➡️ College Golf Just Got Even More Confusing
I know many of you reading this newsletter are looking ahead for your child's future in college golf. Whether your son or daughter is Class of 2025 or Class of 2035, I know how overwhelming it can feel to think about the recruiting
process.
This is especially true in today's environment. Just when I thought I had a tiny bit of understanding of the latest NCAA and NIL regulations, it seems to be more confusing now. As you may or may not know, our son has verbally committed to play golf at the University of Georgia for the Class of 2026, so we are watching this closely right now.
Here's the bottom line though—everyone involved in college golf recruitment is just as
confused. This includes the coaches, junior golfers, parents, scouts, and schools. This is also by far the #1 topic of conversation among coaches right now.
There are still tons of questions surrounding:
- How many roster spots for men's and women's golf teams?
- What
will scholarships look like?
- The differences in impact for women's golf, compared to men's golf
- How does the NCAA work with NIL?
I'll spare you all of the details regarding the proposed changes and potential outcomes...we would be here all day! And keep in mind, everything is still up in the air, so no one knows exactly how this will all
play out.
Another reason for the latest confusion is the onslaught of recent articles in the news. First, you have this one from
DRVN.GOLF talking about the likelihood of 8-player rosters for the Men's Golf teams at the SEC schools (the women's golf rosters are set to stay at 9).
Then you have another article like this one from NBCGolf talking about the impact of the NCAA changes on signing day. In some ways, it now feels like the Wild, Wild, West.
Moving Forward
My advice? You can stay on top of it by getting information online from reputable sources, including Junior Golf Hub.
If your son
or daughter is in high school, I highly encourage you to work with someone like Michael Burcin from Under Par Consulting. I don't just recommend him because he's a sponsor of Junior Golf Playbook. But I can personally tell you he
knows the absolute latest with the changes, plus he truly cares for your son or daughter's best interest in finding the best fit in college.
We'll keep you posted as much as we can here in our weekly newsletter too!
➡️ This Week's Junior Golfer Spotlight
I'm excited to showcase
12-year old Zara who lives in Florida (though born and raised in Buffalo, NY) in this week's Junior Golfer Spotlight. Follow along with her @zaralovesgolf and you'll quickly see this young lady is going places.
Zara already has a ton of wins under her belt, but she's driven and won't stop until she accomplishes her dreams in golf.
Not only is Zara a part of our Junior Golfer Spotlight this week, but soon you'll see her in a fun collaboration we're doing between her and Tripp that we can't wait to share. But first, get to
know Zara a little better—
Who is your favorite golfer?
Linn Grant (@linngrant) and Yana Wilson (@yana54lv).
How did you start playing golf?
In Buffalo we lived across the street from a Par 3 course and my dad got
really into golf so I was his little shadow and wanted to go wherever he went. Pretty soon we’d go across the street and play together everyday then go out for ice cream after.
What is your favorite thing about golf?
I love that’s it’s all up to me. Unlike team sports, there’s no one to blame if something goes wrong. So I love that if I want to do well, it’s all up to me to
put in the work and make it happen.
What part of the game are you working on now?
Mostly short game and being more consistent. If I can hit a shot once, I try to see how many times I can hit it again and again.
What is your best achievement in golf?
When I
won my 20th tournament I earned a kitten! I had a deal with my parents from when I first started playing at 6 years old. 🐱
What is your graduation year?
2030.
What is your biggest goal in the next 5 years?
I want to be the #1 college recruit in the world.
Who is your golf instructor?
I work with Matt McLean (@matt_mcleangolf) and train with James Whatmore (@whatmoreperformance).
What is your favorite ice cream flavor?
Chocolate Peanut Butter.
What other hobbies do you like?
Singing to Olivia Rodrigo, Sabrina Carpenter and Billie Eilish, reading mystery books and drawing.
