An unofficial visit to a college campus by a
prospective student-athlete is a visit made at
the prospect’s own expense. There is no limit
as to the number of unofficial visits a
prospect can make or to how early in the
recruitment process the visits can be made.
In addition, schools may provide complimentary
admissions to an on-campus athletics event
during an unofficial visit. Official visits,
on the other hand, occur during a prospect’s
senior year in high school, are financed by
the school, and are limited to no more than
five schools.
During an unofficial visit, coaches are
permitted to meet with and speak to prospects
and their parents even if the prospect has not
yet begun his senior year in high school.
This provision in the NCAA Rules allows
prospects to meet face to face with coaches
early in the recruitment process and to learn
more about various schools and golf programs.
In cases where the prospect is a highly-
recruited athlete, the coach may even present
the prospect with a scholarship offer. This
has led to more “early commitments” over the
past several years and has reduced the number
of recruits taking official visits during
their senior year in high school.
Junior golfers should always look for schools
to visit near golf tournaments they are
participating in. If this advice is followed
in 9th and 10th grades, prospects will be
better prepared to accurately target “good
fits” as the college selection process
intensifies in 11th and 12th grades. Most
young people know very little about how
colleges differ and until they visit the
campuses, are unable to select the right
school to attend. Unofficial visits also
provide an opportunity for prospects and
coaches to have face-to-face discussion early
on in the recruitment process. Questions
should be asked during the visit in order to
help with the overall selection process. (See
my February 4, 2005 column that addresses what
questions to ask.)
To set up an unofficial visit, you should
email the coach with the request. Be specific
on what you would like to do during the
unofficial visit (see facilities, talk with
the coach, meet some of the players, tour the
campus, etc.) and provided open dates and
times. In some cases, the coach and team may
be traveling to a competition. If the coach
is unavailable to meet, ask for a contact
person in either the Athletic or Admissions
Departments that could provide the campus
tour. If the coach is very accommodating you
will know he is sincerely interested in
recruiting you. The reverse applies as
well.
Plan your tournament schedule to include trips
near by campuses you are interested in
visiting. This is an economical and practical
way to accomplish multiple tasks during the
season. The experience will tremendously
assist in the college selection process as
well.
Start visiting schools today!
Coach Brooks
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