A target market with the most significant area of growth is the junior level (8–17 year olds). Boys and girls are picking up clubs in hopes of becoming the next Phil Mickelson or Paula Creamer. Interest is being peaked due to the increased number of college golf programs on the rise.
According to the recruiting site ncsasports.org, there are over 1,800 U.S.colleges and universities that sponsor collegiate athletics and are able to offer financial packages. If playing college level golf is a goal, then there are lots of places to play! However, one needs to understand that college golf programs are classified as an “equivalency sport,” meaning scholarship offers are more likely going to be partial. This allows the coach to give scholarships to a larger number of players. Therefore, it is very important for high school students to complete the FASFA form in order to see what amount of financial aid they might qualify for. Add it all together and there may be plenty of money to attend school and play college golf.
When recruiting a few of my players, Juan Davis, Head Golf Coach at Bacone College in Muskogee, OK, mentioned that the player needs to be active in getting their name, academic, and athletic achievements in front of prospective coaches. The sooner this is done, the better chance a recruit has of getting that scholarship offer. Colleges want players that are not only solid on the course, but also in the classroom and community.
Ncsasports.org says the average high school coach has contact with fewer than five college coaches and most of them are local. While it's true the student-athlete and family is primarily responsible for getting their information in front of college coaches, they should also pressure the high school coach to work on their behalf. As a high school golf coach, I have always felt that this is one of the most important things we do. If we can help a young person attend college, then is our duty to do our best to see that happen.
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