What Junior Golf Families Need to Know About Scholarships, Recruiting, and Playing College Golf
By Rex Grayner, SVP of Business Development, Hurricane Junior Golf Tour
If your child dreams of playing college golf, understanding the latest NCAA golf roster limits is critical to navigating the recruiting process.
Last year, we explained how changes tied to the House settlement would impact college golf scholarships and roster management. Now, with these new rules fully in effect, we’re seeing clear trends shaping the path for junior golfers trying to earn a spot on a college golf team.
This update breaks down exactly what’s happening, how it affects college golf recruiting, and what families should prioritize if they want to help their junior golfer play at the next level.
What Are the New NCAA Golf Roster Limits in 2025?
Under previous NCAA rules, college golf scholarships were capped at 4.5 for men’s teams and 6 for women’s teams in Division I. Programs could carry larger rosters by mixing partial scholarships and walk-ons.
Now, NCAA golf roster limits cap teams at 9 total players, with no restrictions on how scholarships are distributed. Programs can fully fund all 9 players if they choose, although adoption will vary across programs (especially outside Power 5 schools).
The result?
- Fewer total roster spots
- Potential for more fully funded scholarships
- A more competitive environment for junior golfers
This is a fundamental shift in how coaches build their teams and how families should approach junior golf recruiting.
The Current Reality: Fewer Opportunities, Higher Expectations
While more schools now have the ability to offer full scholarships, the reduction in total roster spots means there are simply fewer opportunities for aspiring college golfers.
Coaches are being far more selective. They need every one of their 9 players to contribute.
There’s little room for developmental walk-ons anymore.
If you’re pursuing college golf recruiting opportunities, you need to understand this landscape:
- Fewer walk-on chances
- Smaller recruiting classes
- Greater competition for fewer spots
What This Means for Junior Golfers: The New Recruiting Landscape
These new roster limits are already having ripple effects across college golf, and junior golfers need to understand how these changes could shape their path forward. Here’s what’s unfolding, and why it matters.
#1 More movement through the transfer portal. With schools required to meet roster compliance by fall 2025, we’re already seeing an uptick in transfers. This trend isn’t slowing down. The transfer portal will remain a revolving door as players seek better opportunities and coaches look to fill immediate gaps. It’s becoming more transactional — similar to free agency in professional sports.
#2 The competition within teams is intensifying. With smaller rosters, typically eight players, five of whom will travel and compete, there’s less room for error. Every player on the roster needs to contribute. Coaches will make decisions based solely on performance, and depth charts will shift quickly. This isn’t about potential anymore. It’s about who can help the team win right now.
#3 Fewer roster spots mean fewer Division I opportunities. Across the board, roster sizes are shrinking by about 10%. This reduction tightens the funnel for high school recruits hoping to play Division I golf. Simply put, it’s harder to earn a spot at that level.
#4 A trickle-down effect is already in motion. Players who might have landed at top-50 programs in the past are now looking at schools ranked in the 100-150 range. And strong junior golfers who would have been sure bets for Division I opportunities may now find their best fit at lower-tier D1 programs or even at D2, D3, or NAIA schools.
#5 Greater parity is on the horizon. One likely outcome of these changes is more competitive balance across college golf. Top programs no longer have the ability to stash extra players and wait for them to develop. With limited roster space, every scholarship and spot has to be maximized. Talent will spread more evenly across more programs.
How College Golf Programs Are Adapting
Some top-tier programs with strong funding are embracing the change, fully funding all 9 roster spots and offering more full scholarships to elite recruits.
Other programs, particularly at mid-major schools, are adjusting more cautiously, still splitting scholarships and trying to stretch their resources.
For families, this creates a wider gap between programs that can offer full rides and those still balancing budgets.
How Can Junior Golfers Get Recruited for College Golf in 2025?
To improve your odds of success in this more competitive environment:
Start Early: Establish relationships with coaches early. Build a strong tournament résumé as soon as possible.
Prioritize Tournament Experience: Focus on competitive events that attract college coaches. National tours like HJGT help players build the type of track record coaches want to see.
Be Proactive with Communication: Coaches aren’t going to find you unless you make yourself known. Reach out. Share updates. Show your value.
Stay Open-Minded About Levels of Play: There are strong opportunities beyond Division I. Don’t overlook D2, D3, NAIA, or NJCAA golf programs.
NIL’s Impact on College Golf Recruiting
While NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals dominate headlines in football and basketball, they’re slowly impacting college golf recruiting as well.
Some programs are leveraging NIL to attract top recruits, combining full scholarships with additional financial incentives. However, this is typically limited to high-profile programs with deep resources.
For most junior golfers, NIL won’t replace scholarships but remains part of the broader recruiting conversation.
Final Thoughts on College Golf Scholarships and Recruiting in 2025
The path to college golf looks a bit different today. Smaller rosters, more fully funded scholarships at some schools, and heightened competition mean players and families must be more intentional than ever.
Focus on what matters most:
- Performance on the course
- Relationships with coaches
- Clear, proactive communication
- Finding the right fit academically and athletically
- And consider getting professional help navigating this process (it can be difficult for families to manage)
At the Hurricane Junior Golf Tour, we remain committed to providing opportunities for junior golfers to compete, grow, and build the foundation necessary to reach the college level.
