Does Playing High School Golf Matter in the College Recruiting Process? Last week, I shared an article about this topic, so I wanted to share some insight through a video for those who prefer to watch instead of read, so you can check it out HERE
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 StoryCollege 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 [...]
As the decision-making time continues for many rising seniors and even some rising juniors, here are a few tips on things to consider as that time comes for you. Keep in mind, these are just a few general suggestions. The decision-making part of this process is a very specific and personal process for each individual recruit. Many factors have different levels of importance that play a role in what decision is best for you. Every recruit does need to ask plenty of questions, consider their priorities, see this as a long-term commitment, and take their time to make a decision. VIEW HERE -Brandi Jackson, RecruitPKB College Consultant For questions or to schedule your free PKB 30 Minute Initial Consultation send an email to bjackson@pkbgt.org
Are you getting ready to start the college recruiting process? Check out the most recent PKBGT webinar for insight on tackling those initial steps. Understand the NCAA Rules and Eligibility Insight Into Scholarships Scoring Average Standards for Playing in College Creating a Resume and Video Contacting Coaches WATCH HERE -Brandi Jackson, RecruitPKB College Consultant For questions or to schedule your free PKB 30-Minute Initial Consultation send an email to bjackson@pkbgt.org
Let’s talk about something that seems to be happening more and more in college recruiting. Yes—sometimes coaches don’t respond to emails.Or they start communication, suggest a call or visit, and then it becomes hard to actually get that scheduled. So… why does this happen? Good question. Here are a few real reasons—no sugarcoating: • Sometimes the coach simply chooses not to respond. Harsh, but true. Even realistic recruits don’t always get replies. Coaches receive a high volume of emails and have to prioritize how they spend their time. • At times, coaches shift their focus away from recruiting altogether. Recruiting is emotionally, mentally, and physically demanding, and there are periods where they pause to focus on their current team or other responsibilities. • Your emails may be saved in a folder to revisit later when recruiting ramps back up. • They are genuinely busy and don’t get [...]
What you think you need:Playing higher-ranked, bigger-name tournaments to get recruited—before you’ve even learned how to win. Yes, eventually you do need to challenge yourself with stronger fields.And you’ll hear coaches at panels and forums talk about specific tournaments, distances, and levels they like to see. That can quickly make you feel like you need to play those events right now to play college golf. But here’s what often gets skipped. A critical part of player development is learning how to win at each stage—local, state, regional, and then national. If you bypass that step, you’ll struggle when: • you’re sleeping on a lead• warming up with the lead• teeing off as the leader• coming down the stretch needing a strong finish Winning is a skill. And it’s built by experiencing those moments repeatedly—until they feel normal. So don’t get caught up thinking you only need better-ranked [...]
Listen up 2026 recruits... First, let me start by saying that it is very competitive and there are a lot of really good players. Plus there are a lot of really good academic girls. That's a great thing! Really good academic female golfers are not the exception, they are typically the rule. Again, that's a great thing! I know that may not ease the stress you’re feeling but it is just to state some truths which is what you have to at least accept first. Then you can face things head on knowing what you are up against and where you fit with the timing for the process. There are currently approximately 264 girls in the 2026 recruiting class with a scoring differential below 2 on JGS. This group of players (plus some international recruits) has been the majority of the focus for coaches as they try to [...]
Making a good first impression on a coach (or anyone) is such an important skill to master. Start by practicing your handshake. Here are some tips: Smile: A big smile always makes a good first impression Hearty Hand: Firm grip but don’t overdo it Address: Address them by name if you know it. Or just introduce yourself by name and say “nice to meet you” Keep Eye Contact: Maintain good eye contact. Try not to look down or away. Smile with your eyes Enthusiasm Wins: Good energy and excitement to meet them. -Brandi Jackson, RecruitPKB College Consultant For questions or to schedule your free PKB 30 Minute Initial Consultation send an email to bjackson@pkbgt.org
First, we are going to assume the NCAA rules allow the coach to respond (current 2025 and 2026 recruits). Once that is established there are several reasons why you may not get responses with the most common usually being that you aren’t being realistic with the strength of the golf program. But here are a few reasons why the coach may not be responding to your attempts to contact them: 1. The golf program isn’t realistic for your resume 2. Your academics aren’t strong enough for the school 3. It was a poorly written intro email 4. Your email or resume doesn’t have all the necessary info 5. They are done with your recruiting class 6. They are busy and just not focused on recruiting right now 7. Some coaches just ignore emails and don't reply no matter what I know it’s very frustrating to not receive [...]
A dad recently commented to me "Aren't scores just scores?" regarding the field size and field strength a player is competing against. While that may initially sound like a simple answer, it's not so simple when you really think about it. Imagine the difference in playing your club championship on your home golf course vs playing the US Open on your home golf course. Same course but totally different field of competitors. Or the difference in playing against 3 of the best players in the world vs 30 of the worst players. Smaller stronger field vs bigger weaker field. Or you play in a field of girls you see all the time vs a field of girls you’ve never met. The field you play against has a factor in how you handle the “conditions” and therefore your score is typically going to reflect that. If it’s more [...]
