Golf Recruiting Guidelines: How Good Do You Have to Be to Play College Golf?

Men’s Golf Recruiting Guidelines

Here’s one of the most important things to know about men’s college golf: every division is competitive. While NCAA Division 1 often gets the spotlight, there isn’t a dramatic drop-off in talent between Division 1, Division 2, Division 3, and NAIA programs.

That’s good news for recruits. If you’re talented enough to play college golf, there are opportunities at multiple levels, you just need to know where you fit.

So how good do you have to be to play college golf? Below, we break down scoring expectations, rankings, handicaps, and what college coaches actually look for when evaluating recruits.

How good do you have to be to play college golf?

College golf has become more competitive than ever. A score that might have stood out 20 years ago is now closer to the average among NCAA Division 1 players.

Of the roughly 144,000 high school golfers in the U.S., only:

• 2% go on to compete at the NCAA Division 1 level
• 1.6% compete at Division 2
• 2.3% compete at Division 3

From an evaluation standpoint, college coaches focus on two primary factors:

1. National and regional rankings
2. Verified tournament scoring averages

Tournament Scores Matter Most

Men’s golf coaches prioritize scores from multiple-day tournaments (36 or 54 holes) played on courses 6,600 yards or longer. Shorter, single-round high school events typically carry less weight.

That’s because college tournaments mirror longer formats and demand consistency over multiple days—not just one good round.

Scoring Expectations by Level

• Top NCAA Division 1 programs: Average scores of 72 or lower
• Top Division 2, Division 3, and NAIA programs: 74 or lower
• Mid-level Division 2 programs: 76 or lower
• Lower-tier Division 3 and NAIA programs: High 70s to low 80s

While these are general guidelines, coaches may recruit outside these ranges depending on roster needs, development potential, and tournament performance.

What type of national golf rankings do college coaches look at?

When it comes to golf recruiting, national rankings matter more than high school accolades.

The most commonly used platforms are:

• Junior Golf Scoreboard (JGS)
• American Junior Golf Association (AJGA)
• Golfweek

Coaches use these rankings to:

• Verify scores from sanctioned events
• Compare recruits nationally
• Evaluate performance across multiple rounds

One key metric coaches analyze is tournament score differential. This shows how a golfer performs relative to the field and course difficulty.

For example, coaches want to know:

• Can you bounce back after a bad round?
• Do your scores hold up under pressure?
• Are you consistent across 36–54 holes?

Recruits aiming for Division 1 typically place highly in AJGA, USGA, and state-level championships, while Division 2, Division 3, and NAIA prospects often shine in state, regional, and verified local events.

NCAA men’s golf scores and handicaps by division level

Tier	Program Level	Tournament Handicap*	Scoring Average	Tournament Experience
1	High NCAA D1	0 to +2	72 and under (6,700+ yards)	Top national & state finishes; extensive AJGA/USGA experience
2	Low NCAA D1	0 to +2	74 and under (6,600+ yards)	Regional/state play; national ranking
3	NCAA D2 & Top NAIA	3.5–4 or better	74–76 (6,600+ yards)	Multiple-day regional tournaments
4	NCAA D3 & Low NAIA	3.5–4 or better	Mid-70s to low 80s	State, local, and high school events

*Note: Tournament handicaps are calculated using verified multi-day events (36 holes or more) only. Traditional handicaps have become less relevant in college golf recruiting, as they can be influenced by selective event participation. If a coach considers handicap at all, it is typically based on scores from nationally ranked tournaments, with greater emphasis placed on scoring averages and consistency.

Keep in mind that some players who fall outside these guidelines are still recruited by college coaches.

What are the average college golf scores?

College coaches rarely evaluate scores from courses under 6,600 yards, since collegiate courses typically range from 6,600 to 7,300 yards.

They also factor in:

• Course rating (difficulty for scratch golfers)
• Slope rating (difficulty for bogey golfers)

Because high school events are usually shorter and easier, coaches prioritize national and regional tournaments that better reflect college conditions.

Average Scoring Ranges by Level

• NCAA Division 1: 70–75
• NCAA Division 2: 70–high 70s
• NCAA Division 3: 72–low 80s
• NAIA: Low 70s–high 80s

Consistency across rounds matters just as much as low scores.

What handicap do you need to play college golf?

Handicap is no longer the deciding factor. Coaches care most about average tournament scores and how you perform against strong fields.

Still, a general benchmark:

• Division 1 & 2: 0 to +2
• Division 3 & NAIA: 3.5–4 or better

The importance of golf tournaments in recruiting

High school golf alone is usually not enough to get recruited.

College coaches heavily rely on:

• Multiple-day tournaments
• Verified national rankings
• Consistent competition against elite fields

Key tournament pathways include:

State Golf Association Championships

Affordable, competitive, and often heavily scouted by regional college programs.

Junior Golf Scoreboard Events

Over 2,000 verified tournaments nationwide, making this one of the best ways to build a national ranking.

National Junior Tours

• AJGA
• Future Collegians World Tour (FCWT)
• International Junior Golf Tour (IJGT)

These events attract college coaches but often require membership and travel.

USGA Championships

The most prestigious, and hardest, to qualify for. Strong performances here significantly boost recruiting visibility.

What coaches look for in your golf swing 

A swing video is one of the most effective recruiting tools—especially since many coaches can’t see every prospect in person.

Most coaches prefer a video that is 8–10 minutes long and includes:

• Short iron/wedge swings
• Mid- and long-iron swings
• Driver swings
• Face-on and down-the-line angles
• Chips, pitches, and bunker shots
• Short, medium, and long putts

How Camps and Training Fit Into the Recruiting Process

While tournament performance is the foundation of college golf recruiting, many student-athletes use elite training environments and competitive camps to accelerate development, gain exposure, and prepare for the demands of college-level golf.

Structured training, college-style course setups, and access to experienced coaches can help golfers sharpen consistency, improve scoring under pressure, and better understand what college programs expect from recruits.

For golfers looking to continue developing their game, exploring golf camps near you can be a strong next step.

Student-athletes seeking a more immersive, college-style experience can also learn more about IMG Academy Golf camps, which are designed to help players train, compete, and prepare for the next level.

Take the Next Step in the Recruiting Process

College coaches rely on verified data when evaluating golf recruits. Creating a recruiting profile allows student-athletes to showcase tournament results, swing video, academic information, and upcoming schedules in one centralized location—making it easier for coaches to evaluate and communicate with prospects.

Create your free profile.

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