If you’re a high school golfer with dreams of competing in college, here’s the first thing you need to know: the recruiting process starts much earlier than most players (and parents) think.
College coaches are evaluating golfers as early as 7th and 8th grade. While that may sound early, it’s the reality of today’s recruiting landscape. Many families assume the process begins in high school, usually around junior year, but by then, a lot of roster spots are already filled.
Early Evaluation: Why It Matters in Golf
When coaches begin identifying junior golfers in middle school, they’re not handing out scholarships yet, but they are watching. They’re paying attention to:
- Tournament scores and consistency (JGAA, state, and regional events)
- Swing mechanics and athletic development
- Mental toughness and body language on the course
- Academic performance
- Character, work ethic, and coachability
By the time you’re a sophomore or junior, many competitive college golf programs, at all levels, already have a list of golfers they’ve been tracking for years. That means offers are being made, and roster spots are getting locked in.
This is also why building relationships with coaches matters. Golf is one of the most competitive sports for roster spots. Recent NCAA roster limits and reductions along with the transfer portal, create difficult waters to navigate in the real recruiting process. Truthfully, an advocate that college coaches trust, helps players build personal connections with coaches. These coach relationships are often the difference that gets a player the offers they deserve at the level their skills support.
The Golf Recruiting Clock Is Always Ticking
Recruiting is a long-term process. Coaches don’t wait until the last minute to evaluate players, they’re tracking progress over years. If you wait until junior or senior year to get serious, there will be far fewer opportunities available.
So, when should you start the recruiting process? The truth is it’s already started.
The earlier you get identified and evaluated by an NSR scout, the more time you’ll have to showcase your game, improve your rankings and take SAT/ACT tests so the college coaches can determine if you are a good fit for their individual college golf program. More importantly, being identified and evaluated early will assist you in getting started in the real golf recruiting process.
National Scouting Report is dedicated to finding scholarship opportunities for athletes who possess the talent, desire, and motivation to compete at the collegiate level. We’ve helped connect thousands of athletes with their perfect college.