Photo courtesy of Emily Ranquist
Congratulations on your impressive high school golf career! Graduation is just around the corner. Now comes the exciting but potentially overwhelming task of finding the perfect college program to nurture your talent and academic aspirations. Working for some time in the golf business, this is a question that I have often been asked.
When I was approaching college, I had the good fortune of befriending the Captain and the dominant #1 player for a very highly rated college golf team at an esteemed University. Call him “Trip.” Trip gave me some pointers. The first was that there are three aspects to college life: your sport, your studies, and your social life. He went on to share that you can do only two out of three aspects really well. He was absolutely right. You can guess which your parents and I would recommend. Now, that does not mean you live as a hermit, but your main efforts will be focused elsewhere. As good as Trip was, he decided not to turn professional and instead attended The Wharton School for his MBA whereupon he went to work for Arnold Palmer. If you can decide now on which two you want to genuinely focus upon, it will help you in choosing the right college fit for you.
Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the process:
Know Your Priorities:
- Academic Fit: College is about more than just golf. Choose a program with an academic offering that features courses that align with your interests, abilities, and career goals. Do you want the option and demands of a highly rated academic program or is “Basket Weaving 101” more your style. Do you aspire to become a playing professional? How about a golf professional? The former is the entertainer while the latter is the service provider. Do you aspire to graduate school? What is your “Plan B” in the event that skill or injury precludes a play-for-pay career?
- Playing Time: Do you want to be a top competitor or contribute to a strong team environment? To you want to be a big fish in a little pond or be challenged by better players and risk not making the team? Be realistic about your playing potential and discuss playing time expectations with coaches. What is the typical schedule of competition? What is the level of competition and the nature of their tournaments?
- Coaching Philosophy: Coaches change jobs. Can you expect stability given all the aspects of the program’s history? How much time will the coach have for you? Research the coaching staff’s philosophy. What is their background? Do they focus on technical aspects, mental game strategies, or a holistic approach? Do they have or even encourage other subject matter experts like sports psychologists, strength coaches, etc. to work with you? Find a coach who aligns with your learning style and development goals.
- Facilities and Resources: Does the program offer access to golf courses that will appeal to and test you? What are the practice facilities, training equipment, and technology offering like? How convenient are the facilities to campus? Will you require a car or shared transportation? Does the school have a dedicated strength and conditioning or a nutrition program for athletes? What is the program’s funding and it is secure? How do they travel? What is the environment of the golf courses you will call home? Are they socially inviting, busy, diverse, welcoming, or in reasonable condition, etc. How do you get to golf courses?
- Location and Campus Culture: What is the weather climate and season? Do you want to play year round or is seasonal satisfactory? Do you thrive in a bustling city environment or prefer a quieter college town atmosphere? What kind of assistance is available if you experience academic challenges or emotional struggles? Is it easy or difficult to travel back home, or do you even care? Consider the overall campus culture and social fit – four years seems like a long time when you are college-age!
Research and Rankings:
- Division Selection: Will you thrive in the more pressurized Division I or prefer the balanced athletic and academic focus of Division II or III? Might a Junior College program fit the bill whereupon you can decide what to do after you finish their program?Research the competitive landscape of each division to see where you might fit best.
- College Golf Rankings: While rankings aren’t everything, they can provide a general picture of a program’s success. Use resources like Golfweek’s or Golfstat’s college rankings to create a shortlist of potential schools.
- Contact Existing Team Members or Recent Graduates: Today, busy competition schedules allow for opportunities to meet college players. Don’t be shy about introducing yourself and asking for their honest opinions of their programs. What are the best and most disappointing aspects of their college golf experience?
Direct Communication:
- Contact Coaches: Reach out to coaches by email, phone, or video call. Express your interest in their program and highlight your achievements. This proactive approach demonstrates your commitment and helps coaches get to know you.
- Visit Campuses: If possible, schedule visits to colleges on your shortlist. Tour the facilities, meet the coaches and team members, and get a feel for the campus environment. This firsthand experience is invaluable for making an informed decision. How is the sport regarded by the campus community?
Beyond the Scorecard:
- Financial Aid: College golf scholarships can significantly reduce your financial burden. Research financial aid options offered by each program and consider applying for additional scholarships based on academics or athletic merit. Understand what are the requirements to sustain that aid.
- Academic Support: Many athletic programs offer dedicated academic support services to student-athletes. Inquire about tutoring programs, study skills workshops, and other resources available to ensure academic success. What is the golf program’s graduation rate? Investigate the reasons if it is low or there are many transfers away.
Making the Final Choice:
- Don’t Get Starstruck: It’s easy to be swayed by a program’s prestige or a coach’s reputation. Don’t allow yourself to be overly pressured by anyone, especially alums. Ultimately, choose a college that feels right for YOU, where you can excel both academically and athletically.
- Sleep on It: Don’t rush the decision. Take time to reflect on your priorities, weigh your options, and discuss them with your family, coaches, and mentors.
Remember, you want to be happy with your college choice and realize that your interests may change, and with time your golfing ability and interest may be either more or less than anticipated. With research, open communication, and careful consideration, you’ll be well on your way to finding the perfect green to launch your collegiate golf career and academic journey!
