One of the questions I get asked most often — through social media, during consultations, and at seminars — is simple: “When should I start the process?”

Like so many things in recruiting, there’s rarely a clean, definitive answer. And honestly, this one is among the trickier ones.

While June 15th marks the start of the coach communication phase, there is plenty that can and should be happening before that date ever arrives. The real answer to when isn’t always about age — it’s more about the strength of a player’s resume and where her game currently stands.

An 8th or 9th grader shooting in the 70s from 5,800+ yards, ranked among the top players in her recruiting class, with a goal of playing high-level Division I golf? She likely needs to be building her resume and recruiting video, sending intro emails, engaging on social media, and attending camps and college tournaments. The process is relevant now for her.

On the other hand, a 9th or 10th grader still shooting in the 80s — especially from shorter distances — is better served by staying focused on player development, gaining tournament experience, and simply improving her game. The recruiting process will be there when the game catches up.

That said, we do live in an era where getting ahead of the curve matters. It never hurts to send a coach at one of your top schools a thoughtful email when something genuinely specific comes up. Just keep it minimal during these earlier stages — and more importantly, keep the focus on having fun with the game and getting better.

These are general guidelines and every player’s situation is different — but hopefully this gives you a solid starting point.

Brandi Jackson is the RecruitPKB College Consultant and the founder of Brandi Jackson Golf, where her mission is simple: Helping Young Women Find Their College Golf Home.

To learn more, click here to schedule your free 30-minute Intro To The Process Recruit PKB Consultation, or reach out directly at brandi@brandijacksongolf.com.