Trevor Ng
College golf is slightly different from the standard game. The NCAA golfers run a split season, with tournaments usually including stroke play or a combination of stroke and match play. In stroke play, the team with the lowest cumulative score across several rounds tops the leaderboard, and most tournaments permit scratching, allowing teams to drop the highest score. In match play, opposing team players compete directly, with only the number of holes won or lost by each player being recorded. The final score reflects how many holes a player won by. Scores are written to reflect how much a player won or lost by, for example, 4&3 or 2 up.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Scoring formats | Stroke play, match play, or a combination of both |
| Scoring system | The team with the lowest cumulative score across several rounds wins |
| Scratching | Most tournaments permit scratching, allowing teams to drop the score of the golfer who had the toughest day |
| Match play | Opposing team players are paired up in direct competition |
| Match play scoring | The final score reflects how many holes a player won by; only the number of holes won or lost matters, not the score |
| Stroke play scoring | Making a double or triple bogey can take several holes to recover from |
| Top division scores | Top Division 1 programs recruit players with an average score of 72 and lower |
| Other division scores | Top Division 2, 3, and NAIA programs look for players averaging 74 or lower; mid-tier Division 2 programs recruit players averaging 76 or lower; lower-level Division 3 and NAIA programs are more flexible, ranging from the high 70s to low 80s |
| Recruitment considerations | Coaches consider tournament results, national rankings, and how recruits rank against other golfers in the country |
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What You'll Learn
College golf recruiting guidelines
College golf recruiting is a complex and competitive process, with over 900 colleges offering men's golf scholarships. While every coach has their own specific criteria, there are several key guidelines to keep in mind when navigating the college golf recruiting process.
Firstly, understanding the timing of the recruiting process is crucial. The NCAA issues a recruiting calendar each year, regulating when and how coaches can initiate contact with prospective student-athletes. For college golf recruiting, initial contact can occur from June 15 after a prospect's sophomore year. However, it's important to note that coaches often begin evaluating athletes and creating their list of top prospects much earlier. Official visits can start as early as August 1 before a prospect's junior year, and there is no limit to the number of official visits allowed, but only one is permitted per school.
Secondly, academic performance is a significant factor in college golf recruiting. Coaches seek student-athletes with excellent GPAs and test scores, demonstrating a capacity for high academic achievement. This aspect is essential for families to consider when searching for the right college fit.
Additionally, golf scores, tournament experience, and national rankings are critical factors in the recruiting process. Coaches look for players with a record of low scores and impressive tournament results. Competing in prestigious junior golf tournaments, such as the US Open, US Amateur, and US Junior, can enhance a prospect's visibility to coaches. It's important to note that the types of tournaments may be less important than consistently shooting low scores and demonstrating strong competitive play.
Building a comprehensive online profile, including a swing video, is also recommended. This allows coaches to evaluate a prospect's technique and potential remotely. Establishing relationships with college coaches and understanding their specific criteria for recruitment is beneficial.
Lastly, college golf camps can provide a low-stress introduction to collegiate athletics, allowing young golfers to experience campus life and receive instruction from renowned coaches. While camps are not designed for recruiting, they offer valuable insights into the expectations and standards of collegiate golf programs.
By following these guidelines, prospective student-athletes can effectively navigate the college golf recruiting process, increasing their chances of securing a roster spot and a scholarship at their desired college.
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Scoring formats
College golf scoring can vary depending on the tournament format, which is usually either stroke play or a combination of stroke and match play.
In stroke play, the golfer's score is the total number of strokes taken across a set number of rounds, typically 18 holes. The golfer with the lowest score wins. Most tournaments allow "scratching", where a team can drop the highest score from one of their golfers.
In match play, opposing team players compete directly. The winner is determined by the number of holes won, rather than the total number of strokes. For example, a score of "4&3" means a player was up by 4 holes with 3 holes left to play. A score of "1 up" or "2 up" means the match was won on the 18th hole. Matches can also end in a tie, with the point being split between the players.
When recruiting for college golf teams, coaches tend to look for players with an average golf score of 72 or lower for top Division 1 programs. For Divisions 2 and 3, coaches typically seek players with an average score of 74 or lower. However, it's important to note that handicap scores are becoming less relevant in recruiting, as they can be manipulated by students selecting certain events. Instead, coaches focus on a player's average golf scores and their ranking in national tournaments.
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How scores are displayed
The structure of regular-season tournaments can vary, but tournaments usually include stroke play or a combination of stroke and match play. In stroke play, the team with the lowest cumulative score across several rounds tops the leaderboard. Most tournaments permit scratching, allowing teams to drop the score of the golfer who had the toughest day.
