By Rex Grayner, SVP of Business Development, Hurricane Junior Golf Tour
Too many junior golfers aim too small and miss real opportunities. A short wish list feels safe, but it closes doors. If your child wants a real chance to play college golf, the plan starts with a wider, smarter target list.
Why small lists hurt good players
The “dream school” story is powerful. It is also dangerous. Coaches juggle roster math, transfers, and priorities that change year to year. Even strong players get squeezed when a returning senior takes a spot or a transfer slides in.
If you only chase five schools, a single roster change can wipe out half your board. Don’t put your child in that position. Recruiting is probability. More schools = more conversations = more chances.
Build a smarter list with three tiers
Start with 20 to 30 schools. Break them into honest tiers.
Reach: Programs you’d love. You’re close but not quite there yet. Aim for 4 to 6.
Fit: Programs where your scores and academics line up with the roster. Aim for 10 to 15.
Safety: Programs where you’re already ahead of the curve. Aim for 4 to 8.
This structure keeps options alive. It also gives your child confidence. There’s always a next coach to contact and a next opportunity to pursue.
How to build the board in one weekend
Set aside a block of time. No distractions. Do it together.
- Set the filters. Major, geography, campus size, climate, budget.
- Look at the numbers. Compare your child’s scores from tournament yardages to what the team posts. Read rosters for graduation years.
- Check academics first. GPA, test scores, and intended major. If the school isn’t a fit in the classroom, it doesn’t belong on the list.
- Balance the tiers. Don’t stack all dream schools at the top. That’s a trap.
- Assign roles. Player owns coach communication. Parents handle logistics, proofreading, and calendars. Coaches recruit players, not parents.
- Stay consistent. Two updates a month to engaged schools. Notes after every touch. Progress builds when you keep a rhythm.
Your tracking tool
Use a simple Google Sheet. Track:
- School and division
- Tier (Reach, Fit, Safety)
- Academics
- On-course fit
- Coach contact info
- Outreach dates and replies
- Next step
Color-code your tiers. Update in real time. The more organized you are, the easier it is to keep momentum.
What coaches see
Coaches know when a player has only one school in mind. They also know when a family has done real homework. A broad, balanced list says you respect the process. It shows your child is serious, proactive, and prepared. That makes a difference.
Outreach that works
Keep it clean. Player-led email. One page: scoring average, best results with dates and yardages, short “about me,” link to a three-hole on-course video. End with a thank you and a clear next step.
Follow up every couple of weeks with something new… a recent round, GPA update, or a clip that shows progress. Short. Useful. To the point.
Keep the list moving
Review the board every six to eight weeks. If scores improve, bump a Fit up to Reach. If a coach goes quiet, slide that school down and replace it. Treat the board as a living document.
Quick checklist for parents
- 20–30 schools
- Mix of Reach, Fit, Safety
- Academic match first
- On-course fit at yardages that match
- Player-led communication
- Two updates per month
- Review and adjust every 6–8 weeks
Final word
Recruiting is not about finding one perfect school. It’s about giving your child real options. A smart list keeps doors open when rosters shift or scores take a jump. Don’t aim small. Build a board that grows with your child.
If your junior golfer is ready to build momentum, the best place to showcase their game is at a Hurricane Junior Golf Tour event. College coaches follow our results every week. Find your next tournament here: https://tournaments.hjgt.org/Tournament
