Learn how to write the perfect introductory email to a college golf coach with this step-by-step guide. Includes real examples, email templates, and tips to avoid common mistakes in the college recruiting process.
By Rex Grayner, SVP of Business Development, Hurricane Junior Golf Tour
June 15 has come and gone.
For those who don’t know, that’s the first day Division I and II college golf coaches are allowed to contact recruits after their sophomore year. For many junior golfers, it’s a circled date. Some kids wake up hoping their phone lights up with texts or emails from coaches.
But for most… it doesn’t.
That doesn’t mean you aren’t good enough. It means you’re not on their radar yet. And that’s something you can change—starting with a great introductory email.
I’ve spent 28 years helping athletes get recruited. I’ve seen every kind of email: long essays, vague one-liners, links with no context, even messages that forget to include a player’s name. And I’ve also seen emails that open real doors.
This article is about writing one of those emails. The kind that actually gets a response.
Why Your Intro Email Matters
College coaches are busy. Really busy. Between running their program, traveling to tournaments, managing budgets, and helping their current players succeed, their inbox fills up fast.
If you want to stand out, your email has to do three things quickly:
- Tell them who you are.
- Show them why they should care.
- Make it easy to take the next step.
That’s it. Let’s walk through how to do it.
Step 1: Use a clear subject line.
Don’t try to be clever. Just be direct.
✅ Good examples:
- “John Smith – 2026 Recruit – 73.4 Scoring Avg”
- “2027 Golfer – Sarah Kim – Interested in [School Name]”
❌ Avoid this:
- “Hey Coach”
- “Check out my video!”
- “Future National Champion Here!”
Coaches want to know what they’re clicking on. A good subject line helps your email get opened.
Step 2: Introduce yourself in the first sentence.
Tell them who you are right away.
Example:
“My name is Emily Thomas, and I’m a 2026 graduate from Raleigh, North Carolina. I’m a member of the Hurricane Junior Golf Tour and currently have a 74.2 tournament scoring average.”
That’s it. Straightforward and helpful.
If your GPA or SAT/ACT scores are strong, add that too. Coaches care about academics just as much as golf.
Step 3: Say why you’re reaching out.
Let them know what you want and make it clear that you’ve done your homework.
Example:
“I’m very interested in learning more about your program at [School Name]. I love the idea of being part of a competitive team that values both academics and athletics, and I think your coaching style fits how I want to develop my game.”
What this tells the coach:
- You’re not mass-emailing 300 schools.
- You know who they are.
- You care about fit, not just playing anywhere.
Step 4: Share key highlights (briefly).
You don’t need a full résumé. Just include a few stats and achievements.
Example:
- Scoring average: 74.2 (2025 season, 18 rounds)
- Best tournament finish: 2nd at HJGT Major Championship (72-71)
- Class rank: Top 10%
- SAT: 1330
- High School: 2x Varsity Letterman (#1 player)
That’s plenty. Keep it tight.
Step 5: Link your video and schedule.
Coaches want to see your skills and know where you’re playing.
Example:
“Here’s a recent 3-hole video I filmed at my home course”: [link]
And here’s my upcoming tournament schedule: [link or short list]”
Make sure the links work. Make sure they open on mobile. Don’t attach huge files to your email. That’s a guaranteed way to be ignored or wind up in their spam folder.
Step 6: Make the ask.
End your email with a clear, respectful request.
Example:
“I’d be honored if you took a few minutes to watch my video. I’d also love to hear your thoughts on where I might fit into your recruiting plans.”
That’s it. You’re not asking for a scholarship. You’re opening a door.
Step 7: Sign off professionally.
This is not a text to your buddy. Keep it clean.
Example:
Thank you for your time,
Emily Thomas
Class of 2026
Raleigh, NC
[Phone number]
[Email address]
[Instagram link]
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Too long. Coaches won’t read a novel. Keep it under 200 words.
- Too vague. Be specific about why you’re interested in their program.
- Too casual. Emojis, slang, or poor grammar won’t help your case.
- Missing key info. Always include your grad year, location, and contact info.
- No follow-up plan. Don’t just send one email and hope for the best. Start a calendar and follow up monthly. Show them you’re serious.
Real Talk: What Coaches Want
I’ve had hundreds of conversations with college coaches. Here’s what they tell me:
- “I respond to kids who clearly want to be at my school.”
- “I like when they’re polite and direct.”
- “Video is helpful, but only if it’s recent, easy to view and shows me something about them as a person (not just a golf swing).”
In other words: Don’t try to impress them. Just help them get to know you.
Final Thought
If June 15 came and went without a call, don’t panic.
That just means it’s your move. So make it count. Write an email that shows who you are, what you care about, and why a coach should take a closer look.
One thoughtful email won’t get you a scholarship. But it might start a relationship. And that’s how the recruiting process begins.
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Want to expand your college golf opportunities this summer?
Register to compete in events like the HJGT College Prep Series at https://tournaments.hjgt.org/Tournament. You’ll gain exposure, valuable experience, and build your golf resume for college coaches.
