What is it like to play golf in college?

[JuniorGolfParent]

Lots of discussion about what it takes to play at the college level, but what is it actually like?

 

Would be great if someone with experience and knowledge could provide some insight:

 

1) What kind of schedule does a student-athlete keep each day and during the week with respect to required practices and workouts?

2) What does a weekly schedule look like when there are tournaments (including travel)?

3) What are the number of hours/week commitment for #1 and 2?

4) How hard is it to balance academics and social life?

5) How difficult is it to have a tough major (e.g. pre-med, engineering)?

6) What do students do during the summer, specifically if they are pursuing an occupation where an internship is suggested or required to get a job after graduation?

7) What are the most important things to be considered from a golfing perspective when picking a program? I.e. coach vs team rank vs practice facilities vs home course vs teammates vs reputation of program?

8) Any schools with particularly strong alumni relationship among former golfers?

 

TIA

[Aaronwilson_95]

I just got out of a mid level d2 program . I’ll write back later and answer your questions

[leezer99]

 

[heavy_hitter]

> @leezer99 said:

>

>

 

I don't have time right now to go into detail, but this pretty much sums it up. My daughters coach does not allow them to have class on Fridays unless they are in their major and it is an absolute must.

[kekoa]

Interested.

Isn't it important to specify the level of program as well? I'd assume a D3 program and schedule differs vastly from a top tier D1?

[MK7Golf21]

good luck getting all your classes to be in the 9-noon range

[leezer99]

> @Redjeep83 said:

> good luck getting all your classes to be in the 9-noon range

 

If you have an athletic academic adviser that is worth anything they can make this happen. With a few exceptions these kids aren't taking advanced courses that only have one lecture in the afternoon.

[MK7Golf21]

> @leezer99 said:

> > @Redjeep83 said:

> > good luck getting all your classes to be in the 9-noon range

>

> If you have an athletic academic adviser that is worth anything they can make this happen. With a few exceptions these kids aren't taking advanced courses that only have one lecture in the afternoon.

 

early in college years it's easier as you get in more advanced classes you run into situations where it's only offered at after 1pm in some cases. Just my opinion but unless I was planning on going pro, I would put more time into study than 5 hours of practice a day.

[GoDeacs]

I played college golf 15 years ago and the above schedule is pretty accurate. I never had an afternoon class in 4 years and would take a night class occasionally. We were on our own during that 7-10pm timeframe unless you had academic issues.

 

Most tournaments were on Mon-Tues if I recall. We would generally leave on Sat/Sun and play a practice round before the event Mon/Tues. Then get on a plane or in a van (mostly) and head back to campus after the round. Some of the travel was brutal and trying to do school work in the hotel and van was never fun.

[kekoa]

> @Redjeep83 said:

> > @leezer99 said:

> > > @Redjeep83 said:

> > > good luck getting all your classes to be in the 9-noon range

> >

> > If you have an athletic academic adviser that is worth anything they can make this happen. With a few exceptions these kids aren't taking advanced courses that only have one lecture in the afternoon.

>

> early in college years it's easier as you get in more advanced classes you run into situations where it's only offered at after 1pm in some cases. Just my opinion but unless I was planning on going pro, I would put more time into study than 5 hours of practice a day.

 

Like @leezer99 said, it is doubtful that players are taking advanced courses if in a D1 golf program. If you aren't willing to give it a go with the practice and everything else that comes along with being in the program then you are better off giving the spot to a kid that is.

[leezer99]

> @Redjeep83 said:

> > @leezer99 said:

> > > @Redjeep83 said:

> > > good luck getting all your classes to be in the 9-noon range

> >

> > If you have an athletic academic adviser that is worth anything they can make this happen. With a few exceptions these kids aren't taking advanced courses that only have one lecture in the afternoon.

>

> early in college years it's easier as you get in more advanced classes you run into situations where it's only offered at after 1pm in some cases. Just my opinion but unless I was planning on going pro, I would put more time into study than 5 hours of practice a day.

 

I won't get into the whole NCAA athletes should get paid debate but if you're there on scholarship and want to keep it then you put in the work they say to put in.

[j.b.newton]

> @kekoa said:

> > @Redjeep83 said:

> > > @leezer99 said:

> > > > @Redjeep83 said:

> > > > good luck getting all your classes to be in the 9-noon range

> > >

> > > If you have an athletic academic adviser that is worth anything they can make this happen. With a few exceptions these kids aren't taking advanced courses that only have one lecture in the afternoon.

