By Rex Grayner, SVP of Business Development, Hurricane Junior Golf Tour
When families start thinking about college golf, they usually picture Division I.
The logos, the TV coverage, the powerhouse programs. That’s where most parents’ minds go first. But the truth is this: college golf is much bigger than Division I.
Division II, Division III, and NAIA programs all provide great opportunities for student-athletes. And for many junior golfers, one of those paths may be the best fit.
After 25 years of helping families navigate this journey, I want to explain the real differences between each level. Because no matter where you land, if you play college golf, you’re in rare company. Only about 5% of high school golfers will ever compete at the next level. That alone makes you a stud.
Division I: The Big Stage
Scholarships
- Men’s teams can offer 4.5 scholarships, divided among the roster.
- Women’s teams can offer 6 scholarships, also divided.
- Full rides are extremely rare. Most players receive partial aid.
- NOTE: Schools participating in the new profit-sharing program have as many as 9 full scholarships available for both men and women. Schools that are not in the profit sharing program still have 4.5 and 6 scholarships, respectively, if the school decides to make them available. Many Division I schools offer less than the NCAA Limit.
Roster Sizes
As of 2025, roster limits are capped: 9 players for men’s teams and 10 for women’s teams. Only 5 players travel to each tournament.
Level of Competition
This is the most competitive level. DI programs recruit nationally and internationally. Many of the players on these rosters were among the best juniors in their state, region, or country.
Academics
It varies. Some DI schools are highly selective, while others have more flexible admissions. Either way, good grades and test scores are important to remain eligible.
Misconceptions
- Myth: Every DI golfer is on a full ride.
- Truth: Most athletes split partial scholarships.
- Myth: If you don’t play DI, you’ve fallen short.
- Truth: Many great players thrive at other levels.
Division II: The Overlooked Sweet Spot
Scholarships
- Men’s teams can offer 3.6 scholarships.
- Women’s teams can offer 5.4 scholarships.
- These are equivalency, meaning they are split among multiple players.
Roster Sizes
There are no roster limits for D2 golf. In fact, many D2 schools have larger rosters to help increase school enrollments. Travel teams are still typically 5 players.
Level of Competition
The top DII programs are stacked with talent. Many of their players could compete at DI schools. The difference usually comes down to program budgets and overall depth.
Academics
Most DII schools are solid regional universities. Admissions standards vary, but they’re often more accessible than top DI schools.
Why Consider DII
It’s a great balance. The competition is high, but athletes often get more opportunities to travel and compete compared to DI programs.
Division III: Playing for the Love of the Game
Scholarships
- DIII schools do not offer athletic scholarships.
- Many provide generous academic or need-based aid that can make the overall cost of attendance equal to or better than DI or DII offers.
Roster Sizes
There are no official roster caps at the DIII level. Most programs carry 8–12 players, but some have 15 or more. Travel teams remain at 5.
Level of Competition
The top DIII programs are stronger than most families realize. Schools like Emory, Methodist, and Williams field teams with golfers who could compete against DI players. The depth may not be the same, but the top of DIII is very competitive.
Academics
This is where DIII stands out. Many of the most prestigious academic schools in the country are DIII, including Carnegie Mellon, Williams, and Amherst.
Misconceptions
- Myth: DIII isn’t real college golf.
- Truth: The competition, travel, and team culture are every bit as meaningful.
NAIA: The Flexible Alternative
Scholarships
- Men’s and women’s teams can each offer up to 5 scholarships, divided however the coach chooses.
Roster Sizes
No roster caps. Most NAIA teams carry 8–12 players, just like NCAA programs. Travel squads are 5.
Level of Competition
Top NAIA programs are very competitive, often recruiting international players. They can compete at a level equal to mid-tier DI or strong DII teams.
Academics
NAIA schools generally have less rigid academic requirements than DI or DIII. That makes them a good option for players whose academic profile may not fit more selective schools.
Why Consider NAIA
NAIA schools are often smaller, with close-knit communities. Players can make an impact right away, both on the team and on campus.
Putting It All Together
Here’s a simple snapshot of the differences:
- Division I: Biggest budgets, deepest rosters, most competitive overall.
- Division II: High-level competition with more balance and opportunity.
- Division III: No athletic scholarships, but strong academics and meaningful competition.
- NAIA: Flexible scholarships, international recruiting, and quick chances to play.
The Bottom Line for Families
Every level of college golf has value. The key is finding the right fit for your child, athletically and academically.
Your golfer might dream of DI but discover DII is the better balance. They may prioritize academics and thrive at DIII. Or they may want immediate playing time and find the right home in NAIA.
What matters most is this: if your child earns the chance to play college golf, they’ve already done something remarkable. With only about 5% of high school golfers earning roster spots at any level, just making it is an incredible accomplishment.
College golf, no matter the division, teaches discipline, resilience, teamwork, and leadership. Those lessons stay with players for life.
Final Thought: Don’t chase a label. Chase the fit. The right program at any level will give your child the best chance to grow, succeed, and enjoy the game for years to come.
**********
Bonus: Top 5 College Golf Programs (2025 Final Rankings)
Families often ask which schools are the very best. Here’s how the top teams stacked up in 2025.
Division I – Men (Clippd Final Rankings)
- Auburn
- Oklahoma State
- Arizona State
- Ole Miss
- Texas
Division I – Women (Clippd Final Rankings)
- Stanford
- Arkansas
- Oregon
- Florida State
- South Carolina
Division II – Men (Clippd Final Rankings)
- Colorado Christian
- West Florida
- North Georgia
- Lincoln Memorial
- Georgia Southwestern
Division II – Women (Clippd Final Rankings)
- Anderson (SC)
- Flagler
- Dallas Baptist (DBU)
- Wingate
- Findlay
Division III – Men (Clippd Final Rankings)
- Methodist
- Washington and Lee
- Emory
- Sewanee (University of the South)
- Illinois Wesleyan
Division III – Women (Clippd Final Rankings)
- Carnegie Mellon
- Emory
- George Fox
- Washington University in St. Louis
- Claremont-Mudd-Scripps
NAIA – Men (Clippd Final Rankings)
- Oklahoma City
- Keiser (FL)
- Dalton State
- Lindsey Wilson
- OUAZ (Ottawa–AZ)
NAIA – Women (Clippd Final Rankings)
- British Columbia
- Keiser (FL)
- SCAD-Savannah (GA)
- Dalton State
- Texas Wesleyan
Source: Clippd College Golf Rankings, Final 2025 Season
