College Golf Scores by Division: Tips for Parents in Recruiting
If you’re the parent of a high school golfer exploring college opportunities, you’ve probably heard a lot of talk about scoring averages, divisions, scholarships, and recruiting timelines. And if your child just showed you a spreadsheet full of numbers, you may be thinking: “Okay… but what does any of this actually mean? What scores do they really need?”
This guide breaks down college golf scores by division in a way that makes sense for parents. More importantly, it explains how you can provide meaningful golf parent support and guidance throughout the recruiting process—without adding pressure or confusion.
It is also important to keep focus on the ultimate goal of college golf for your child and family. If the goal is to play professionally, that is different than if it is to gain skill, compete and get a degree paid for through golf. Part of the job of a parent is to guide and support your golfer through the process keeping in mind the end goal.
Understanding What Scores Your Child Actually Needs
Most parents start with the same question: “What scores does my child need to play college golf?” But the truth is that the numbers alone don’t tell the whole story.
Your child’s scoring average is a starting point—not a verdict. Coaches look at trends, competition level, course difficulty, and how your child performs under pressure. A 76 in a national event means more than a 72 at a local muni.
Your role is to help your child understand what their scores mean in the context of college golf, not to obsess over every round. The purpose of looking at college golf scores by division is to equip you for the advisor role you need to provide as a golf parent. Think of yourself as the translator between “golf kid language” and “parent reality.” Remind finding a college to play golf is about a match to be made not a prize to be won.
Division 1 Is Prestigious—But Not Always the Best Fit
When parents hear “Division I,” it often feels like the gold standard. But D1 golf is extremely competitive, and even if your child posts the right scores, it may not be the best environment for them.
The D1 Reality for Parents
If your daughter or son is consistently shooting in the high 70s, they may technically be within range for some lower‑tier D1 programs. But here’s the catch: they might not play much. They could spend years traveling as the 6th or 7th player, rarely making the lineup.
Meanwhile, a strong D2 or top D3 program could offer:
- More playing time
- A healthier team culture
- Better academic balance
- A coach who invests deeply in development
The name on the sweatshirt doesn’t matter if your child is unhappy or sitting on the bench. Playing time, coaching style, team culture, and academic fit matter far more than the division label.
College Golf Scores by Division: What Each Level Actually Means
Here’s a parent‑friendly breakdown of what the divisions represent—not just in scores, but in lifestyle, scholarships, and expectations. Do your own research on college golf scores. here’s a good starting point.
Division I Golf Scores
- Most competitive level. Top schools compete at national level.
- Typical women’s scoring: low 70s to mid‑70s for high D1. Can get to high 70’s for Lower D1.
- Typical men’s scoring: low 70s for high D1. Can get to mid‑70s for Lower D1.
- Partial athletic scholarships (very few full rides)
- 20+ hours/week commitment
- Less academic flexibility
D1 is best for golfers who want a highly competitive environment and can handle the intensity.
Division II Golf Scoring Averages
- Highly competitive—often similar to lower D1 but competes more on a regional/state level.
- Women’s scoring: high‑70s to mid 80s
- Men’s scoring: mid‑70s
- Athletic scholarships available
- More balanced student‑athlete experience
- Better chance of immediate playing time
D2 is ideal for strong players who want competition and balance.
Division III Golf
- Competes at regional levels including multi day tournaments.
- Women’s scoring is low 90’s and below.
- Men’s scoring is high 70’s and below.
- No athletic scholarships and often balanced with superior academic aid.
- Most balanced college experience
- Focus on academics + athletics
D3 is perfect for golfers who want high‑level competition without sacrificing academic priorities.
NAIA Golf Requirements
- Smaller schools with tight‑knit teams
- Athletic scholarships available
- More flexible recruiting rules
- Often the best “value” for families
NAIA programs can be hidden gems—competitive, affordable, and supportive.
JUCO Golf
- Two‑year programs
- Most accessible entry point
- Great for late bloomers or students improving academics
- Can transfer to D1, D2, NAIA, or D3
- Much lower cost
JUCO is a smart path for golfers who need more time to develop or want to save money before transferring.