> >

> > early in college years it's easier as you get in more advanced classes you run into situations where it's only offered at after 1pm in some cases. Just my opinion but unless I was planning on going pro, I would put more time into study than 5 hours of practice a day.

>

> Like @leezer99 said, it is doubtful that players are taking advanced courses if in a D1 golf program. If you aren't willing to give it a go with the practice and everything else that comes along with being in the program then you are better off giving the spot to a kid that is.

 

Working with and around several D1 and D2 programs, your "country club sports" (golf, tennis, water polo, etc) FOR THE MOST PART are your better students and pushing for higher academic standings than just a passing grade. As such, they have to take lab courses if they are science based or internship based business courses to further their academic/professional careers. Golf is a sport that you do not have to practice with a team - you can get your work in earlier or later, and be with the team for qualifying and tournaments.

That said - the above listed schedule is about right for most athletic programs across the board.

[kekoa]

> @"j.b.newton" said:

> > @kekoa said:

> > > @Redjeep83 said:

> > > > @leezer99 said:

> > > > > @Redjeep83 said:

> > > > > good luck getting all your classes to be in the 9-noon range

> > > >

> > > > If you have an athletic academic adviser that is worth anything they can make this happen. With a few exceptions these kids aren't taking advanced courses that only have one lecture in the afternoon.

> > >

> > > early in college years it's easier as you get in more advanced classes you run into situations where it's only offered at after 1pm in some cases. Just my opinion but unless I was planning on going pro, I would put more time into study than 5 hours of practice a day.

> >

> > Like @leezer99 said, it is doubtful that players are taking advanced courses if in a D1 golf program. If you aren't willing to give it a go with the practice and everything else that comes along with being in the program then you are better off giving the spot to a kid that is.

>

> Working with and around several D1 and D2 programs, your "country club sports" (golf, tennis, water polo, etc) FOR THE MOST PART are your better students and pushing for higher academic standings than just a passing grade. As such, they have to take lab courses if they are science based or internship based business courses to further their academic/professional careers. **Golf is a sport that you do not have to practice with a team - you can get your work in earlier or later**, and be with the team for qualifying and tournaments.

> That said - the above listed schedule is about right for most athletic programs across the board.

Your statement in bold is interesting. I can't see this going well at all, but you've been around some programs and I haven't.

 

[leezer99]

Oops. Will attempt again later

[CTgolf]

So 28 hours a week just between practice/play/qualifying rounds/team workouts? When is there any time to study or socialize?

 

Seems like a bad setup for anyone who cares about having a real career.

[leezer99]

Just got this email today...

 

**A Typical Day in the Life of a College Golfer**

Ever wondered what "a Typical Day in the Life of a College Golfer" looks like?

Ever think "College Golf is easy, I can handle it"?

 

I've outlined what a "Typical Day in the Life of a College Golfer" might look like at the Division 1 level.

 

Take a look...

 

College Golf is a FULL. TIME. JOB.

 

And as Benjamin Franklin said, “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.”

 

Make sure you understand what you are signing up for and how much time commitment college golf requires at the level you are looking, then prepare for what's ahead.

 

[GolfSRQ]

> @Redjeep83 said:

> good luck getting all your classes to be in the 9-noon range

 

You get priority scheduling as an athlete. I always used to get some satisfaction listening to all the kids whining about their schedules , when we had ours done 1 week before

 

 

[cardoustie]

It was almost 3 decades ago

I can offer some generic advice that helps if interested

[tanker44]

I enjoyed playing for top a 100 mid-con type NCAA Div 1 program. I loved the competition. But I was on a team with tons of talent and accomplished players that were idiots and that is frustrating. When your best guys can't dig in and suck it up when they slump it causes resentments. Why aren't you practicing? Tournament time comes around and you just focus on your game and hope they pull it together. You want a team that plays in good events, competes at regionals and has a coach that isn't just a bus driver. Stay away from programs that have all Junior College transfers. Stay away from programs with poor results in the last 10 years. Stay away from programs with schedules/tournaments that change every year.

