Miles Bennett
Golf is a popular high school sport, with 144,000 athletes playing across the United States. However, the standards and selection criteria for high school golf teams vary widely depending on location, school size, and budget. Some schools have tryouts on an 18-hole course, with a cut-off score to progress to the next round of tryouts, while others assess players on a case-by-case basis, taking into account factors beyond just their golf game, such as work ethic and potential. Generally, boys' teams look for single-digit handicaps, while girls' teams are more likely to take on beginners. For those hoping to play golf at the college level, coaches tend to focus on national tournaments and rankings, looking for players with average scores of 72 or lower.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of players on a team | 12 |
| Number of players practicing at a time | 8 |
| Number of players making the Varsity team | 7 |
| Score required to make the Varsity team | 41 or lower |
| Score required to make the Junior Varsity team | 41 or higher |
| Score required to make the Junior Varsity team (competitive schools) | +7 for 9 |
| Score required to make the team (boys) | Single-digit handicap |
| Score required to make the team (girls) | High 80s to low 90s |
| Score required to make the team (boys, competitive schools) | 70s |
| Score required to make the team (girls, competitive schools) | 80s |
| Score required to make the team (boys, less competitive schools) | Mid-high 30s through 9 |
| Score required to make the team (girls, less competitive schools) | Low 40s to high 30s |
| Score required to make Division 1 college teams | 72 and lower |
| Score required to make Division 2 or 3 college teams | 74 or lower |
| Score required to make mid-tier Division 2 college teams | 76 or lower |
| Score required to make lower-level Division 3 college teams | High 70s to low 80s |
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Tryouts and making the team
Trying out for a high school golf team can be a daunting task, but with dedication and a good work ethic, you'll be on your way to becoming a valuable team member. Here are some things to keep in mind when trying out for and making a high school golf team:
Gauging Interest and Surveying
Before trying out, it's important to gauge interest in the sport at your school. Ask your friends if they play golf and would be interested in joining a team. You can also set up a table at lunch, where students can sign up and provide their contact information to learn more about becoming part of the team. This will give you an idea of how many students are interested and help generate buzz around the idea of a golf team.
Tryout Format and Scoring
The tryout format can vary depending on the school and the coach's preferences. Some schools may have an 18-hole tryout over two days, while others may only play 9 holes. The scoring criteria will also differ; some schools may have a cut-off score that students must meet to make the team, while others may take the best scores from the tryouts. It's important to clarify these details with the coach or the school's athletic director before tryouts.
Team Size and Dynamics
The size of a high school golf team can vary, typically ranging from 2 to 22 players. This means that the competition for spots can be fierce, and the selection process may involve multiple rounds of tryouts. During tryouts, it's essential to showcase not just your golfing skills but also your dedication and positive attitude. Remember, the coach is evaluating not only your talent but also your potential contribution to the team dynamics.
Practice and Preparation
To increase your chances of making the team, it's crucial to prepare adequately for the tryouts. Practice your golfing skills, seek guidance from experienced players or coaches, and familiarize yourself with the course if possible. Additionally, work on your mental game—visualize your success, manage pre-tryout nerves, and maintain a confident mindset. Remember, the more prepared you are, the better your chances of impressing the coaches and securing a spot on the team.
Making the Team
Congratulations! If you've made it this far, you've likely secured a spot on the high school golf team. Now, it's time to focus on being a valuable team member. Attend practices regularly, participate in team activities, and support your teammates. Work on improving your skills and understanding the game better. Additionally, communicate your goals and expectations with the coach, as this will help them create a practice plan tailored to your needs. Remember, being a team player and showing dedication to the sport will make your high school golf experience rewarding.
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Scoring averages
For example, at a large public school in the suburbs of Chicago, the cut-off score for making the golf team during tryouts was under 95 for the first day, with only the best dozen or so scores from day 2 making the team. In contrast, a smaller school might have a lower cut-off score, with an average of about 43 for 9 holes, and a higher handicap golfer ranking in their top spots.
For boys' teams, a single-digit handicap is often desired, with the number one golfer being a scratch golfer. Girls' teams, on the other hand, usually accept bogey golf, and beginners may even be taken on.
When it comes to varsity and junior varsity distinctions, scoring averages again depend on the school and its location. For instance, at some schools, you might need to shoot in the mid-80s for JV and 70s for varsity, while at others, a score in the high 30s to low 40s could be enough to make the JV team.
College coaches tend to overlook high school golf tournaments as they are considered less challenging. Instead, they focus on national tournaments and rankings, looking for recruits with average scores of 72 or lower for Division 1, 74 or lower for Divisions 2 and 3, and high 70s to low 80s for lower-level Division 3 and NAIA programs. They also consider other factors such as national rankings, tournament score differentials, and course difficulty levels.
