What's the main takeaway from "The Junior Golfer's Guide to College Golf Recruiting in Texas"?

College golf recruiting starts earlier than most families think. Here's the complete timeline, what coaches look for, and how to build a profile that gets noticed. The full breakdown above walks through the exact framework Coach Francis uses with students at Beyond Golf Performance.

What age is best to start a junior golf program?

We start as young as 5 with our SNAG program and progress students through the BGP Junior Pathway — after-school clinics, Operation 36, summer camps, and competitive prep — each matched to age and skill.

Where are lessons held in Austin?

All in-person instruction takes place at Balcones Country Club, 8600 Balcones Club Dr, Austin, TX. You don't need to be a club member to book lessons with Beyond Golf Performance.

The Junior Golfer's Guide to College Golf Recruiting in Texas

The Timeline Most Families Miss

If your junior wants to play college golf, the recruiting process should start years before they send their first email to a coach. Most families wait until junior or senior year and wonder why coaches aren't responding.

Understanding the Divisions

Division I: Full scholarships (4.5 men, 6 women). Need low-70s consistently with strong AJGA results.

Division II: Scholarship money available. Consistent mid-to-high 70s can get you noticed.

Division III: No athletic scholarships, but excellent golf + academics combinations.

NAIA: Similar to DII with scholarship opportunities.

NJCAA: Two-year pathway to four-year programs.

The Recruiting Timeline

8th-9th Grade

Focus on development. Keep detailed tournament records. Build JGS and AJGA profiles. Take early standardized tests.

10th Grade

Create a recruiting profile. Research target schools. Attend college golf camps. Send introductory emails. Register with NCAA Eligibility Center.

11th Grade

Play your strongest tournament schedule. Visit campuses. Follow up with interested coaches. Take SAT/ACT. Narrow to 10-15 target schools.

12th Grade

Official visits. Early signing (November DI). Continue competing at a high level.

What College Coaches Look For

Tournament scoring average — sustained results, not one great round

Strength of schedule — where you compete matters

Trend line — improvement over time shows coachability

Character — coaches talk to each other and observe behavior

Academics — a dealbreaker at many schools

Building the Recruiting Package

One-Page Resume

Name, grad year, GPA, test scores, tournament results (last 12-18 months), scoring average, handicap index, coach contact info.

Video (2-3 Minutes)

Full swing (driver + irons, face-on and down-the-line), short game, putting. Professional quality — good lighting, proper angles, tripod. Our team at BGP helps produce recruiting videos.

Introductory Email

Short and professional. Who you are, why you're interested in their program, key stats, links to profiles and video, resume attached.

How BGP Supports Recruiting

Competitive scheduling that maximizes college coach exposure

Professional resume and video production

College camp selection guidance

Coach communication coaching

Honest assessment of what level your junior can compete at

Start early. Book a college readiness assessment at BGP.