 

 

[golfman79]

College golf should be called "play golf in rain pants" because I think I only played a competitive round in shorts once! I've played at the D3 level for my freshman and sophomore year, then transferred to a D2 school for junior and senior years. At the D3 level, we had to drive half an hour to the semi-private golf course. As a Freshman in the fall, I did not have access to my own car, and had to rely on teammates for rides. While you bond as a team, you feel bad always depending on them for rides, so chip in for gas if you can! As far as scheduling goes, the above comments are close, although I never had a tutor. At any school, be honest with your professors, and go to your academic liaison for any issues you may have with missing class. Homework is done on the road, and it takes determination to stay in and get work done while your teammates may go out for a night on the town. The NCAA used to (and may still allow) $25/day for meals. Odds are you'll be eating a lot of McDonald's fast food to make that $25 last. Playing college golf made me who I am today, and I would do the same thing over again. Only thing I would change would be getting our golf balls and meal money before round 1 of the tournament. Only happened at one of our tournaments in MA, where it was sunny and warm for a change!

[admork]

> @CTgolf said:

> So 28 hours a week just between practice/play/qualifying rounds/team workouts? When is there any time to study or socialize?

>

> Seems like a bad setup for anyone who cares about having a real career.

 

The NCAA only allows 20 hours a week in season, with one day off a week and no more than 4 hours a day. In those 20 hours you have to count workouts, practice, team functions and qualifiers. So, basically 3 workouts of 1 hour (=3hours), 3 times 18 holes (=12hours), 2 practice sessions of 2 hours (=4hours) and 1hour left for a team function (for a total of 20hours).

[admork]

> @leezer99 said:

> > @Redjeep83 said:

> > > @leezer99 said:

> > > > @Redjeep83 said:

> > > > good luck getting all your classes to be in the 9-noon range

> > >

> > > If you have an athletic academic adviser that is worth anything they can make this happen. With a few exceptions these kids aren't taking advanced courses that only have one lecture in the afternoon.

> >

> > early in college years it's easier as you get in more advanced classes you run into situations where it's only offered at after 1pm in some cases. Just my opinion but unless I was planning on going pro, I would put more time into study than 5 hours of practice a day.

>

> I won't get into the whole NCAA athletes should get paid debate but if you're there on scholarship and want to keep it then you put in the work they say to put in.

 

It is an interesting debate. What are your thoughts on Student Athletes getting paid?

I feel like College golf might disapear if they start paying College Athletes.

[leezer99]

> @admork said:

> > @leezer99 said:

> > > @Redjeep83 said:

> > > > @leezer99 said:

> > > > > @Redjeep83 said:

> > > > > good luck getting all your classes to be in the 9-noon range

> > > >

> > > > If you have an athletic academic adviser that is worth anything they can make this happen. With a few exceptions these kids aren't taking advanced courses that only have one lecture in the afternoon.

> > >

> > > early in college years it's easier as you get in more advanced classes you run into situations where it's only offered at after 1pm in some cases. Just my opinion but unless I was planning on going pro, I would put more time into study than 5 hours of practice a day.

> >

> > I won't get into the whole NCAA athletes should get paid debate but if you're there on scholarship and want to keep it then you put in the work they say to put in.

>

> It is an interesting debate. What are your thoughts on Student Athletes getting paid?

> I feel like College golf might disapear if they start paying College Athletes.

 

Won't happen. The NCAA is too corrupt and too many people are lining their pockets on the backs of these kids to ever let that happen. If anything you'll see some options for them to make money off of their likeness minus the school affiliation or they'll allow them to get 'jobs' to earn additional money.

[heavy_hitter]

> @kekoa said:

> > @"j.b.newton" said:

> > > @kekoa said:

> > > > @Redjeep83 said:

> > > > > @leezer99 said:

> > > > > > @Redjeep83 said:

> > > > > > good luck getting all your classes to be in the 9-noon range

> > > > >

> > > > > If you have an athletic academic adviser that is worth anything they can make this happen. With a few exceptions these kids aren't taking advanced courses that only have one lecture in the afternoon.

> > > >

> > > > early in college years it's easier as you get in more advanced classes you run into situations where it's only offered at after 1pm in some cases. Just my opinion but unless I was planning on going pro, I would put more time into study than 5 hours of practice a day.

> > >

> > > Like @leezer99 said, it is doubtful that players are taking advanced courses if in a D1 golf program. If you aren't willing to give it a go with the practice and everything else that comes along with being in the program then you are better off giving the spot to a kid that is.

