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The most significant challenge a student-athlete faces in college is how to manage
time effectively. Considering the amount of
time that a round of golf requires and the
fact that college golf lasts the entire
academic year (September-May), college golfers
must manage their time effectively if they
expect to succeed in the classroom and on the
golf course.
In season, the NCAA allows coaches to
mandate a 20-hour weekly practice schedule.
This schedule includes golf practice,
workouts, meetings, qualifying rounds, and
tournament
competition. Most golf programs are in season
during September and October in the fall and
February, March, April, and May in the
spring.
Typically coaches will schedule their off
season during November, December, and
January. During these months, coaches are
permitted to (a) require their players to
participate in up to 8 hours of weekly
strength training and (b) offer up to 2 hours
of voluntary individual skill sessions. These
individual skill sessions during the off
season allow a coach to evaluate a player’s
swing and short game and make recommendations
for improvement. The workouts and skill
sessions cannot exceed a total of 8 hours per
week.
Most junior golfers have trouble
understanding
just how busy they will be as a collegiate
student-athlete. Freshmen typically struggle
with having to balance school, practice,
travel, and their social lives all in a 7-day
week.
Here is a typical week for a college golfer
while in season:
- Workout 3 days per week
(typically at 6 a.m.)
- Attend a minimum of four
classes, 2 to 3 times per week (12 hours total)
- Participate in evening study
hall sessions (mandatory for freshmen)
- Meet with tutors or student
groups to prepare for class assignments
- Practice daily with the golf
team (full swing, short game, and qualifying)
- Meet with coaching staff to
evaluate golf game and set goals
- Travel to a tournament for 4
days (practice round and 54-hole competition)
- Cook meals, do laundry, visit
with friends, and rest
In season, college golfers have very little
free time to spend with friends and to
participate in campus activities. The more
organized they are in handling their academic
responsibilities, the more free time they will
ultimately have to socialize and relax.
Players on a golf team who are fortunate
enough to qualify for the traveling team and
participate in tournaments on a regular basis
will have the toughest time staying current in
the classroom. It is very important for these
players to meet regularly with their teachers
and tutors and attempt to get ahead with their
class work before traveling to tournaments.
If a junior golfer can learn to manage
time effectively before entering college, their
chances of success increase dramatically.
Coaches are very interested in recruiting
student-athletes who understand this concept
and can handle the transition from high school
to college without any problem.
Your time is your most valuable resource.
Learn to manage it effectively!
Coach Brooks
Red
Numbers Golf® |
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