On Course Recruitment

Congratulations, a college coach showed up to a tournament to see you play! You've piqued the coach's interest with your profile, tournament scores, and academic achievements. Now it's time to show them what you've got! In this article, we'll cover some key points about on-course recruitment, including what coaches are looking for, what to expect when a coach shows up, how to approach a coach at the event, and Hub tips for handling yourself when a coach is watching.

Let's start with what coaches are looking for. It varies across programs, but in general, coaches are evaluating a few key things, including:

1. Your Game

Of course! Coaches are evaluating your game (broadly defined), including your swing, how far you hit the ball, the quality of your short game, pre-shot routine, quality of practice, and more. Of course, they'll also look at your score for the round and tournament!

2. Character Attributes

Coaches evaluate character attributes as closely as they evaluate the quality of your game. This includes how you conduct yourself on the course, your overall attitude, how you interact with players and parents, and your ability to handle adversity. Coaches like to watch how you handle first-tee jitters, how you interact with the other players, and how professionally you go about your business on the course. Extra points are given for handling a tough situation well or bouncing back from adversity!

3. Appearance

This includes overall dress, cleanliness of clubs, as well as physical appearance like height, weight, and estimated level of athleticism.

4. Quality of Parent/Child Interaction

Coaches are looking for a positive relationship between a prospective student-athlete and their parents. A difficult or contentious relationship may spell trouble for the coach when the prospect joins the team.

Now onto what to expect. First, if the coach is there to see you, then it's likely they are also there to see other junior golfers. Ordinarily, a coach will follow you for a few holes, then move on to another part of the course to see other players. Coaches will watch patiently from the "sidelines" and not interact with you during play (both bad form and prohibited by NCAA rules). Coaches will be recognizable by their dress, which usually includes a shirt or hat with the school logo prominently displayed. Coaches may or may not give you advance warning on whether they're going to show up to a given tournament to see you play, so be ready! And if you are at a national event like an AJGA tournament, there will most likely be coaches you have not contacted who are in attendance scouting particular players (and maybe you!).

Now onto Hub tips for when the coach shows up to watch you play. Here it goes:

1. Make sure you have a nametag

Make sure you have a nametag, or your name printed clearly, on your bag, so the coach knows who you are!

2. Focus on what you can control

It's flattering when a coach shows up to watch you play. However, don't sabotage yourself by trying to impress the coach. Instead, focus on what you can control, which includes having a positive attitude and going about your typical routine on the course.

3. Look sharp and dress to impress

Take pride in your appearance. Clean and iron your clothes. Make sure your shoes are clean. Keep your clubs clean and your bag well organized. Look like a young professional.

4. Positive attitude, confident demeanor

Demonstrate a positive attitude throughout the round by walking tall and with purpose. Show confidence no matter the quality of your performance that day. Remember to keep your composure. There's probably no bigger turn-off to a coach than a prospect who loses their cool, becomes excessively upset, or, even worse, throws a club. If things aren't going well, keep your composure and demonstrate that you can handle adversity.

5. Keep your perspective

A coach watching you is important, but not all-important. Keep your perspective. Smile, have fun, and enjoy yourself.

Lastly, we'll give you a few tips for after the round. First, we recommend introducing yourself to the coach. This will make a great first impression and show that you are willing to take initiative. Although the coach might be unable to speak with you beyond generalities due to NCAA regulations, you will have made a great first step toward building a relationship with the coach. Next, follow up with the coach after the round. Send them a thank-you email for coming out to watch you play, and update them on your performance and upcoming schedule. If a coach you haven't met before follows you on the course, we recommend sending them an email after the round, attach your "Share Profile" link and request a "Follow" on The Hub. This can often be a very effective strategy, as your name, score, and face may be fresh in the coach's mind. Take advantage!

We hope this was a useful guide to on-course recruitment. Best of luck when the coach comes to watch. Now you are ready!

Enjoy your Journey!