By Rex Grayner, SVP of Business Development, Hurricane Junior Golf Tour
If your son or daughter dreams of playing college golf, you need to understand how recruiting really works. I’ve spent 25 years working with families, coaches, and college programs. I’ve seen what works, and what doesn’t.
There’s no secret formula. But there is a process.
Here are 7 keys that can help your junior golfer get noticed, build relationships, and land a spot on a college golf team.
#1 Start Early
Most families wait too long. They think good scores will automatically lead to opportunities.
That’s not how it works.
College coaches don’t just stumble across players. They rely on relationships, referrals, and proactive communication from families who reach out first.
If your child is in 9th or 10th grade, it’s time to start.
Build a tournament schedule. Track progress. Research schools. Create a target list. Don’t wait until junior or senior year to get serious.
#2 Play the Right Tournaments
Your child’s tournament schedule matters. Coaches want to see results from competitive fields, not just local events with short yardages.
They want to see your child play:
- Multi-day events
- Nationally ranked tournaments
- Courses set up close to college distances
That’s why tours like the Hurricane Junior Golf Tour exist. We provide those opportunities.
Coaches care about how your child competes under pressure, over 36 or 54 holes, against strong fields. Not how many small trophies they’ve collected.
#3 Know What Coaches Really Look For
It’s not just about your child’s best score. It’s about patterns over time.
Coaches are evaluating:
- Scoring average
- Strength of schedule
- Work ethic and attitude
- Coachability
- Grades and test scores
- Character & Integrity
Talent matters. But coaches recruit people, not just golf swings. They want reliable, hard-working teammates who will represent their school well.
#4 Communicate the Right Way
One of the biggest mistakes families make is waiting for a coach to reach out first. That’s rare, unless your child is already a top-ranked national player.
Your child needs to take the lead. They should write simple, respectful emails to coaches.
What should those emails include?
- Name, graduation year, hometown
- Why they’re interested in that school
- Tournament highlights
- A link to a 3-hole video
Follow up periodically, about once per season, with updates on results and interest.
#5 Build Relationships Over Time
Coaches want to get to know your child over time. They want to see progress and consistency, not just one good tournament.
Whenever possible:
- Visit campuses
- Attend camps (if they align with your child’s skill level)
- Speak to coaches when allowed
- Be respectful, professional, and grateful
Recruiting is about trust and fit… on both sides.
#6 Be Honest About Where Your Child Fits
Not every junior golfer will play at a Power 5 school. That’s okay.
There are hundreds of great opportunities at every level: D1, D2, D3, NAIA, NJCAA.
The right fit is out there, but it requires honesty:
- Academically
- Athletically
- Personally
Chasing the biggest logo rarely leads to happiness. Find a place where your child can compete, improve, and enjoy the experience.
#7 Keep Perspective
College golf is part of the college experience, not the whole experience.
Your child will spend four years learning, growing, making friends, and preparing for life after golf. Choose a school where they’ll thrive even if golf isn’t forever.
And remember: coaches want players who love the game and respect the process, not kids chasing scholarships for the wrong reasons.
Final Thought
Getting recruited takes time, effort, and patience. There’s no magic email or video that guarantees success.
The kids who succeed are usually the same ones who succeed in college: organized, hard-working, and respectful of the process.
Help your child build those habits now. The rest will follow.
About the Author:
Rex Grayner is SVP of Business Development for the Hurricane Junior Golf Tour and has spent 25 years helping families navigate the college recruiting journey.
