By Lisa Meyer
From the desk of Amanda Rawson
The transition between high school and college golf may seem simple, but for many students-athletes the difference is monumental. Players often disregard one specific difference between high school and college golf: the time commitment. It may seem easy to envision collegiate golf, but juggling the other components of college life along with the golf aspect presents the true challenge. Many student-athletes under estimate the time involved with practice, travel, meetings, meals, rest, social factors, and most importantly, classes and coursework.
In addition to everyday life, incoming athletes sometimes do not realize just how long they will be required to practice, in or out of season. Coaches usually anticipate play during the fall months of September and October, and then into the spring during February, March, April, and May. That’s not even counting off-season training.
During season, the average golf schedule includes three early morning workouts per week and various coach evaluations. Four days of the week might be dedicated to tournaments for practice rounds and 54-hole competitions. In addition to attending a minimum of four classes (12 credit hours), most teams tend to participate in required evening study sessions. Outside of golf, student-athletes need to take the mundane into consideration. Cooking, cleaning, laundry, walking to class, and sleeping all play a part in managing one’s time.
Typically, coaches will expect players to train during the off season (usually in November, December, and January) to maintain skill and improve weaknesses. Coaches are allowed eight hours per week to monitor a player’s development.
While in season, players are usually more focused on team and academic duties as opposed to a social atmosphere. However, managing time efficiently may allow more free time. Managing time not only helps the student-athlete with their schedule, but also shows coaches that they can handle responsibility. Hopefully, by this time, the athlete has developed a routine that accommodates their schedule. It may take some time, and there is no guarantee that it will be easy, but once an athlete learns how to properly manage their time it certainly will help with their overall success.
Source: http://www.njgs.com/ss_4_archive.asp?passsskID=44
