Most Common Questions About College Golf
Everything you need to know before starting your college golf career in the US
College golf in the United States offers a distinctive opportunity: the chance to compete at a top level while earning a university degree. This is something rarely available anywhere else in the world.
At Keystone Sports, we connect golfers from around the globe with university programmes that match their academic and athletic goals. Throughout the recruitment process, our team regularly receives questions about golf scholarships, the American college system, and how it all works for international student-athletes.
How do golf scholarships work? What do you need to begin the process? This article answers the most common questions about college golf in the United States.
How does the college golf recruiting process work?
The college golf recruiting process for international students follows several clear steps.
First, our team evaluates your athletic and academic profile. We review your tournament results, videos, and school grades to identify which divisions and universities offer the best scholarship opportunities for you.
Next, we create a recruiting profile and share it with college coaches. Throughout the process, we handle communication with coaches, help you prepare for interviews, and guide you as scholarship offers come in.
Once you choose your best option, we assist with all eligibility requirements (NCAA/NAIA/NJCAA), English exams, admissions paperwork, and the student visa process.
What are the athletic and academic requirements for college golf?
To play college golf, you must meet both athletic and academic standards.
- Competitive tournament scoring average
- Tournament experience
- Minimum GPA requirement
- Complete required core courses in secondary school
- Test score requirements
- Maintain amateur status
What should I include in my golf highlight video?
When creating a recruiting video for college golf, you want to make sure it’s effective, concise, and showcases the full breadth of your game. Here’s what to include:
- Swing footage from different clubs and angles
- Short-game / speciality shots
- Natural swing speed
- Distance
- On-course shots / routine
What are the requirements to play NCAA Division I golf?
To compete in NCAA Division I golf, athletes need strong tournament results, typically averaging around par to the low 70s in high-level junior events. Many recruits also hold a 0 to +2 tournament handicap and have experience in national or international competitions.
Academically, players must meet NCAA eligibility standards, including core courses and a minimum 2.3 GPA.
How many hours of guided practice are allowed by the NCAA and NAIA?
In both the NCAA and NAIA, college golf teams follow strict limits on how much coach-supervised (or “countable”) practice they can do each week. During the official playing season, NCAA Division I and II programmes can require up to 20 hours of practice or team activities per week.
On tournament weeks, the practice round before competition automatically counts as 3 hours – regardless of how long it actually takes. Outside the championship season, NCAA teams are limited to 8 hours per week. This typically includes strength work and a limited amount of skill instruction.
The NAIA follows a similar structure. During the 24-week competitive season, NAIA athletes can participate in up to 20 hours per week of countable athletic activities. NAIA rules also require one mandatory day off per week.
While the two systems differ slightly in how they structure the season, both ensure that student-athletes balance academics with training and competition.
How many players are on a college golf team?
A college golf team has a maximum roster of nine players for both men’s and women’s teams in the NCAA, effective as of the 2025–2026 season. While the roster limit is nine, only five players typically travel to compete in each tournament.
How many tournaments do college golfers play each year?
A typical college golf season includes 4 to 5 autumn tournaments and 4 to 8 spring tournaments, for a total of about 8 to 13 tournaments per year. The autumn season is a “proving ground” for coaches to determine their line-ups, while the spring season culminates in the conference and NCAA championships.
Do college coaches care about academics?
Absolutely. Academics are crucial for several reasons. First, you must meet NCAA/NAIA eligibility requirements to enrol at a university. Once you join a college sports programme, you must maintain at least a 2.0 GPA each semester to remain academically eligible.
Coaches want players who can maintain their eligibility throughout their college career. If your grades fall below the required standard, you could be prevented from playing.
Do you have more questions about college golf or sports scholarships in the US? Our experts are here to help. With over 20 years of experience, Keystone Sports has helped hundreds of golfers achieve their American dreams. We support you through every step: profile review, university selection, and paperwork completion.
This is your opportunity to elevate your game, earn a degree, and have an experience that will change your life.
Complete our free evaluation form today and start your journey to college golf in the US!
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About the author
Lorena Montañés
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