College Golf FAQs

When Should I start?

– There isn’t a set answer for this question because each level of college has different rules on when coaches can begin contacting players. Players are increasingly encouraged to do research and reach out to colleges earlier and earlier to get their names out there and get themselves on coaches’ radar. Coaches at varying levels are not allowed to respond/reach out to players until certain points depending on the level of school however, but sending an email that they can file away for later is never a bad decision.

– Continuing to play in tournaments, practice, and post scores are all also ways of “getting started”. Doing those things all throughout high school are important ways of preparing for your college golf journey.

What are the best ways to get noticed?

– Play in tournaments. A lot of college coaches will monitor tournament results and appreciate players playing in competitive events, especially those that are at least 36 holes. The Iowa PGA submits results from our events to Junior Golf Scoreboard, Global Junior Golf, and AJGA in order to help get results out to be seen.

– Take the step to contact coaches. A lot of coaches are very busy and can’t sit looking at results websites all day. Taking the initiative to contact coaches is helpful because it shows you are serious about playing and that you want to go to that school.

Should I reach out to coaches?

– Absolutely! Coaches appreciate and notice players who take initiative and reach out to them. It not only helps to put your name out there and on the coaches’ radar but it also shows you care and really want to play for them. Below we have links to athletics pages for schools in Iowa that have the golf coaches and who you should reach out to. NCAA regulations prohibit coaches from talking with players until after June 15th, following their Sophomore year. Coaches encourage you to still reach out prior to that date, even though they cannot respond back to you before then, they do appreciate and notice the effort to reach out and introduce yourself before then. Coaches also appreciate the player themselves reaching out to the coach rather than the players’ parents.

What does the NCAA Process involve and should I start on it before getting recruited?

– Grades are very important when looking into playing at the next level, and coaches will definitely look at them. To play at the NCAA Division I level, athletes need to have a 2.3 GPA and a 2.2 GPA to play at the Division II and Division III levels.

– Players need to register with the NCAA Eligibility Center in either their Sophomore or Junior year of high school.

– Lastly, players need to be admitted to the college or university of their choice prior to signing their National Letter of Intent.

– Important Dates for Playing Division I or II:

         – June 15 after their sophomore year, coaches can have written correspondence and phone calls

         – August 1 of their junior year, coaches can have face to face contacts

         – Division I recruits can take official visits starting August 1 before their junior year of high school

– Further information can be found at ncaa.org. A link specifically for getting started can be found HERE – Want to Play College Sports?

College Golf Seminar

Past Seminars Below