RecruitPKB: What Is Golf IQ — And Do College Coaches Think You Have It? Part 2

This is Part 2 from a coach survey I conducted, in which I asked college coaches to weigh in on the recruiting process. Every coach is different, but what follows represents some of the most consistent and eye-opening themes from their responses. The question: What are some examples you look for to help identify good golf IQ and players who can compete and get better at the next level? The responses were fascinating — and honestly, every junior golfer and her parents should read this carefully. Play Golf. A Lot of It. One of the most practical pieces of advice came from a coach who said simply: "Players that play a lot of golf have more golf IQ than those that beat balls. My advice is to play as much as they can with all different people — adults, boys, anyone." There is no substitute for on-course [...]

By |2026-05-08T10:35:51-04:00May 8th, 2026|College Recruiting Articles|0 Comments
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RecruitPKB: What Is Golf IQ — And Do College Coaches Think You Have It? Part 1

This is from a coach survey I conducted, in which I asked college coaches to weigh in on the recruiting process. Every coach is different, but what follows represents some of the most consistent and eye-opening themes from their responses. The question: What are some examples you look for to help identify good golf IQ and players who can compete and get better at the next level? The responses were fascinating — and honestly, every junior golfer and her parents should read this carefully. It Starts With How You Handle Adversity If there was one theme that dominated the coach responses, it was this: they are watching how you respond when things go wrong — not when they go right. As one coach put it plainly, "I love to watch players during their rough rounds. College golf will likely be more challenging than their prior experiences, so [...]

By |2026-05-08T10:33:44-04:00May 8th, 2026|College Recruiting Articles|0 Comments
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RecruitPKB: What College Coaches Really Think About Your Social Media

Over the years, I have conducted coach surveys to ask their opinions on different topics. Below are some of the responses from coaches on their views of social media in the recruiting process. Don't feel like social media is something you must use in the process if you aren't comfortable with it, but it can be a great resource for exposure and research. Keep in mind that every coach is different — they look for different things and have varying opinions — but what follows represents some of the most common and consistent themes from their responses. What are the best ways for recruits to use social media during the process? And what turns you off? What Coaches Want to See The responses were remarkably consistent on this one. Coaches want to see a genuine mix of golf and personality — not a highlight reel, and not [...]

By |2026-04-28T20:09:21-04:00April 28th, 2026|College Recruiting Articles|0 Comments
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RecruitPKB: Sharing Your Tournament Results with College Coaches

Sharing Your Tournament Results with College Coaches Now that spring golf is in full swing, many of you have built up a solid list of tournament results. If you haven't been keeping coaches updated along the way, now is the perfect time to compile everything into a clean, organized format and send it out. Format matters. Coaches are busy, so make your results easy to read at a glance. A chart or bullet-point list works best and should include the following for each tournament: Date & Tournament Name Golf Course Scores & Finish Stats — par, yardage, slope, and rating (when available) Most coaches will already be familiar with the tournaments in your region, including the course conditions and strength of the field. However, if you're reaching out to coaches outside your area, don't assume they have that context — a little extra detail goes a long [...]

By |2026-04-22T14:51:33-04:00April 20th, 2026|College Recruiting Articles|0 Comments
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RecruitPKB: How to Handle Bad Breaks on the Golf Course Like a Pro

How to Handle Bad Breaks on the Golf Course Like a Pro Every player, no matter their skill level, will eventually face a bad break on the course. A ball that kicks into a bunker instead of onto the green. A putt that lips out instead of going in. A buried lie in the sand when you needed a clean shot. These moments are as much a part of golf as the game itself — and in many ways, they're what make it so compelling. The real question isn't whether bad breaks will happen. They will. The question is what you do when they do. The Jordan Spieth Example During the playoff at the Shell Houston Open several years ago, Jordan Spieth was set up over a greenside bunker shot when a camera or phone went off mid-backswing. He flinched, caught the ball fat, and the shot [...]