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Course yardage
The yardages of golf holes are important for scoring well in high school golf. Yardages are calculated to the centre of the green, with the starting point being the base plate of each tee. These base plates can be flat plates embedded in the ground or posts sticking up from the ground. When there are multiple tees on a hole, each tee will have its own base plate.
Historically, the measurement of golf holes could vary depending on whether the measurement followed the contour of the ground or 'line of sight'. In 1967, the United States Golf Association (USGA) decreed that hole yardages in courses under their jurisdiction would be measured as 'line of sight'. This means that the distance listed for a hole may not correspond to the actual distance travelled by a golf ball, especially on holes played over deep valleys.
Doglegs, on the other hand, are measured along the fairway, not in a direct line between the tee and the green. This means that players can often play the hole at a shorter length than listed on the scorecard by cutting off the corner of the dogleg. The USGA handicap manual advises course officials to select a pivot point for doglegs, typically around 250 yards from the tee for men and 210 yards for women.
Many golf courses have marker posts at certain distances from the green, often at 100, 150, or 200 yards. These markers are usually measured to the front of the green but can sometimes be measured to the centre, as mentioned earlier.
When it comes to optimising your decision-making on the course, a yardage guide can be a valuable tool. A yardage guide provides a breakdown of the yardages you can hit with each club in your bag. It includes information such as the loft of each club, the "cover" yardage (distance to the front of the green), and the "punch" yardage (distance when taking a little off the shot).
Additionally, there are simple formulas you can use to estimate the distance you should be playing from. For example, you can take your 5-iron distance and multiply it by 36 to get a rough idea of the course distance that suits your skill level.
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Handicap
A golf handicap is a numerical measure of a golfer's playing ability, designed to level the playing field and allow players of different skill levels to compete on an equitable basis. It is a way to make golf enjoyable and fair for players of all levels.
The Handicap Index is the core of the golf handicap system. It is a number that represents a golfer's potential playing ability. To calculate the Handicap Index, you need to determine the “score differential" for each round of golf played. The score differential is the difference between the golfer's score and the Course Rating, adjusted for the Slope Rating. The Handicap Index is then calculated by averaging the best score differentials from a specified number of rounds (usually the best 8 out of the last 20 scores). This calculation can also involve adjustments for course difficulty and playing conditions.
Once the Handicap Index is determined, it can be used to calculate the Course Handicap for a specific golf course. This adjustment takes into account the course's difficulty and the tee box location. The Course Handicap determines how many strokes a golfer can subtract from their score, giving them an adjusted score that allows them to compete with players of different skill levels.
For example, in match play format, a golfer with a handicap of 18 playing against a golfer with a handicap of 17 on the easiest hole will have one stroke deducted from their score on that hole. So, if they shoot 4 on that hole, it will be considered a tie instead of a win for the golfer with the lower handicap.
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National rankings
The NHSGA national rankings are meticulously calculated on a per-round basis, taking into account the variations in tournament lengths across different states. While most team rankings are determined using the top 4 out of 5 scores each day, some states employ a top 2 of 3 or top 3 of 4 system. Incomplete tournament scores or a lack of participation from a team may result in only individual players from that team being ranked nationally.
To ensure fairness, the NHSGA considers the difficulty of the golf course using the USGA handicap formula. This formula calculates an average differential score, with the lowest differential earning the highest ranking. The formula is: ((Gross player score by day-rating) * 113/slope). This method standardises the rankings, allowing players and teams from different states and tournaments to be compared on a level playing field.
It is important to note that the NHSGA rankings are dependent on data provided by local state golf and high school athletic associations. While the NHSGA works diligently to obtain complete information, some states or divisions may be unranked due to a lack of reporting or inconsistent results. As a result, the rankings are subject to change if incorrect data is discovered.
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Frequently asked questions
A good golf score for high school depends on the location and the size of the school. For example, for boys, a single-digit handicap is usually required, with the number one player being a scratch golfer. For girls, most teams accept bogey golf, but this can vary. For a more competitive school, a score of +7 for 9 holes is right on the edge of the top 6.
College golf is highly competitive, with top Division 1 programs recruiting players with an average score of 72 and lower. Coaches tend to focus on national tournaments and rankings rather than high school events, and they rarely consider scores from courses that are less than 6,600 yards.
In addition to golf scores, coaches will take into account other factors such as work ethic and potential. Try to gain experience in multiple-day tournaments, as college golf tournaments are usually 36 or 54 holes.
