Does Playing High School Golf Matter in the College Recruiting Process?

It’s a question often asked: Does playing high school golf matter in the college recruiting process? There can be valid arguments against playing, as I have heard stories of poor coaching, strict policies, and limited access to non-high school tournaments or private lessons that have hindered girls from pursuing important opportunities for their future college goals. But for the sake of this article, I want to focus on the bigger-picture value of high school golf—even though, at the end of the day, the scores themselves don’t carry much weight in recruiting.

Scores Don’t Tell the Full Story
College coaches know that high school golf is played on shorter courses, not always run with the precision of a top-tier junior event, rules aren’t always enforced, and course conditions can vary. Because of that, they don’t evaluate a player’s ability based on high school scores. What they do value, however, are the intangible lessons and experiences that come from competing as part of a school team.

Team Experience Matters
Unlike most junior golf tournaments, high school golf is team-based. Learning how to be accountable to more than just yourself, cheering for teammates, and contributing to a collective goal mirrors the structure of college golf. Coaches want athletes who understand how to thrive in this environment, not just as individuals.

Adversity and Drama Build Character
Let’s be honest: not every teammate will be your best friend. High school golf puts you in situations where you have to deal with different personalities, conflicts, and the occasional drama. These challenges push you to adapt, communicate, and stay composed under pressure. Coaches notice players who can handle adversity with maturity and still show up for their team.

Leadership Opportunities
High school golf is one of the best places for players to practice leadership. From mentoring younger teammates to setting the tone in practice or matches, athletes can learn how to lead by example. This is something that can’t always be taught in an individual tournament setting, but it’s invaluable for college teams.

Perspective and Balance
While junior tournaments focus heavily on rankings and scores, high school golf often brings back the joy of representing something bigger than yourself—your school, your classmates, and your community. That pride can help you maintain balance and remember why you love the game.

Balancing School and Golf
Playing high school golf while maintaining an academic load helps prepare you for the demands of college golf. Juggling practices, matches, travel, and homework teaches you how to manage your time effectively. The sooner you adapt to this lifestyle, the smoother your transition will be once you step onto a college campus, where academics and athletics require strong organization and discipline.

The Bottom Line
No, college coaches aren’t combing through your high school scores when evaluating your potential. But the lessons you learn, the resilience you develop, and the leadership skills you build in that environment can absolutely give you an edge when it comes to college golf. High school golf may not define your ability, but it can shape your character—and that’s just as important.