North Carolina Golf

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 [...]

Refresher for the NCAA contact rules that went into place May of 2019 This is what came straight from an NCAA DI Compliance Department: Went into effect on May 1st, 2019: 📌 Before June 15th prior to a prospective student athlete's (PSA) junior year, coaches and athletic staff can no longer receive calls from freshmen/sophomore PSAs or their parents. They can speak with a PSA's swing or high school coach but they are not allowed to have recruiting specific conversations. 📌 Incoming and outgoing calls can only occur beginning June 15th prior to a PSA’s junior year of high school (rising junior). 📌 Recruiting materials can be sent by the coach on June 15th prior to a PSA’s junior year of high school (rising junior). Only camp info and general questionnaires may be sent to a PSA prior to this date. 📌 Emails/texts/DMs can be sent [...]

The sight of a college coach has been known to cause junior golfers to tighten up, try too hard, or even change their normal demeanor in hopes of pleasing the coach. It can be extremely nerve-wracking the first time that a coach comes to watch, but these nerves will most likely only harm the player's score. When a coach is there to watch, a player must be able to ignore the situation and concentrate on their next shot. Remember that it's a positive that a coach is there watching you. Would you rather them not be there? The player should continue to treat their tournament like normal and get in their process each time they approach their ball. If the round is not going as well as normal, remember that coaches like to see when you struggle because that allows them to see how you handle [...]

While it is true that college golf is played at longer yardages, a player does not have to be a "long ball hitter" in order to be successful. Does it help? Of course! But it is not necessary if you can learn to compensate with your short game, accuracy, mental game, and golf IQ.  Golf will always come down to who can shoot the lowest score. When making your college decision, it is important to consider that some coaches like a certain style of play. While the lineup is ultimately determined by the scoring average of the players, the coach is more likely to chose the player with the style of game they prefer if it comes to a close decision. This makes it easier for the coach to do their job on the course when a certain style of game fits their coaching philosophy. Do [...]

Even the best players in the nation face rejection when going through the recruiting process. There could be any number of reasons that a coach may not accept a player on their team. These reasons may have nothing to do with the player's game or personality. When a player faces rejection, it is essential that it is handled properly. Most importantly, a player should not take rejection personally and allow it to diminish their confidence on the golf course or beyond. Try to accept that the fit is not right and that it only takes one school to believe in you. Use the rejection to fuel your energy at practice/tournaments and strengthen the determination to find the right school Secondly, when a player is turned down by a coach they still have to be respectful. It will only harm the player to respond harshly to the [...]