What is the RecruitPKB platform?
The path to collegiate golf can be difficult and intimidating. The first step in the recruiting process is establishing a game plan. That is where we come in. We are here to help you understand the process and help you achieve your dreams of playing college golf.
RecruitPKB offers a way to connect current PKBGT players with opportunities in the collegiate game. This new service offers advice from our college consultant, insight into the recruiting experience and ways to become a more complete golfer. Our network of over 650 PKBGT alumni in the college ranks along with our resource center can help you on your way to playing college golf.
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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 a personal diary, but an authentic window into who you are as both a player and a [...]
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 way. Be thorough and be honest. If you've already sent an introductory email with your full resume, [...]
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 cost him dearly. In the moment, he was visibly frustrated. But listen to what he said afterward: [...]
RecruitPKB: Prepare for Tournaments Better
Why Practice Rounds Don’t Equal Tournament Scores—and How to Prepare for That One of the most common things I hear from players and parents is: “But I played great during my practice round and shot ___.”or“I always play well at my home course.” And then the tournament comes… and the results don’t match. The reality is simple: practice rounds and tournament rounds are not the same—and they never will be. The goal isn’t to make them the same. The goal is to prepare for the difference—and understand how you’re going to feel, think, and react when it actually counts. Stop Keeping Score in Practice Rounds One of the biggest mistakes players make is treating practice rounds like tournaments. When you keep score, you start creating expectations:“I shot this yesterday, so I should shoot this again.” But conditions change. Pin locations change. Weather changes. Most importantly, pressure changes. Instead of focusing on score, shift your mindset. A practice round is not about proving anything. It’s [...]
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 greens. No matter how well you’re swinging it, every tournament presents the same challenge—new greens. Different speeds. [...]
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 their own worst enemy on the course. While a small amount of self-criticism can sometimes motivate improvement, [...]
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. I would be happy to set up your free consultation—feel free to reach out to me directly [...]
RecruitPKB: Why Golf Tournaments Aren’t Where Girls Actually Improve
Why Golf Tournaments Aren’t Where Girls Actually Improve Junior girls spend countless hours preparing for tournaments. Players, parents, and coaches often measure progress by one thing: the scorecard. But here’s a truth that many golfers don’t fully understand until later in their development: Tournaments are where you test your game—not where you grow it. Real improvement in junior golf happens long before the first tee shot in competition. Understanding this difference can help players develop faster, build confidence, and avoid common recruiting mistakes. Growth vs. Performance in Junior Golf One of the most important concepts in junior golf development is understanding the difference between growth and performance. Growth involves learning and developing skills: Improving swing mechanics Developing short game touch Building confidence Experimenting with new techniques Performance, on the other hand, is about executing those skills under pressure. Golf tournaments are designed for performance. Players are focused on scoring, managing mistakes, and competing against the course and others. There is very little room to [...]
RecruitPKB: Why Female Golf Recruits Should Contact 50+ College Coaches
One of the most common conversations I have with recruits is about why they aren’t hearing back from college coaches. Often, when a player shows me their list of schools, I notice two things right away: The majority of the schools are unrealistic for their current recruiting timeline or playing level.They simply haven’t contacted enough programs. Because of this, I often recommend that recruits reach out to at least 50 or more college coaches during the recruiting process. While that number may seem high at first, there are several important reasons why expanding your outreach can significantly improve your recruiting opportunities. Let’s break down the three biggest reasons. 1. Communication With Coaches Takes Practice Many recruits assume they’ll immediately feel comfortable speaking with college coaches, but that’s rarely the case. Coach communication is a skill that improves over time. Emails, phone calls, interviews, and recruiting conversations can feel intimidating at first, especially when you’re talking with a program you’re very interested in. By reaching [...]
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 the player receives and applies feedback. If you're interested in a particular school, pay close attention to [...]