So You Want to Play College Golf?

By Conor O’Shea
coshea@clublink.ca

Ever wonder what a college coach is looking for when they’re at a golf tournament you’re playing in?  What could this person possibly learn about the 100 or so people in just a matter of a few hours.  The answer is actually quite obvious and unbelievably apparent to every coach recruiting a potential college golfer. Your attitude and demeanour on and around the golf course is a telling sign for any potential recruiter.

College Coaches understand that golf is a game of ups and downs.   They understand that even  college  players have bad rounds where they miss fairways and short putts and hit balls left and right of their targets.  College coaches also understand that the best players are the ones who are able to get a handle on their emotions.  Regardless of how they are playing, it’s very difficult to tell how the day is going. Golf always seems fun to them.
 
You have understand that if you’re going to represent a college program and play for a team, your attitude is going to affect everyone around you both on and off the golf course. The best coaches are looking for players that will fit well within the structure and makeup of their respective golf teams in order to continue to move forward in a positive direction.

Here are the some of the qualities a Division I athlete must display according to the NCAA:

1) Respect
2) Caring
3) Fairness
4) Civility
5) Honesty
6) Integrity
7) Responsibility

Something to think about next time you step onto the first tee.

As you continue to improve and chase your dreams of playing collegiate golf, remember that your attitude and outlook on golf is more important than you might think and in many cases it will be the difference between a coach remembering you, or trying to forget.