By |2026-04-16T16:28:47-04:00April 16th, 2026|College Recruiting Articles|1 Comment
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Recruit PKB: Warm Up Like a Pro

Why Your Warm-Up Matters More Than Your Swing One of the most common conversations I have with junior golfers isn’t about swing mechanics—it’s about preparation. Recently, I was on a call with a player who wanted help building a tournament warm-up plan. She told me she often felt rushed before her rounds, unsure of what to focus on, and never quite settled by the time she reached the first tee. The truth is—that’s not unusual. Most players walk onto the range and start hitting balls with no real intention. They’re trying to “feel good” instead of actually getting ready to play. But the best players—at every level—approach their warm-up differently. They have a plan. They’re deliberate. They understand exactly what they’re trying to accomplish before the round even begins. And if there’s one area I consistently emphasize, especially for tournament players, it’s this: Speed control on the [...]

By |2026-04-02T09:11:25-04:00April 1st, 2026|College Recruiting Articles|0 Comments
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RecruitPKB: Negative Self Talk

Talk to Yourself Like You Would a Playing Partner Every time you hit a bad shot, have a tough hole, or make a mental mistake, pause for a second and ask yourself this: “What would I say to my playing partner if they just did the same thing?” Chances are, you wouldn’t respond with,“That was stupid,”“What were you thinking?” or“You’re terrible.” More than likely, you’d say something like,“It’s okay,”“Shake it off,” or“You’ve got the next one.” You probably wouldn’t have much emotional reaction at all. You might feel for them if they’re having a rough day, but you would never put them down or question their ability. So why do we do that to ourselves? Why is it so easy to tear ourselves down after a bad shot or mistake—but so natural to build others up? You Are Not Your Enemy The truth is, many golfers become [...]

By |2026-03-26T14:25:22-04:00March 25th, 2026|College Recruiting Articles|0 Comments
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RecruitPKB: Free 30 Minute Consultation

I wanted to take this week’s article as an opportunity to share more about the free 30-minute RecruitPKB “Intro to the College Recruiting Process” consultation available to all National PKB members—and how it can help you. If you’re planning to begin the recruiting process but aren’t sure where to start or what steps to take, this session is designed to give you clarity, direction, and a plan moving forward. During this consultation, we will cover: A general overview of your tournament experience, scoring average, and academics Your goals and expectations, and how they align with college golf standards A breakdown of recruiting timelines and key dates based on your graduation year A simple outline for building your golf resume, swing video, and introductory email My goal is to help you leave the session with a clear understanding of the process and the next steps you should take. [...]

By |2026-03-18T09:39:08-04:00March 17th, 2026|College Recruiting Articles|0 Comments
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Recruit PKB: Learn From Others

As a young golfer, there's always something to learn from players who have already reached the level you're working toward. One of the easiest ways to do this is simply watching golf on TV. Study how tour players approach each shot — how they read the situation, select a club, and commit to a specific target. Pay attention to commentators when they break down club selection around the greens, and really watch the execution of those shots. Just as importantly, notice how the best players respond to bad breaks and poor shots. Their composure under pressure is a lesson in itself. Another valuable opportunity is attending a collegiate tournament near you. This gives you more than just a chance to watch skilled players up close — it lets you observe the coach-player dynamic in a real competitive setting. Watch how they communicate on the course and how [...]

By |2026-02-27T15:35:17-05:00February 21st, 2026|College Recruiting Articles|0 Comments
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RecruitPKB: Recruiting Green Flag #2

Showing genuine interest in a program is a major green flag for college coaches. While it’s naturally easier if you grew up cheering for a specific school, you can still build that connection even if you’re just getting to know the program. During the season, stay engaged by following their tournament schedule and social media updates. Reaching out to mention a recent win or a tough course they played shows you are truly paying attention. Beyond specific schools, simply demonstrating a passion for the game—whether by attending professional events or asking thoughtful questions—proves you have a "student of the game" mentality. Just remember: authenticity is key. Coaches can tell when you’re checking a box versus when you’re truly driven to learn and grow. For more information on the recruiting process, reach out to RecruitPKB College Consultant, Brandi Jackson at brandi@brandijacksongolf.com

By |2026-02-19T08:32:41-05:00February 18th, 2026|College Recruiting Articles|0 Comments
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