By Rex Grayner, SVP of Business Development, Hurricane Junior Golf Tour
Last week, we shared the truth about scholarships, and how the reality is far more competitive than most families expect. This week, we’re going one layer deeper.
Because when it comes to college golf recruiting, talent isn’t enough.
Yes, tournament results matter. Yes, swing mechanics matter. But in the eyes of college coaches, the things that separate good from great aren’t always on a scorecard.
At the Hurricane Junior Golf Tour, we host 350+ events each year and see the same trend: the players who catch a coach’s eye are the ones who carry themselves differently. They show maturity beyond their years. On and off the course.
So what are college coaches really looking for? Let’s break it down.
The First Look: Body Language, Attitude, and Mental Toughness
A college coach may only watch your junior for a handful of holes, if that. And in those few moments, they’re paying attention to far more than ball flight.
They’re watching how a player carries themselves. Do they sulk after a bogey or bounce back with resilience? Do they show up on the first tee with confidence, or arrogance?
Auburn University head coach, Nick Clinard, says:
“We’re looking at everything. How they handle adversity, the academic component; can they handle the academic curriculum… how they compose themselves when they play, how they treat their parents, how they treat their golf clubs, their work ethic, what time they get to the course to warm up. Are they stretching? Do they have a plan?”
Mental toughness is a non-negotiable. College golf is grueling. Weather delays, early mornings, tough travel schedules. Coaches want players who can shake off a double bogey and grind. They want competitors who stay in the fight when things get hard.
And when a recruit walks off the 18th green, how they treat their playing partners, parents, and volunteers also speaks volumes.
Coachability and Leadership: Two Traits That Can’t Be Taught
You can’t out-talent your way around a bad attitude.
Coaches are looking for players they can actually coach. That means listening to feedback. Making adjustments. Owning mistakes without blaming others.
We’ve heard it directly from recruiters:
“College coaches want athletes who are dependable, mentally tough, and coachable. They’re looking for players who show leadership, own their mistakes, and bring positive energy to the course.”
Leadership shows up in small moments. Picking up a playing partner’s club. Helping a younger competitor find a lost ball. Thanking a tournament director.
You don’t need a captain’s badge to lead. College coaches recognize those who lead by example.
Academics and Off-Course Behavior Matter More Than You Think
Golf might get you noticed, but academics will keep you eligible. And your reputation off the course? That’s part of your résumé too.
Here’s what coaches look at beyond tournament results:
- GPA and standardized test scores
- Social media activity
- Coach or teacher references
- Community involvement
They’re not just building a golf team. They’re building a culture.
If a coach senses drama, entitlement, or distractions off the course, they’ll move on. There are too many qualified players to risk a bad fit.
Bottom line: being a solid human being isn’t optional. It’s a competitive advantage.
Reliability and Follow-Through: Show You’re All-In
Coaches want to know they can count on you.
That doesn’t mean committing on Day 1. It means being consistent in your behavior, your schedule, and your effort. It means showing up early, staying late, and doing the little things right. Over and over again.
When a coach reaches out and you respond quickly and thoughtfully, that matters. When you commit to playing in a tournament and show up prepared, that matters.
Parents play a role here, too. Overbearing or unresponsive parents can scare off coaches. They want to hear from the player, because the player is the one they’re recruiting.
“Coaches aren’t just evaluating swing mechanics—they’re watching how a player carries themselves under pressure, how they handle bad shots, and how they treat playing partners and parents. That tells them more than a scorecard ever could.”
Final Thoughts: Would You Want to Coach This Player for Four Years?
That’s the question every coach is asking themselves (consciously or not).
They’re building a program. Not just a scorecard.
So, if your junior golfer wants to stand out, help them develop more than just their game. Build habits of integrity. Practice emotional control. Teach them how to lead, how to learn, and how to stay grounded in the process.
Coaches are looking for players they can trust, invest in, and rely on, not just in tournament play, but throughout the entire college experience.
Want to stand out?
Be the total package.
Sidebar: What Coaches Are Thinking on the Range and Course
Top 5 Questions Coaches Ask Themselves When Watching a Recruit:
- Do they love the game, or just play because they’re good at it?
- How do they handle adversity?
- Would they be a positive influence in our team culture?
- Are they ready to be independent?
- Do they make the people around them better?
