By Rex Grayner, SVP of Business Development, Hurricane Junior Golf Tour
In today’s competitive landscape, a well-crafted recruiting video is more important than ever for junior golfers aspiring to play at the college level.
College coaches don’t just want to see swing mechanics on the range. They want to see how you manage your game on the course, how you think through shots, and how you handle both success and adversity. With over 25 years of experience helping student-athletes navigate the path to college sports, I’m here to share a modern, proven formula that can help your recruiting video make the right impression.
Why Video Matters More Than Ever
In-person scouting is often limited by time, travel, and budgets. A video gives coaches an authentic look at your skills and personality, and it can be a deciding factor in getting to the next step in the recruiting process.
But not just any video will do. It needs to be concise, realistic, engaging, and easy to watch.
Introducing the 3-Hole Video Format
The ideal recruiting video is about five minutes long and filmed on the golf course, where coaches can see you play real holes, not just hit balls on the range. The “3-Hole Video” concept is simple yet incredibly effective. Here’s how it works:
Plan Ahead
- Pick a familiar course you enjoy playing.
- Choose three holes that showcase a variety of shots… i.e. a par 3, par 4, and par 5.
- Invite a family member or friend to help film. No fancy camera gear required. Your smartphone works perfectly for this project!
Introduce Yourself
Start the video with a short, friendly introduction:
“Hi, I’m [Name], a [Graduation Year] grad from [School] in [City, ST]. My dream is to play college golf. Today I’m playing 3 holes to help you get to know me and see my game in action.”
Mention the course and hole you’re playing, and explain your plan for the shot. This not only informs the viewer but also shows your golf IQ and communication skills.
Show Your Process and Shots
For each hole, record:
- Your pre-shot routine.
- Your full swing.
- Your reaction and follow-through.
- Walking to the ball and discussing your next shot.
- Putting and finishing the hole.
Don’t worry about making every shot perfect. Coaches know golf has ups and downs. In fact, showing how you handle tough shots or missed putts can actually help your case.
Add a Reflection Segment
After your final hole, include a brief reflection to share your mindset:
“Today was a great learning experience. I hit some good shots and also faced challenges, but I stayed focused and played smart. I’m working every day to improve.”
This gives coaches a valuable glimpse into your personality, resilience, and growth mindset.
Simple Filming Tips
- Use Your Phone: Most smartphones today shoot in great quality. Just hold the phone sideways (horizontal) for the best look.
- Keep It Steady: Have your helper hold the phone steady or lean against a golf cart or fence if needed.
- Good Lighting: Try to keep the sun behind the camera so the video is bright and clear.
- Be Natural: You don’t need fancy editing or effects. Just show your golf and let your personality shine!
Pro Tip: If you want to make your video even more professional, consider using simple smartphone accessories like tripods or auto-tracking mounts. These help keep your shots smooth and steady, but they are optional.
Easy Editing Options
Editing your video can be simple and stress-free. Free apps like iMovie or CapCut make it easy to trim clips, put them in order, and add your name and contact info at the end.
Avoid flashy graphics, music, or complicated transitions. Keep it clean and easy to follow. this makes it easier for coaches to evaluate your game.
Pro Tip: AI-powered editing tools like Descript or Adobe Express can automatically clean up audio, cut unnecessary footage, and make your video look sharp with minimal effort. These are helpful but not required.
Sharing Your Video
Once your video is ready, upload it to a platform like YouTube or Google Drive and make it easy for coaches to access.
- Use a clear title: “[Name] 2025 College Golf Recruiting Video”
- Add your name, graduation year, and contact info in the description.
- Consider creating short clips (under 60 seconds) from your video to share on social media. This can help attract attention and direct coaches to your full video.
Pro Tip: Platforms like YouTube allow you to track views and engagement. Knowing which coaches have watched your video can help guide your follow-up.
Additional Tips to Add More Value to Your 3-Hole Video
Short Game Clips
Want to show off your short game skills? During or after the round, film a few extra shots around the greens and add the clips to your 3-hole video. This offers coaches a more in-depth assessment of your game. Drop a few balls in the rough off the green or in a green-side bunker and demonstrate your ability to get up and down from tough spots.
Front View Clips
Add an additional front view clip to each hole you play or a collection of them at the end of your video. This allows coaches to evaluate your swing from a clear angle. To achieve this, simply set up the camera so your feet are parallel to the bottom of the screen, and the camera person is positioned directly in front of you.
Final Thoughts
A great recruiting video doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. By following the 3-hole format and using your smartphone, you can create an authentic, coach-friendly video that showcases your skills and personality. Remember, coaches aren’t recruiting your highlight reel. They want to recruit YOU: a golfer who competes, communicates, and carries themselves with confidence and composure.
Take your time, have fun with the process, and create a video that opens doors to your college golf future.
Ready to showcase your game? Grab your clubs, hit the course, and use these tips to create a video that can make your dream of playing college golf a reality.
