Women's and men's golf go about recruiting in two different ways…. Or do they? After all, a player is a player in the end, and being good is the way to be noticed. When it comes to a sport that has co-ed benefits, performance is the bottom line. But there are other things golfers need to do to get on a coach's radar. To get a better feel for what it takes to make it to the next level, 2aDays spoke with two Division 1 golf coaches. Here's their insight.
Oklahoma State University Men's Golf – Coach Alan Bratton
What is the most important quality you look for in a recruit?
Low scores followed by character. It's much easier to see a score than character.
What is the best way for a recruit to get on your radar?
Win tournaments. Doesn't matter where, just win.
Related: Rate your Coaches, Facilities, and Campus Visits
When should an athlete contact you, what is the best way? (age, grade, time of year, email, phone, or other)
10th grade and any method of contact works.
What are your expectations for incoming players in the classroom, in the weight room, and on the course?
Best effort every day in the classroom, weight room, and on the course. Attend every class and have a 3.0 GPA or higher. Also, team first.
What are the do's and don'ts of being recruited? (Please explain)
Just be yourself. No real do's and don't. Coaches need to be real and so do the players.
What is the best advice you can offer a recruit?
Be yourself and take your time to get to know the school, coach, and program.
What really jumps out to you when reviewing a recruit's highlight tape?
Speed.
Related: How to Ace your Golf Highlight Video
What are the main do's and don'ts for a recruit's highlight tape?
Keep it simple.
When do you recommend recruits put together and share their highlight reels? Is it best to make their highlight reel during the offseason, in the middle of season, or after each game?
Any time.
How big a factor is social media when recruiting players? What advice do you have for athletes regarding social media?
Remember, you'll be judged on what you post.
University of Tennessee at Knoxville Women's Golf – Coach Judi Pavon
What is the most important quality you look for in a recruit?
We look for great players with good attitudes and grades.
What is the best way for a recruit to get on your radar?
A good way to get on our radar is to compete in some national events. If that isn't possible, email us with results from local and regional tournaments you've played in.
When should an athlete contact you, what is the best way? (age, grade, time of year, email, phone, or other)
I prefer that the first contact be via email in 9th grade.
Related: Why You Need to Contact College Coaches First
What are your expectations for incoming players in the classroom, in the weight room, and on the course?
We recruit good students, usually with well over a 3.0 GPA in high school and we hold them to the same standards when they arrive here. We expect them to work hard in the weight room without complaint, even though it will be challenging. We expect them to be excited and willing to try whatever we suggest to make them better.
What are the do's and don'ts of being recruited? (Please explain)
I feel it's important to contact schools that you can play for. If you know you need to improve to make a team, you should indicate that when you reach out to the coach. If you expect a scholarship, you should be good enough to play for a team when you reach out.
What is the best advice you can offer a recruit? (Please explain)
Research lots of programs, take visits, and make a great, informed decision.
What really jumps out to you when reviewing a recruit's highlight tape?
I would rather watch a player in person. I look at swing videos if I'm interested in the player based on scores.
What are the main do's and don'ts for a recruit's highlight tape?
I prefer that they are 2-5 minutes. I love when the player introduces themselves in the beginning to see a little of their personality. Other than that, a few swings from down the line and face on with different clubs are what I would like to see.
When do you recommend recruits put together and share their highlight reels? Is it best to make their highlight reel during the offseason, in the middle of season, or after each game?
Doesn't matter to me.
How big a factor is social media when recruiting players? What advice do you have for athletes regarding social media?
I would just be aware of what they post and that coaches might be looking. I don't friend every recruit on all platforms. But if the kid accepts friend requests, then what they post and how it might look is their personality.
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* Originally published on May 23, 2022, by Jenae Alderson
