Probably one of the comments I receive most often from players and parents is “I can beat those players” when they look at the team’s roster and results. They see that some of the players have scores and averages that are higher than what they as a junior golfer are currently shooting. And while that is certainly the case many times and it will help you determine if the program is realistic or not, there are some factors to consider that make it not quite as easy to judge as you might think.

There are many reasons why junior golf and college scores are not easily compared.

📌 Courses are longer

📌 Courses are tougher

📌 Tourneys are played in tougher weather during fall and spring

📌 You are competing against all new players who are all really good

📌 You have the added pressure of the team and coaches on you

📌 You are playing mostly 54 hole tourneys, some days with 36 holes

📌 There are more demands and distractions during days when you’re not on the road

Also, many times when the junior golfer is looking at the scores, they are focused on the 4th and 5th player on the team. They want to be able to say they could at least be in the top 5, however, coaches are always trying to recruit better players, they want someone to come in and compete for one of the top 3 spots on the team. They usually don’t need another 4th or 5th player so that typically isn’t the type of player they are trying to recruit.

So if you want to really get a realistic idea of comparing yourself to where you fit on a college team’s roster you should check out the 3rd player on the team’s average score, then subtract 2-3 strokes to make it somewhat comparable to a junior golfers average score. As with most of this process, that is not an exact science and there are many exceptions and scenarios, but this will give you the most realistic estimate of where you would fit in and your chances of the coach recruiting you.

 

For more information about college recruiting and to schedule your free RecruitPKB 30 minute consultation please email College Consultant Brandi Jackson at bjackson@pkbgt.org