junior golf

Starting next week I will continue from last week's article about the steps of the recruiting process but this was just something I really wanted to share during a time when it is still fresh on being announced. I've hesitated to share this story because this is not to highlight my involvement in how this played out but it’s just too good and impactful not to share.  I talk quite a bit about first impressions and how much impact one can make. I am also very quick to admit that for a lot of my life I may not have always made the best first impression due to my tendency to be reserved, especially in unfamiliar settings. Even as an adult I constantly have to work to fight my natural tendencies and remember the power of a first impression. I also talk a lot about how [...]

It's been awhile since I've addressed some of the basic steps of the process but for those of you just getting started I wanted to do a basic rundown of the steps: Get an Evaluation from a qualified 3rd party who understands junior girls golf, women's college golf, and the girls recruiting process. There is a lot of information out there and many times it can be misleading or misunderstood. The process is very specific to each individual player so it is extremely helpful to get started by knowing how the process matches up to each player's own goals and expectations Understand the NCAA rules so that you know when and what you can do. There have been some major changes in the recruiting process over the last 2 years that affect both players and coaches. Know what is allowed and how you need to still [...]

Players have asked if scholarships are able to be negotiated in the recruiting process. The answer is always my two favorite words "it depends". It may be the case that the coach has already offered all the money that he or she has left or the coach always divides the funds evenly throughout the team. A player needs to be careful when approaching the coach about getting more scholarship money. At the beginning of recruiting, a player can ask general questions about how the coach divides scholarships on the team, without expecting that they are a scholarship player. Also, players should communicate with a number of schools so that they are able to leverage their other offers. The more offers you receive the more opportunity you have to negotiate. When doing this, a player has to tell the truth because coaches talk to one another! Coaches [...]

It seems straightforward that the way for a player to improve is to spend time on the course practicing and playing daily. After spending 4 or 5 hours on the course, it becomes easy for players to believe they have done what it takes to become the best. However, becoming a top golfer requires dedication in all parts of their life. Serious players have had to learn that sometimes it is necessary to say no to social situations in order to have the most time to practice or rest before an event. Also, players will have to plan their nutrition to make sure they are fueled properly and plan time at the gym to train. It is not easy to be an elite athlete, but draining a big putt to win a tournament makes it all worth it. Surround yourself with people that will support you [...]

For 2021 recruits a big day in recruiting just passed, June 15th. How did that go for you? Did you hear from coaches? Were you disappointed in the lack of communication from coaches? Are you excited for what is to come? This is a totally new timing in the process for both recruits and coaches so it's a learning process for everyone. I hope that if you were realistic with your schools then you were able to get some communication going. If so, be sure you keep the coaches up to date on your summer. Try to schedule some phone or video time to connect with them. If the coach comes out to watch you play see that as an opportunity to make a good impression, not one to fail. If you don't play great that is ok, you can still impress them in other ways [...]

When a player goes to college, they will not have their parents to rely on every single day. It is important for parents to prepare their children for the independence of college life. For example, allow the players to warm up at tournaments on their own, pack their snacks, plan their tournament schedule, send intro emails to colleges, and lead conversations on a college visit. If a player is allowed the freedom, it will accelerate their development and better prepare them for the transition to college golf. College coaches will look for players that are self-motivated and will notice a player who practices and competes without constant attention from their parents. They want to see that a player can handle themselves on and off the golf course. They want to see supportive and encouraging parents, but who are willing to step back so their daughter can [...]

This past week I had a direct message on Instagram sent to me asking advice for how many tournaments a junior golfer play during the summer. I wanted to share some of my advice on why this isn't a question that has a simple answer. Also, be sure to tune into the webinar on June 6th with PKBGT Tour Director Mike Parker to discuss this very topic, REGISTER HERE. As far as my response to this young lady who asked, I told her that there is not an exact number because all players have different goals, expectations, tournament resume, family demands, priorities, and financial means that determine what a tourney schedule should look like. A few factors that dictate variations in tournament schedules include (but not limited to): Your goals for playing college golf and your current tournament resume will dictate the quality and quantity of [...]

I really hope many of you had the chance to watch the NCAA Championships this week, especially with the final matches coming down to two NC teams, each of which had a former PKBGT standout playing (against each other). And for those that were at the PKB Invitational last fall you had the chance to hear Emilia speak so it was a lot of fun seeing her compete. Also, if you haven't had a chance to listen to my first Tap In To College Golf podcast I was fortunate enough to have Wake Forest Head Coach Kim Lewellen join me. You can listen to that episode HERE. As far as watching the NCAAs, I hope you had the chance to watch and see what it's like to compete at that level in college golf. While that is very exciting, that may not be the route you [...]

This insight is inspired by a parent who recently caddied in the Symetra Tour event in Charlotte. He mentioned how much he learned by doing it and shared with his daughter. So lightbulb goes off as a great way for you as junior players to learn as well. I'm sure many of you have caddied for a pro in a tourney or caddied for a friend at one point or another. But ask yourself, how much did you take the time to really learn from that experience? Being a caddy is one of the best learning experiences for developing course management and Golf IQ, especially when it's a player that is more advanced and has more experience than you do. So ask a college or tour player if you can caddy for them during their practice time? Take the chance to ask questions about their decisions, [...]

Last week a new set of NCAA rules were announced but there have been several questions arise. I shared the rules that went into effect in regards to what the college coaches can/can't do. You can read that blog HERE. This week I want to address how these rules affect you as a prospective student-athlete (PSA): A PSA can still email, text, and leave a voicemail at any point prior to June 15th before junior year. A coach just cannot reply or answer the call, if so it can only be to say they can not respond or speak A PSA's coach/instructor cannot have communication with a college coach prior to June 15th before junior year that discusses anything specific to recruiting A verbal agreement should not have the opportunity to take place prior to June 15th before junior year because no recruiting conversations should have [...]