The College Golf Recruiting Process: Where to Start and How to Do It Right
By Chris Smeal
If your goal is to play college golf, you need to approach the recruiting process the same way you approach tournament golf — with a clear plan, preparation, and consistency.
Recruiting is not random. It’s not luck. It’s not just sending a few emails and hoping someone responds.
It’s a process.
And just like scoring in multi-day tournaments, success comes from stacking smart decisions over time.
Step 1: Get Honest About Your Game
Before you reach out to a single coach, you need clarity.
Ask yourself:
- What level am I truly competing at?
- What are my scoring averages in multi-day tournaments?
- How do I perform under pressure?
- Am I trending upward?
College coaches don’t recruit potential alone — they recruit production. They look at scoring averages, strength of field, consistency, and how you perform in big events.
This is why competing in strong multi-day tournaments matters so much. Coaches want to see how you handle real competition.
Step 2: Make a Target School List
This is where many families get it wrong.
Don’t just list “big name” schools.
Build a thoughtful list of 15–30 schools across three categories:
Reach Schools
Programs slightly above your current level but realistic if you continue improving.
Match Schools
Programs that align closely with your scoring average and tournament resume.
Safety Schools
Programs where you would likely make the lineup and contribute early.
When building your list, consider:
- Division level (DI, DII, DIII, NAIA, Junior College)
- Team scoring averages
- Conference competitiveness
- Academic fit
- Geographic preference
- Roster size and graduation timeline
- Coaching stability
Remember — there are over 2,000 colleges and universities with golf programs in the United States across all divisions. There is a fit for you.
The key is being proactive.
Step 3: Do Your Homework on Each Program
Study:
- Their lineup
- Scoring averages
- Where their players ranked as juniors
- How many seniors are graduating
- Tournament schedule
This shows coaches you are serious. Generic emails don’t work.
Personalized communication does.
Step 4: Build Your Golf Resume
Your resume should include:
- Graduation year
- Tournament scoring average
- Key finishes
- Rankings (if applicable)
- Swing video link
- Academic information (GPA / test scores)
- Coach contact information
Keep it simple. Clean. Professional.
Step 5: Communicate Consistently
Send an introductory email.
Follow up with tournament updates.
Share improvements.
Be respectful. Be concise. Be professional.
Recruiting is relationship building — not a one-time message.
Big News: A Game-Changer Is Coming
Starting next week, you’ll be able to use the Campus Platform for all of your college golf recruiting needs.
As Co-Founder of Campus, I truly believe this is going to change the recruiting landscape for players, parents, and college coaches.
Campus will allow you to:
- Build a verified recruiting profile
- Connect directly with college coaches
- Track communication
- Showcase tournament results
- Highlight analytics and performance trends
- Stay organized throughout the recruiting journey
Instead of managing recruiting through scattered emails and spreadsheets, you’ll have one centralized platform built specifically for college golf.
College coaches will also be using Campus to evaluate players more efficiently and transparently.
This creates opportunity — especially for families who are proactive.
Final Advice
If playing college golf is your dream:
- Compete in strong multi-day events
- Score consistently
- Build a thoughtful school list
- Communicate professionally
- Stay patient
Recruiting rewards maturity, resilience, and preparation — the same qualities that win tournaments.
Winning doesn’t happen by accident.
Neither does getting recruited.
Prepare well. Compete with confidence. Take ownership of the process.
And now — use every tool available to you.
The next step in your journey is right in front of you.