Final Thought on Divisions
Keep in mind that even within D1/D2/D3 programs, college golf scores by division are still subdivided with top and lower levels. This means scores will vary within levels as well.
Don’t Assume D1 = Most Money
This is one of the biggest misconceptions parents have and let’s not forget, money is often a consideration, probably in the top 2 or 3 if not the top 1.
Why D1 Often Gives Less Aid
- D1 programs split limited scholarship money across 6–8 players
- D2 and NAIA schools may offer more per athlete
- D3 schools often provide generous academic and need‑based aid
- Smaller schools frequently offer more merit aid
Real example: A D1 school offers your daughter a 25% athletic scholarship—$15,000 per year at a $60,000 school. A D3 school offers $35,000 in academic merit aid.
Over four years, the D3 option saves your family $80,000.
Chasing the D1 label can cost more money for a worse experience.
Your Job as a Parent: Support, Perspective, and Guidance
Your child is the athlete—but you are the steady hand guiding them through a complicated process. Here’s how to help without taking over.
What You Should Do
- Help them calculate their true competitive scoring average
- Research cost differences between divisions
- Visit campuses at multiple levels
- Ask about academic aid—not just athletic scholarships
- Prioritize environments where they’ll play and grow
- Support their decision even if it’s not the most prestigious option
What You Shouldn’t Do
- Push them toward D1 because it sounds impressive
- Dismiss D2, D3, NAIA, or JUCO as “lesser”
- Compare their scores to other juniors
- Add pressure during tournaments or recruiting
- Focus only on scholarship money without considering total cost
Your influence matters—but so does your restraint.
Questions to Ask When Evaluating Fit
Help your child ask questions that go beyond “What scores do I need?”
- What’s the team’s average scoring, and where would I fit?
- How many players typically travel to tournaments?
- What’s the breakdown of athletic vs. academic aid?
- What’s the four‑year graduation rate for athletes?
- What do current players say about the coaching style?
- What’s the time commitment in season and off‑season?
These questions reveal far more about fit than a scoring chart ever will.
The Financial Reality Check
Every family should run the numbers for each school:
- Full cost of attendance
- Minus athletic scholarship
- Minus academic merit aid
- Minus need‑based aid
- = Actual out‑of‑pocket cost per year
- × 4 years = Total investment
A “full ride” D1 offer might look glamorous, but if a D3 school costs $30,000 less over four years and your child plays more, the D3 option is the better investment.
Red Flags Parents Should Watch For
If you see any of these, proceed with caution:
- Coach promises playing time before seeing them compete
- Program focuses only on scores, not development
- Current players seem unhappy or burnt out
- Academic expectations feel unrealistic
- Your child doesn’t seem excited about the school
- Aid package requires an unreasonably high GPA
- Coach is vague about scholarship details
Trust your instincts. Whether it relates to college golf scores by division or not, if something feels off, it probably is.
Your Role: Supportive, Not Overbearing
Your child should lead the recruiting process—they’re the one who will live the student‑athlete life. But you play a crucial supporting role.
You CAN:
- Help schedule visits and organize communication
- Provide financial clarity
- Ask questions your child may overlook
- Offer perspective on academics, location, and campus life
- Be the calm voice when they feel overwhelmed
You CAN’T:
- Contact coaches without your child’s permission
- Make the decision for them
- Push them toward a school for your own reasons
- Add pressure about what scores they “need to hit”
Your job is to guide—not control.
The Most Important Message You Can Give Your Child
If it comes down to one thing about golf parent support and guidance, it is to tell them:
“I’m proud of you for wanting to play college golf. We’ll support whatever decision you make—D1, D2, D3, NAIA, JUCO, or even choosing not to play competitively. What matters most is that you’re happy, getting a good education, and still love the game.”
That message matters more than any scoring average.
If you found this helpful, feel free to visit our main page for more tips and ideas on how to research and learn more about the college golf recruiting experience.
