A High School Golfer’s Guide to Contacting College Golf Coaches

The journey from high school to college golf involves more than just perfecting your swing; it requires strategic planning and effective communication, especially when it comes to contacting college golf coaches. This guide provides a comprehensive plan for high school golfers aiming to connect with college golf programs and make a lasting impression on coaches.

Step 1. Research and Identification

Before reaching out, it’s crucial to know where you want to apply and who you need to contact. Not all colleges have golf programs. It is important that your research gives you the material you need when contact college golf coaches.

Identify Target Colleges: Create a list of colleges that align with your athletic skills and academic goals. Consider a mix of NCAA, NAIA, and NJCAA institutions.
Gather Program Information: Research the golf programs at these schools. Look into their team performance, coaching style, and the program’s culture.
Compile Coach Contacts: Collect contact details of the golf coaches from the college athletics websites. This list is your roadmap for communication.

The time to start this research is when you are starting to look at colleges. For many students and athletes, this process happens during the junior year. If you have not begun the process of contacting college golf coaches and you are in your senior year, it is still important to follow the process as whatever opportunities are out there will not be filled by you if coaches don’t know about you!

Step 2. Preparation of Materials

The materials you prepare will introduce you to the coaches and showcase your abilities.

Athletic Resume: Create a detailed resume that includes your golf achievements, tournament results, handicap, academic accomplishments, and extracurricular activities.
Highlight Video: Develop a highlight reel showcasing your golf skills. Include footage from tournaments and practice sessions.
Cover Letter: Write a personalized cover letter for each coach, expressing your interest in their program and why you would be a good fit.

Step 3. Initial Contact

Now, it’s time to reach out to the coaches.

Emailing Coaches: Send a personalized email to each coach with your cover letter, resume, and a link to your highlight video. Make sure each email is tailored to the specific coach and program.
Follow-Up Plan: Plan to follow up if you don’t hear back within two weeks. A polite and concise follow-up email can show your continued interest.

Step 4. Building Relationships

Developing a relationship with coaches is key. A coach is dealing with many prospective golfers. The bigger the program the more people that coach is being contacted.

Campus Visits: If possible, visit the campuses of your top choices and request to meet with the golf coach.
Attend Camps and Showcases: Participate in golf camps and showcases where college coaches may be present.
Regular Updates: Keep coaches updated on your recent achievements, both academic and athletic.

Step 5. Encourage Opportunities

Responses: As responses come in, do not sit on them, respond promptly. When coaches reply responding promptly shows your interest and professionalism. It shows them you are diligent and serious. Also remember there are other golfers contacting college golf coaches about the same spots you are interested in filling. Be responsive and keep the conversation going.
Ask Questions: Don’t hesitate to ask questions about the program, scholarships, or what the coach is looking for in a player.

Final Thoughts When Contacting a College Golf Coach

Contacting college golf coaches is a critical step in your journey to collegiate golf. By researching, preparing, and communicating effectively, you can increase your chances of catching the eye of a college coach and securing a spot in a college golf program. Remember, persistence, professionalism, and preparation are key in making your dream of playing college golf a reality.

If this got your interest in college golf and you have more questions, visit our home page to find more tips on topics like researching college golf programs, creating a golf resume or making your showcase video.