How Will Division I Golf Recruiting Change Now
Coaches are now allowed to resume regular recruiting.
Recently, the NCAA announced Division I coaches can return to regular recruiting activities (calendars) starting June 1, 2021. At that time, coaches will be able to evaluate prospects in competitions, host and participate in camps, and meet with prospects (who have reached August 1st following their sophomore year of high school) either on or off campus. Phone calls, emails, text messages, and written correspondence continue to be permissible, as long as the prospect has reached June 15th following their sophomore year of high school. This announcement is welcome news for both coaches and junior golf families, and serves as a notice that college golf recruiting is returning to normalcy.
Prospective student-athletes, specifically those in the class of 2022, need to develop a proactive strategy that allows them to stay in constant communication with the coaches on their target list of potential schools. Nothing has changed in this regard.
Top 10 Action Items for Class of 2022 Recruits:
- Send regular golf and academic updates via email; e.g., transcripts, golf resumes, schedules
- Set up phone calls to learn more about the school, golf program, and recruiting process
- Produce and forward golf swing/short game videos, with some on-course footage
- Include Trackman data, instructor lesson feedback, practice and fitness regimens, etc
- Text coaches periodically with updates and express continued interest in their school/team
- Complete online recruiting questionnaires to include references for coaches to contact
- Research schools and golf programs online and speak with friends who have college experience
- Attend college tournaments to learn more about teams, players, and coaches in competition
- Visit campuses and meet with coaches (unofficial or official visits)
- Send detailed post-round analysis, regardless of score – what are you working on?
As Division I golf programs return to normal recruiting activities, junior golf families will need to regularly communicate with coaches, helping them learn more about the prospective student-athlete’s golf skills and academic achievements. Evaluations at tournaments and camps, as well as contacts on or off a coach’s campus, will greatly assist coaches as they face the challenging task of finalizing recruiting decisions for next year’s class in such a short period of time. National Letter of Intent signing, for Class of 2022 golfers who have been offered athletic scholarships, will begin on November 10, 2021.
Follow the Junior Golf Scoreboard’s list of college signees, from the current year as well as several previous years. Analyzing class rank and scoring differential data from the signees lists is a tremendous forecasting tool that helps confirm which schools you should be targeting at this time. Remember, at the end of the day, the success formula to help you ultimately play college golf remains constant.
Good Grades + Low Tournament Scores = College Golf Opportunities
Play well this season!
Coach John Brooks
Red
Numbers Golf®