Ho to get a Golf Scholarships
By: Grant Garrison, PGA
Pro Golf Training Center.com
Many parents ask me if their child can get a golf Scholarship. My answer is always yes as long as we have time to develop skills and promote the time to contact the colleges of choice. I recommend using Letics, your child can put together a golf profile for free which will help them get recognized by college coaches. You can upload golf swings and tournament film for coaches to view. For a small fee, your child can search for colleges based on location, grades, major, sports, etc. Go to Letics.com
Start Early – The best time to start is as a Freshman in High School. As a a Sophmore it’s not too late but you must get started soon. As a Junior it is getting late, and as a Senior it is doubful that your son will get recognized.
Grades – Their are more academic scholarships available than sports scholarships. Often, coaches will reward an academic scholarship and a spot on the team. This help the coaches form a great team. Bottom line, good grades give you a much better chance.
High School Golf – Making the High School Golf Team is great but not neccessary. In fact, many students make the mistake of only playing on the High School team and ignoring the steps necessary in attaining a golf scholarship. Doing well in big junior tournaments and building a great profile will make the biggest difference. Junior golf tournaments are held all year in Southern California with the biggest events played in the summer.
Make Contact – It is up to the student to make themselves known to coaches. Golf coaches are not able to contact potential students until the summer of their Junior year but the student MUST make themselves known to the coaches well before this time.
Get a PGA Pro – Create a relationship with a PGA Golf Instructor. Most of these teaching Pro’s played in college and can explain life as a college golfer. They can also write references and make calls to the college coaches on the students behalf.
Community Service – Coaches today are staying away from the pre madonna athletes. They are looking for good kids who will represent their school and team well. I recommend getting involved with charities or community outreach programs. Remember, it’s ultimately not about the prize, it’s about how you live your life.