Maybe you have sent out some intro emails but you haven’t gotten any responses, or maybe you have been communicating with some coaches through email but don’t feel like you are getting anywhere? The next step you must be willing to tackle is to pick up the phone and call the coaches. It is very easy to sit behind a computer and send emails, and often times coaches will prefer to communicate that way, but they will all be expecting you to take the initiative to pick up the phone and call them.

They want to see that you are willing to make the extra effort to call and speak by phone. This not only shows your seriousness about playing for their program, but it also provides them insight into your communication skills. Coaches are looking for players with maturity, assertiveness and interpersonal skills, so a phone call will be the best way to begin to show a coach that you possess those qualities.

Below are a few tips to keep in mind when making phone calls to a coach.

General Phone Call Tips:

  • Always have questions ready to ask in case the coach answers
  • Make sure you are somewhere that it is quiet and you can give the coach your undivided attention
  • Ask the coach if it is a good time to chat before you start talking
  • Practice what you want to say with your parents or your coach
  • Do your best to avoid “uh’s”, “um’s”, “yeah’s” as much as possible
  • Be confident, gracious and polite (ma’am, sir, thank you, please, etc)
  • If they don’t answer, leave a voicemail with your reason for calling and include your contact info (if it is before Sept 1 of junior year, leave your swing coaches contact info), then follow up with an email
  • If you have a day off from school make some calls during the morning hours, that is the best time to reach a coach in their office.
  • Don’t keep a coach on the phone any longer than is necessary

Initial Phone Calls:

  • If you recently sent your intro email and resume then make a follow-up call to make sure they got it and see if they would consider you a potential recruit
  • Many times you will leave a voicemail but be prepared to introduce yourself in case a coach does answer
  • Be prepared with some questions to ask and make sure you have done your research before you call
  • If you want to take a visit be sure to have some dates you would like to visit to check their availability

Follow-Up Phone Calls:

  • Always call a coach when discussing important questions/concerns (don’t email)
  • You can develop a much better relationship if you can keep in touch by phone instead of emails
  • If a coach watches you play, give them a call after the tournament and ask them for feedback on what they saw
  • Don’t get frustrated if you can’t reach a coach by phone (especially before Sept 1 of junior year). As long as they have shown interest in you keep trying until they answer
  • If it is after Sept 1 of junior year try to set specific times to call a coach through email/text so they can be available and ready to discuss your questions

 

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Brandi is the PKBGT’s College Golf Consultant, based in Greenville, SC. She played collegiate golf at Furman University, then an 8-year career as a professional golfer on the LPGA and Symetra Tours. She works to consult female golfers throughout their journey to find the right college golf fit.