Recruiting Timeline

Navigating the college golf recruiting process can feel overwhelming — but it doesn’t have to be.

Here’s a step-by-step timeline to help junior golfers (and their families) understand when to take action, how to build visibility with college coaches, and where your online resume fits in.

👉 Note: Always keep your grades strong. Coaches care about academic performance, too!

8th Grade

  • Start playing ranked/tournament golf consistently.

  • Keep track of your scores, yardages, and finishes.

  • Begin building a junior golf profile — even just a spreadsheet is fine.

9th Grade

  • Create your online resume or website.

  • Start capturing swing video footage.

  • Follow college teams and coaches on social media to learn more about programs.

  • Begin light communication: sharing your results, goals, and interests via email or on platforms like Junior Golf Hub or NCSA.

10th Grade

  • Play in larger regional/national tournaments if possible.

  • Keep your recruiting profile and tournament schedule updated.

  • Begin emailing coaches with:

    • Tournament results

    • Swing video

    • Your online resume/website

  • On June 15 after sophomore year, NCAA DI and DII coaches can now legally initiate contact via phone, text, or email.

11th Grade

  • Continue emailing updates every 4–6 tournaments.

  • Use your website as a one-stop resource to show scores, academics, and progress.

  • Coaches can invite you on official visits starting August 1.

  • Many players commit verbally by the end of junior year.

12th Grade

  • Keep communication open with programs you’ve built a relationship with.

  • Finalize applications and complete FAFSA.

  • Sign your National Letter of Intent (NLI) if offered a spot.

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