. Without NCAA eligibility, golf ability alone will not open doors.
- Communication: If you haven’t done so, start reaching out to coaches now. Share updates, results, and interest. You are not asking for offers, you are building relationships.
- Video: Create or update a simple recruiting video that shows ball flight, consistency, and athleticism.
If a senior’s mantra is “Do not give up,” a junior’s mantra is “Build momentum.”
For Sophomores: Lay the Foundation for College Golf
Sophomore year feels early, but it is the perfect time to prepare. Here is what they should be doing:
- Register with the NCAA Eligibility Center to get ahead of requirements.
- Track progress. Keep a running log of scores, stats, yardages, and strengths and weaknesses. Coaches want to see measurable improvement.
- Tournament experience. Play competitive events outside of high school golf. It shows you can handle pressure and travel.
- Relationship-building. While you cannot expect direct recruiting conversations yet, you can introduce yourself to coaches, visit campuses, and learn about programs.
Sophomore year is about preparation. You are laying the bricks for a strong house later.
For Freshmen: Create Habits That Last
Freshman year might feel early to think about college golf, but it is not. The key right now is to build habits:
- Academics first. GPA is a four-year story, not something you fix later.
- Practice with purpose. Do not just hit balls. Track improvement and set goals.
- Get tournament experience. Even if results are inconsistent, experience matters.
- Learn the recruiting process. Families who start early not only get more opportunities, they also reduce stress later.
Freshmen do not need to email hundreds of coaches. They need to build the habits that will make those emails matter down the road.
Weekly Action Plan for Every Golfer
No matter what grade your child is in, recruiting is about consistent effort. Here is a simple weekly plan to measure progress:
- Update a Player Resume: Scores, GPA, yardages, and accomplishments.
- Reach Out to Coaches: Send at least 10 emails or updates each week.
- Track Progress: Write down practice goals and tournament takeaways.
- Stay Active on Social Media: Share highlights, results, or training. Coaches notice.
- Play Competitive Golf: At least 1-2 quality events per month.
Do this consistently and opportunities will multiply.
The Mindset Shift Parents Need
Parents, the biggest mistake is believing it is too late. College golf recruiting does not run on one strict timeline. Every program, coach, and roster is different.
Your role is to help your child stay motivated, realistic, and proactive. Remind them that their journey is unique and not to compare their situation to others. Encourage them to take ownership of the process. And never underestimate the power of steady communication, steady competition, and steady growth.
Because in recruiting, as in golf, momentum is everything.
Final Thought
For seniors, the message is simple: it is not over. For juniors, it is time to build momentum. For sophomores, it is about preparation. And for freshmen, it is about establishing good habits.
Wherever your child is in the journey, there are steps you can take this week to move the needle. College golf opportunities are out there. The question is, will you do the work to go find them?