> >

> > Working with and around several D1 and D2 programs, your "country club sports" (golf, tennis, water polo, etc) FOR THE MOST PART are your better students and pushing for higher academic standings than just a passing grade. As such, they have to take lab courses if they are science based or internship based business courses to further their academic/professional careers. **Golf is a sport that you do not have to practice with a team - you can get your work in earlier or later**, and be with the team for qualifying and tournaments.

> > That said - the above listed schedule is about right for most athletic programs across the board.

> Your statement in bold is interesting. I can't see this going well at all, but you've been around some programs and I haven't.

>

 

What he said is accurate. Coaches will have morning, mid day, and afternoon sessions to accommodate everyone's schedule. Not everyone will be there at the same time, especially when they get into their Major courses. You then will have different times because one person may be studying International Finance, another Engineering, and another political science.

 

My daughter has class on

Monday 2:30-8:15

Tuesday 8:30-11:15

Wednesday 2:30-3:45

Thursday 8:30-11:45

Friday No Class

She is up everyday at 6:00 am. She eats and gets to the gym on M-W-F by 7 for either Cardio or Workout. They go meet with a trainer twice a week. These workouts are not counted towards team practice time because the coach isn't there. They are allowed 20 hours of practice time with their coaches a week which does not include travel or game time. I can tell you that my daughter is at the course 4-6 hours everyday practicing/playing including Sundays. She is usually in Bed everyday but Monday by 10:00.

 

Travel Time differs. D1 plays mainly 54 hole tournaments. Most of the time they are two days with 36 holes day 1 and 18 day 2. They always have a practice round before the tournament so they leave 2 days prior. They will also sit down as a team for a couple of hours before they leave to map out the course and take notes.

[heavy_hitter]

> @leezer99 said:

> > @admork said:

> > > @leezer99 said:

> > > > @Redjeep83 said:

> > > > > @leezer99 said:

> > > > > > @Redjeep83 said:

> > > > > > good luck getting all your classes to be in the 9-noon range

> > > > >

> > > > > If you have an athletic academic adviser that is worth anything they can make this happen. With a few exceptions these kids aren't taking advanced courses that only have one lecture in the afternoon.

> > > >

> > > > early in college years it's easier as you get in more advanced classes you run into situations where it's only offered at after 1pm in some cases. Just my opinion but unless I was planning on going pro, I would put more time into study than 5 hours of practice a day.

> > >

> > > I won't get into the whole NCAA athletes should get paid debate but if you're there on scholarship and want to keep it then you put in the work they say to put in.

> >

> > It is an interesting debate. What are your thoughts on Student Athletes getting paid?

> > I feel like College golf might disapear if they start paying College Athletes.

>

> Won't happen. The NCAA is too corrupt and too many people are lining their pockets on the backs of these kids to ever let that happen. If anything you'll see some options for them to make money off of their likeness minus the school affiliation or they'll allow them to get 'jobs' to earn additional money.

 

If you are on scholarship, you get a stipend from the University. My daughter get about $2000.00 a semester. Depending on the school, conference, sport, you can get more or less than that.

[heavy_hitter]

> @admork said:

> > @CTgolf said:

> > So 28 hours a week just between practice/play/qualifying rounds/team workouts? When is there any time to study or socialize?

> >

> > Seems like a bad setup for anyone who cares about having a real career.

>

> The NCAA only allows 20 hours a week in season, with one day off a week and no more than 4 hours a day. In those 20 hours you have to count workouts, practice, team functions and qualifiers. So, basically 3 workouts of 1 hour (=3hours), 3 times 18 holes (=12hours), 2 practice sessions of 2 hours (=4hours) and 1hour left for a team function (for a total of 20hours).

 

You only have to count workouts if the coach is there supervising. Also, if you are qualifying and it takes 5 hours to play the round, the coach only has to count that as 3 hours of practice.

[TripleBogeysrbetter]

Stay away from programs that have all Junior College transfers. Stay away from programs with poor results in the last 10 years. Stay away from programs with schedules/tournaments that change every year.

>

Great info thank you! Son has been targeting schools with 2-3 kids leaving in 2021. Coaches seem to be more willing to talk with having to fill a few slots.

 

 

[MK7Golf21]

> @heavy_hitter said:

> > @leezer99 said:

> > > @admork said:

> > > > @leezer99 said:

> > > > > @Redjeep83 said:

> > > > > > @leezer99 said:

> > > > > > > @Redjeep83 said:

> > > > > > > good luck getting all your classes to be in the 9-noon range

> > > > > >

> > > > > > If you have an athletic academic adviser that is worth anything they can make this happen. With a few exceptions these kids aren't taking advanced courses that only have one lecture in the afternoon.