In match play, opposing team players are paired up in direct competition. At the end of the match, scores are written to reflect how much a player won or lost by. For example, 4&3 means a player was up 4 holes with 3 holes left to play, thus ending the match since the opponent was mathematically eliminated. A score of "1 up" or "2 up" means the match was won on the 18th hole.
Matches can also end in a tie, or "halved", with the one point being split between the players. Importantly, only winning the hole matters in match play. The score it takes to win or lose the hole does not matter.
When it comes to recruiting, college coaches tend to recruit players with an average golf score of 72 and lower for top Division 1 programs. Top Division 2, Division 3, and NAIA programs are also selective, with coaches looking for players who average 74 or lower. Most mid-tier Division 2 programs make offers to recruits who average 76 or lower, while lower-level Division 3 and NAIA programs are more flexible, ranging from the high 70s to low 80s.
In addition to evaluating a recruit's best scores, coaches also consider their national rankings. They often follow the Junior Golf Scoreboard to gauge how a recruit fares against top golfers from across the country. They also look at tournament results through the American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) website and Golfweek.
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What coaches look for
College golf operates a little differently from the standard game. The season is split, beginning in the fall, taking a break in winter, and resuming in the spring. Rosters usually include around ten athletes, but not all of them play in every tournament. The regular-season tournaments can vary, but they usually include stroke play or a combination of stroke and match play.
College golf coaches are looking for athletes who can score a 72 or lower to be considered for Division 1 college programs, as well as top Division 2 & 3 programs. Division 1 and 2 golfers typically have a handicap of – 0 to +2. It's important to note that some players who don't meet these guidelines are still recruited. Coaches are looking for players with a strong track record in tournaments and tours, as well as high national rankings. They want athletes who are passionate about the team, dedicated to working hard, and will be great teammates.
Coaches evaluate recruits based on their best scores and how they rank nationally. They often refer to the Junior Golf Scoreboard to compare recruits with top golfers across the country and look at tournament results through the American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) and Golfweek. Recruits who go on to compete at Division 1 earn high rankings on these sites and perform well at AJGA, USGA, and state tournaments.
While handicaps were once considered, they have become less important as they can be manipulated by students who hand-pick the events they attend. Coaches now focus more on a recruit's average golf scores, especially in nationally ranked tournaments.
It's worth noting that there is a lot of overlap between the scores of DI, DII, and DIII golfers, and many talented golfers choose to compete at the DIII level. Ultimately, finding the right fit for the team and the individual is crucial, and coaches seek athletes who embody this.
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Championship structure
The championship structure of college golf is slightly different from the standard golf format. The NCAA Men's and Women's Golf Championships feature a field of 156 players, comprising 24 teams for the women's competition and 30 teams for the men's. Additionally, 12 women and six men who are not part of the qualified teams compete for the individual championship.
The championship format typically includes three rounds of 18-hole stroke play, after which the field is narrowed down to the top 15 teams and top nine individuals not on the advancing teams. This initial phase is followed by a different format, which can vary depending on the tournament. One common format is match play, where opposing team players compete directly against each other, with the winner determined by the number of holes won, regardless of the score. For example, a score of "4&3" means a player was up by four holes with three holes left to play.
The regular-season tournaments in college golf can vary in structure, but they usually include stroke play or a combination of stroke and match play. In stroke play, the team with the lowest cumulative score across several rounds tops the leaderboard. Most tournaments allow scratching, where the score of the golfer who had the most challenging round is dropped. Match play, on the other hand, pairs players from opposing teams in direct competition, with the focus on winning individual holes rather than the overall score.
While championship structures can provide a framework, the specific rules and formats may vary depending on the organising committee and the level of competition. College golfers should be prepared to adapt to different formats and showcase their skills accordingly.
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Frequently asked questions
College golf tournaments usually include stroke play or a combination of stroke and match play.
In stroke play, the team with the lowest cumulative score across several rounds tops the leaderboard.
In match play, opposing team players compete directly. The final score reflects how many holes a player won by. For example, a score of 4&3 means a player was up 4 holes with 3 holes left to play. A score of 1 or 2 up means the match was won on the 18th hole.
Top Division 1 programs tend to recruit players with an average golf score of 72 and lower. Top Division 2, Division 3, and NAIA programs look for players with an average score of 74 or lower. Most mid-tier Division 2 programs make offers to recruits who average 76 or lower. Lower-level Division 3 and NAIA programs are more flexible, with scores ranging from the high 70s to low 80s.
The NCCGA blog has a helpful article summarising the scores of the best college teams and players in the country. Golfstat is another resource to learn about the scores of the best college golfers.
