By Rex Grayner, SVP of Business Development, Hurricane Junior Golf Tour
A New Era Begins in College Athletics
A groundbreaking change just swept through college athletics. While the spotlight is on football and basketball, the ripple effect could dramatically reshape the future of junior golf, and how families prepare for college recruiting and NIL opportunities.
For the first time in NCAA history, schools will soon be allowed to directly pay their athletes.
That’s not NIL. That’s payroll.
And even though the rule doesn’t go into effect immediately, this moment marks a turning point. For junior golf families with aspirations of college golf, or even NIL deals before college, this is a conversation worth having now.
What Just Happened?
On Friday, the NCAA approved the terms of a monumental legal settlement, known as the House v. NCAA case, that opens the door for schools to share revenue with athletes.
According to Yahoo Sports, the proposal allows athletic departments to distribute $20.5 million per academic year directly to student-athletes, regardless of sport.
This development doesn’t eliminate Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL). Instead, it adds another layer to the opportunity stack. As ESPN reports, this settlement will also result in back pay to athletes who competed between 2016 and 2021, adding an estimated $2.7 billion in retroactive damages.
In short, this shift signals a future where athletic departments operate under salary caps and roster limits rather than the traditional scholarship count limits. That means coaches may have more flexibility in how they build teams and allocate resources. And while it’s still unclear whether the money will be paid evenly between male and female athletes, one thing is certain:
College athletes are no longer just student-athletes. They’re now compensated contributors.
Why This Matters for Golf Families
It’s easy to assume this change won’t affect golf because it’s not a revenue-generating sport like football or basketball. But don’t be fooled. This is the beginning of a massive shift in how college athletics are funded, structured, and staffed.
Here’s why it matters:
- Schools may invest more heavily in all sports to attract top talent.
- Golf programs may begin recruiting players who bring both performance and personal brand value.
- With more revenue at stake, recruiting will become even more competitive and strategic.
NIL Isn’t Going Away
While direct payments from schools are new, NIL remains a major component of athlete compensation. If anything, this settlement reinforces its importance.
That means brand deals, social media campaigns, equipment partnerships, and local endorsements are all still viable opportunities, especially for golfers.
And NIL success doesn’t require millions of followers. It starts with:
- A compelling personal story
- A clean, professional online presence
- A strong reputation for character
- A clear understanding of what makes you different
These are all elements junior golfers can begin developing now.
Personal Branding Isn’t a Trend, It’s a Skill
College coaches aren’t just evaluating your child’s golf swing. They’re evaluating how they communicate, carry themselves, and represent the values of a program.
If coaches are choosing between two similar talents, they’ll pick the one who already understands how to lead, connect, and build community.
Ask yourself:
- What does your child’s online presence say about them?
- Are they developing a story that reflects their goals and values?
- Do they represent themselves in a way that would attract a coach or a brand?
The HJGT Influencer Program: Your Head Start
To help junior golfers prepare, we launched the HJGT Influencer Program, a forward-thinking initiative that teaches the foundations of personal branding and NIL readiness.
Participants get:
- Real-world experience with brand collaboration
- Mentorship on content creation and storytelling
- Tools to confidently enter the NIL ecosystem
- A pathway to opportunities that start well before college
This isn’t about going viral. It’s about building value, character, and visibility, before the recruiting process even begins.
Learn more about applying for the HJGT Influencer program here.
What Parents Can Do Right Now
Not sure where to begin? Here are a few simple, effective ways to prepare your junior golfer for this new era:
- Support their passion while teaching them the bigger picture.
- Encourage smart online habits… social media is a resume.
- Help them tell their story with a simple player profile or highlight video.
- Sign up for the HJGT Influencer Program to gain knowledge and confidence.
- Stay informed. The more you understand, the better you can guide.
Final Thoughts
This is more than a rule change. It’s an evolution of what it means to be a college athlete.
And for junior golf families, that evolution brings new responsibility and incredible opportunity.
With the right support, preparation, and mindset, your child won’t just chase a college roster spot. They’ll build a platform that lasts far beyond their years on the course.
At HJGT, we’re proud to walk alongside you in that journey.
For questions about the HJGT Influencer Program or how to prepare for NIL, contact:
maureen@hjgt.org or visit www.hjgt.org