> > > > >

> > > > > early in college years it's easier as you get in more advanced classes you run into situations where it's only offered at after 1pm in some cases. Just my opinion but unless I was planning on going pro, I would put more time into study than 5 hours of practice a day.

> > > >

> > > > I won't get into the whole NCAA athletes should get paid debate but if you're there on scholarship and want to keep it then you put in the work they say to put in.

> > >

> > > It is an interesting debate. What are your thoughts on Student Athletes getting paid?

> > > I feel like College golf might disapear if they start paying College Athletes.

> >

> > Won't happen. The NCAA is too corrupt and too many people are lining their pockets on the backs of these kids to ever let that happen. If anything you'll see some options for them to make money off of their likeness minus the school affiliation or they'll allow them to get 'jobs' to earn additional money.

>

> If you are on scholarship you are getting paid, All kids get a stipend. My daughter get close to $2000 each semester from the university. Depending on the conference and school, the kids can get more or less.

 

exactly probably getting paid more than most on web.com tour considering tuition costs these days.

[heavy_hitter]

> @Redjeep83 said:

> > @heavy_hitter said:

> > > @leezer99 said:

> > > > @admork said:

> > > > > @leezer99 said:

> > > > > > @Redjeep83 said:

> > > > > > > @leezer99 said:

> > > > > > > > @Redjeep83 said:

> > > > > > > > good luck getting all your classes to be in the 9-noon range

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > If you have an athletic academic adviser that is worth anything they can make this happen. With a few exceptions these kids aren't taking advanced courses that only have one lecture in the afternoon.

> > > > > >

> > > > > > early in college years it's easier as you get in more advanced classes you run into situations where it's only offered at after 1pm in some cases. Just my opinion but unless I was planning on going pro, I would put more time into study than 5 hours of practice a day.

> > > > >

> > > > > I won't get into the whole NCAA athletes should get paid debate but if you're there on scholarship and want to keep it then you put in the work they say to put in.

> > > >

> > > > It is an interesting debate. What are your thoughts on Student Athletes getting paid?

> > > > I feel like College golf might disapear if they start paying College Athletes.

> > >

> > > Won't happen. The NCAA is too corrupt and too many people are lining their pockets on the backs of these kids to ever let that happen. If anything you'll see some options for them to make money off of their likeness minus the school affiliation or they'll allow them to get 'jobs' to earn additional money.

> >

> > If you are on scholarship you are getting paid, All kids get a stipend. My daughter get close to $2000 each semester from the university. Depending on the conference and school, the kids can get more or less.

>

> exactly probably getting paid more than most on web.com tour considering tuition costs these days.

 

The Power Conferences get a lot more money. If they live off campus they get to keep above and beyond what it costs to stay in a dorm and be on the meal plan as well. Was talking to a football player at a Power 5 school and he pocketed more than 10 grand a year.

[admork]

> @heavy_hitter said:

> > @admork said:

> > > @CTgolf said:

> > > So 28 hours a week just between practice/play/qualifying rounds/team workouts? When is there any time to study or socialize?

> > >

> > > Seems like a bad setup for anyone who cares about having a real career.

> >

> > The NCAA only allows 20 hours a week in season, with one day off a week and no more than 4 hours a day. In those 20 hours you have to count workouts, practice, team functions and qualifiers. So, basically 3 workouts of 1 hour (=3hours), 3 times 18 holes (=12hours), 2 practice sessions of 2 hours (=4hours) and 1hour left for a team function (for a total of 20hours).

>

> You only have to count workouts if the coach is there supervising. Also, if you are qualifying and it takes 5 hours to play the round, the coach only has to count that as 3 hours of practice.

 

You are correct, you only have to count the mandatory team workouts, any voluntary practice does not count toward the 20 hours a week.

For the 5 hours qualifiers rounds, they have to be reported in the 20 hours a week. I am not saying all coaches count them but it is a NCAA rule to do so. Only competition rounds or competition practice rounds count as 3 hours max per NCAA legislation.

There is a fine line between voluntary and mandatory practice, but the new NCAA Time Management Plan (TMP) is here to help regulate those 20 hours a week of mandatory practice.