By Rex Grayner, SVP Business Development, Hurricane Junior Golf Tour
It’s easy to think there’s plenty of time. After all, your junior golfer just teed it up as a freshman or sophomore, and college feels like years away. But in the world of college golf recruiting, the clock starts ticking much earlier than most families realize.
The fact is, college coaches are paying attention before you even know they are. If your student-athlete is serious about playing college golf, starting the process early isn’t just helpful, it’s essential.
The Real Recruiting Timeline: When Does It Begin?
Many parents are surprised to learn that while NCAA Division 1 coaches can’t personally contact players until June 15 following their sophomore year, coaches are already doing their homework long before then. Coaches track junior golfers through national rankings, tournament results, and recruiting videos… sometimes before the 9th grade.
Auburn University men’s golf coach, Nick Clinard, agrees that kids who are serious about playing college golf should start engaging coaches early.
“Most recruits contact coaches around the 9th grade, and sending a resume, academic info, references, tournament schedule, etc. is helpful. Players sending information via email once a month or so is a good idea, as it helps coaches know they are interested in their programs.”
That “radar” often referenced in recruiting matters. Because by the time the official June 15 contact date arrives, many college coaches already have a list of athletes they’ve been watching for, in some cases, well over a year.
Start Competing and Building Your Tournament Resume Early
The earlier your child starts building a competitive tournament schedule, the better.
Events like HJGT local, regional and national tournaments, including majors, invitationals, and college prep series, are all opportunities to show consistency under pressure and demonstrate growth over time. College coaches want to see a competitive resume that stretches over several seasons.
Pro Tip: Learn more about building a golf resume for college coaches from the Junior Golf Hub.
Create a Recruiting Profile
An online profile is like a digital handshake. It’s often your first impression. Recruiting platforms like NCSA and Junior Golf Hub allow junior golfers to house their scores, swing videos, academic records, and more.
“Starting early gives athletes a huge advantage,” explains Brian Schiffbauer, Golf Recruiting Coach at NCSA. “The kids who stand out are those who already have profiles built and have begun networking by their sophomore year.”
This is also how many coaches passively scout talent before initiating direct contact.
Build Relationships With Coaches
College golf is about more than swing speed and scoring average. It’s about relationships. Coaches value communication from athletes who show genuine interest in their program.
A simple introductory email, sharing your profile and upcoming tournament schedule, can go a long way.
“I recommend players reach out to coaches as early as possible,” advises James Madison University’s head coach, Carter Cheves. “You want coaches to recognize your name. Players need to always include their graduation year on all correspondence. Have a clear, concise message. Coaches don’t need a lot of fluff.”
Attending camps, visiting campuses, and engaging with coaches respectfully and early demonstrate leadership and maturity.
“When recruits take the time to come visit, it shows they’re genuinely interested in our program. Reaching out by phone and communicating with us also shows us there’s an interest level,” says University of Virginia head golf coach, Bowen Sargent.
Stay Organized and Take Control
Recruiting can feel overwhelming, but starting early gives you time to breathe and organize. Keep a folder with updated tournament results, videos, rankings, and communication logs with coaches. A recruiting calendar will help you stay on track as key NCAA windows (like official visit eligibility starting August 1 before junior year) approach.
Why Sooner is Always Better
Families who start late often find themselves playing catch-up. But early starters:
- Reduce stress in junior and senior years.
- Have more options and leverage in the recruiting process.
- Build long-term relationships with coaches.
- Make more informed decisions about schools and scholarship opportunities.
“Be proactive,” says Schiffbauer. “If you try to let the process come to you, then it’s going to be a daunting task and you’ll underserve yourself in a variety of ways.”
Take Action Today
If your child dreams of playing college golf, there’s no better time than now. Compete, build a profile, and reach out to coaches early to give your family the advantage.
“Once you start (corresponding with college coaches), don’t stop. A good rule of thumb is every 4 tournament rounds, update coaches on your progress. And then stay persistent until they say they aren’t interested in you,” advises Schiffbauer.
And at times, the communication process will feel extremely one-sided. That’s normal. Don’t lose hope. Silence doesn’t mean a coach isn’t interested in recruiting you. It just means they’re busy. In some cases, they receive inquiries from hundreds of prospects each month, so stay positive, patient, and committed to the outreach process. Your persistence will help you stand out from those who give up too quickly!
Ready to take the first step? Explore upcoming HJGT tournaments and start building your junior golfer’s path to college success today.
