Finding the Right Fit

During 11 years of coaching at the Division I level, I met hundreds of families who were baffled by the college recruiting process. I always stressed the importance of finding the right fit. What does “the right fit” entail?

I always like to break these questions down into my three main areas of focus: academic, athletic, and personal. What universities will challenge you academically, and which universities will serve as the foundation for you to achieve your scholastic dreams? What type of golf team can you play on, and what type of coach will create an environment for your success as a player? What are your goals after college, and what type of experience will foster the growth necessary for you to get there?

As a coach, I always looked for students who were passionate about my school—students who wanted to wear the logo and represent the university with pride. At the end of the day, you want to love where you go to school!

How Do I Begin?

How do you begin anything? Let’s start your college golf process by listing goals and objectives. During my 11 years of coaching college student-athletes, I helped them create goals. At the beginning of each semester, they set goals, and we would check in on their progress periodically.

Focus on the following three areas in your goal setting: academic, athletic, and personal. What types of universities are you targeting academically? What type of golf program can you contribute to? Do you have certain schools that you’d love to attend?

The next step will be discussing the concept of college golf with your parents. Your parents likely attended college themselves, and they remember the college decision process. They will be your biggest supporters for this next step, and you will need their support and guidance. It’s best if you’re all on the same page and can go through this process together.