Every year, talented junior golfers miss out on valuable US golf scholarships, not because of their ability, but due to avoidable mistakes in the recruiting process.

At Study & Play America, we’ve seen it all. Here are five of the most common golf scholarship mistakes and how you can avoid them to give yourself the best shot at securing your dream opportunity.

Mistake 1: Starting Too Late

This is by far the most common and costly mistake.

Many families underestimate how early the recruiting process begins. Coaches often fill roster spots 12–18 months before the academic year starts.

Tip: Start preparing at least 18–24 months before your intended university start date. If you’re 15–16 years old and serious about US college golf, it’s time to begin.

Mistake 2: Ignoring Academic Performance

Some players focus solely on golf, assuming it will “carry” them into a program.

The reality: academic performance plays a crucial role in both admissions and scholarship opportunities. Strong academics can also open up additional academic scholarships to supplement athletic ones.

Tip: Prioritise your schoolwork alongside your golf development.

Mistake 3: Not Building a Strong Profile

Simply playing in local events or having a few decent scores isn’t enough.

Coaches want to see:

• A clear tournament history with verified results
  
  
• A well-designed golf resume
  
  
• A quality highlight video demonstrating your swing and on-course performance
  
  

Tip: Treat your golf profile like a professional portfolio,  this is your marketing tool.

Mistake 4: Poor Communication with Coaches

Generic, impersonal emails won’t cut it.

Coaches want to know why you’re interested in their program and whether you’ll be a good fit both athletically and academically.

Tip: Research each program thoroughly. Personalise every email you send. Follow up professionally.

Mistake 5: Only Targeting Big-Name Schools

Many junior golfers fixate on the biggest Division I names ignoring fantastic opportunities at other levels.

The truth: there are excellent programs across NCAA Division II, III, NAIA, and junior colleges, many offering strong scholarships and a great student-athlete experience.

Tip: Keep an open mind. The “right fit” might not be the program you first had in mind.

How Study & Play America Helps You Avoid These Mistakes

We guide you through the entire process helping you:

• Start at the right time
  
  
• Balance academics and golf development
  
  
• Build a standout recruiting profile
  
  
• Communicate effectively with coaches
  
  
• Target the best programs for your goals
  
  

Our proven approach ensures you avoid the most common golf scholarship mistakes and maximise your chance of securing the right opportunity.

Final Thoughts

US college golf offers an incredible pathway for international junior golfers, but only if you approach the process strategically.

Avoid these five golf scholarship mistakes, and you’ll already be ahead of much of the competition.

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