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What College Coaches Look For in Recruits
So You Want to Play College Golf
By Shannon Rouillard, Collegiate Search Partners
Hopefully, by now you have had a chance to sit down and ask yourself some important questions that I talked about in my last article. If you haven’t done that yet, at some point you will need to (Click Here). If you have, you are now one step closer to finding the “right” school for you.
The recruiting process is just that, a process, and there are no short cuts through the process. The next step seems like an obvious one, but critical to the marketing of your golf talents and abilities. It is boosting your competitive golf schedule.
You need to make sure that you are not only actively participating on your high school team, but also playing in other junior events (i.e. Oregon Junior Golf, PNGA, AJGA, IJGT, FCWT, USGA etc…) throughout the year. If you are unable to play in national events, try to play at least regionally. If it fits into your schedule and doesn't conflict with major Junior events and you qualify, you can also try some adult events such as the Oregon Men's or Women's Stroke Play or Oregon Public Links Championship. Coaches want to see how well you play in bigger, more competitive tournaments.
In addition, playing throughout the year allows coaches more opportunities to go out and watch you play. Here are a few things that coaches may be observing at junior events. Specifically on the range, coaches will look at:
• Your athleticism, swinging technique and fundamentals
• How you practice, are you disciplined and focused? Are you using any training aides or are you just going through the motions?
• Are you going through your pre-shot routine and picking targets or scooping and hitting balls with no intention?
Second, junior players want a college coach to see them play their best. Of course coaches also want to see junior players play well. However, coaches really want to know how you react to difficult situations. Some examples are:
• A big number made on a hole
• A bad bounce into a hazard
• A number of missed short putts
How you handle these situations can be a deciding factor in a coach recruiting you. Are you able to display mental toughness, poise, and maturity? If so, you will be a step ahead of those who don’t.
Third, coaches will evaluate how you carry and present yourself? Are your clothes pressed, shoes clean, nicely groomed and walk like a mature, young adult? Believe it or not, coaches pay attention to these matters. Remember, once you get to college you are not only representing yourself, but also your institution with it’s logo on your shirt!
Last, once the tournament round is over, coaches are curious to see how parents interact with their junior player. Does mom or dad interrogate you about your round asking you why you hit a certain club in a particular situation or are they supportive no matter how you play? Coaches who witness the former will think twice about recruiting you.
As I have illustrated, score is not the determining factor when a coach is evaluating you. Tournaments are an opportunity for you to show character qualities that cannot be put on paper. So put your best foot forward!
Good luck!
Shannon Rouillard, former Women’s Golf Coach at the University of Oregon and Assistant Women’s Golf Coach at the University of California, is founder of Collegiate Search Partners, a consulting service designed to counsel young athletes and their parents in making educated choices in navigating and managing the recruiting process. Personalized services guide clients in their overall personal and player development, demystify the expectations and realities of college athletics, and prepare them for life after graduation. Visit www.collegiatesp.com and contact me for a free action plan on points you need to cover each year in high school.
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