NAIA

loosh · January 26, 2009

I'm currently a 3.7 handicap and junior in High School - #1 on HS team for 3 years with 38.1 stroke average. However, I haven't played in many national/regional tournaments - two IJGT's last year with less than stellar scores. My handicap has been improving about 2-3 shots per year. I plan on playing at least 5 IJGT events this year with the hope of playing well enough top attract some attention.

Realistically, there only a few D-I schools that might look at me, but I am also interested in an NAIA program. There seem to be some excellent smaller schools in this category. I am looking Carroll College in Montana in particular as they offer my major.

Can anyone provide some insight on NAIA golf or this college ?

NickasInSaltLick · January 27, 2009

I'm currently a 3.7 handicap and junior in High School - #1 on HS team for 3 years with 38.1 stroke average. However, I haven't played in many national/regional tournaments - two IJGT's last year with less than stellar scores. My handicap has been improving about 2-3 shots per year. I plan on playing at least 5 IJGT events this year with the hope of playing well enough top attract some attention.

Realistically, there only a few D-I schools that might look at me, but I am also interested in an NAIA program. There seem to be some excellent smaller schools in this category. I am looking Carroll College in Montana in particular as they offer my major.

Can anyone provide some insight on NAIA golf or this college ?

I'm a new coach for a team (Westminster) in the same conference (The Frontier) as Carroll. They've recently put a new emphasis on their golf program and are definitely a team on the rise. They beat us pretty good our first two tournaments this fall (my guys finally got 'em in the third one though :D ). The NAIA is pretty competitive on the whole. The Frontier tournaments are set up a little bit different than most high school tournaments. The competing teams are a little smaller, comprising of 5 players in which the top-four scores comprise the team score for each round. Most of the tournaments are set up to be completed in two days with 36-holes played on day #1 and 18-holes played on day #2. So it’s every bit a test of mental and physical endurance as well as test of golfing skill. Carroll's home track was always one of my favorite layouts back when I was playing for Westminster.

loosh · January 27, 2009

Based on my profile, could I play at this level ? If so, do schools in this conference generally offer athletic scholarships ?

NickasInSaltLick · January 27, 2009

Based on my profile, could I play at this level ? If so, do schools in this conference generally offer athletic scholarships ?

Keep on bringing that handicap down and boost your tournament profile and I think you've got a chance. As far as Frontier athletic scholarships go, I believe all the schools, with the possible exception of the University of Great Falls offer them, but they typically go to football and basketball players. The only teams that I know for sure that scholarship some golfers are Lewis-Clark State and Rocky Mountain College.

PixlPutterman · January 27, 2009

I play and recruit for Missouri Baptist and we are definately on the lucritive side for recruiting. The good/bad thing for some NAIA is that being smaller schools they sometime struggle to keep bodies. we have one or two guys that shoot high 80's but we just needed to keep our numbers up. If your not concerned with going pro it may be the way to go to get a good scholarship/education

loosh · January 27, 2009

Going pro is not a goal....I've played with some tour pros in person and it's another universe. I'm just trying to use golf as an avenue to help pay for a quality education and have some fun. But if I get really good, who knows ?

volrus · January 27, 2009

Going pro is not a goal....I've played with some tour pros in person and it's another universe. I'm just trying to use golf as an avenue to help pay for a quality education and have some fun. But if I get really good, who knows ?

I'll say this, it sounds like you've got a great head on your shoulders! More high school students should look at collegiate athletics the way you do. I played baseball my 1st 2 years of college and I simply saw it as an opportunity to get a free education as I knew the likelihood of going pro was very slim. I'm not saying have a pessimistic attitude and not set your goals high, just a realistic one with the right frame of mind. Very impressive for a young man. Good luck!

truck13 · January 27, 2009

I played NAIA baseball for 4 years and it was a great experience, I had a great time and got a top notch education at a discount!! Good luck with your decision!! P.S. It's 8 degrees in Helena today!