For junior golfers aspiring to play at the collegiate level, a well-crafted golf resume is essential. It’s your opportunity to showcase your skills, achievements, and potential to college coaches. Since coaches often have limited time to evaluate recruits, your resume needs to grab their attention and leave a lasting impression. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating a standout golf resume that sets you apart.
1. Start with a Professional Format
First impressions matter, and your resume’s layout can make or break its effectiveness. Opt for a clean, professional design that is easy to read.
- Use clear headings to organize information into sections.
- Limit the resume to one or two pages.
- Save and share it as a PDF to maintain formatting.
Choose fonts and colors that convey professionalism, avoiding anything overly flashy or distracting.
2. Include Contact Information
At the top of your resume, include:
- Cell Phone Number
- Email Address
- Parents/Guardians Names
- High School Information
- Coaches Name, Email Address & Phone Number
Make sure your contact information is up-to-date and that your email address is professional (e.g., no nicknames or unrelated phrases).
3. Craft a Personal Statement
A brief personal statement is a great way to introduce yourself to coaches. This should be 2-3 sentences summarizing who you are, your goals, and what makes you unique as a golfer and student.
For example:
“I am a dedicated junior golfer with a passion for both academics and athletics. With a scoring average of 74 and a 4.0 GPA, I strive to bring discipline, focus, and leadership to every aspect of my life. My goal is to contribute to a collegiate golf team while pursuing a degree in business.”
4. Highlight Academic Achievements
College coaches value student-athletes who excel in the classroom. Include a section detailing your academic performance:
- Eligibility Center Number
- Cumulative GPA
- High School Name & Phone Number
- SAT/ACT Scores
- Desired Major(optional)
- List of Any Honors or AP Classes
If you’ve taken advanced placement (AP) or honors courses, mention them to demonstrate your commitment to academic rigor.
5. Showcase Golf Performance
The heart of your resume is your golf accomplishments. Include:
- NCAA ID
- Scoring Average: Provide your current 18-hole scoring average for tournaments.
- Tournament Results: List notable finishes, including the tournament name, date, location, and your score/rank. Focus on competitive events like AJGA, USGA, or state-level tournaments.
- Rankings: Mention your national, regional, or state rankings from organizations like Golfstat or Junior Golf Scoreboard.
- Golf Stats: Highlight metrics such as driving distance, greens in regulation, or putts per round to give coaches a fuller picture of your game.
Organize this section in reverse chronological order, with the most recent achievements first.
6. Include Relevant Skills and Attributes
College coaches are looking for more than just scores—they want well-rounded players who contribute positively to their teams. Include a section that highlights your:
- Leadership skills (e.g., team captain roles).
- Work ethic and discipline.
- Sportsmanship and teamwork.
Use specific examples when possible, such as “Mentored younger team members to improve their skills and confidence during practices.”
7. Add Videos and Media Links
Video footage can help coaches evaluate your swing mechanics and overall game. Include links to:
- A highlight reel showcasing your swing, short game, and putting.
- Clips from tournament play, focusing on key moments like challenging shots or clutch putts.
Keep videos concise (2-3 minutes) and ensure they’re high-quality. Hosting them on platforms like YouTube or Vimeo is a convenient way to share.
8. Mention Extracurricular Activities and Volunteer Work
Coaches appreciate players who contribute to their communities and have diverse interests. Highlight any:
- Extracurricular activities (e.g., school clubs, music, or art).
- Volunteer work or community service.
- Jobs or internships that demonstrate responsibility and time management.
This section shows your character and commitment beyond the golf course.
9. Tailor Your Resume for Each Coach
Generic resumes are less effective. Customize your resume to reflect the interests and priorities of each college program. Research the team’s culture, recent accomplishments, and coaching philosophy, and weave relevant details into your resume.
For example, if a program emphasizes academics, highlight your GPA and scholarly achievements more prominently.
10. Proofread and Review
Before sending your resume, proofread it carefully for errors. Spelling mistakes or inaccuracies can leave a poor impression. Ask a coach, teacher, or family member to review it as well to ensure it’s polished and professional.
Building a standout golf resume takes time and attention to detail, but it’s a vital step in the recruiting process. A well-crafted resume not only showcases your skills and achievements but also reflects your dedication and professionalism.
Remember, your resume is a living document. Update it regularly with new accomplishments and tailor it to highlight your strengths for each program. By presenting a compelling and comprehensive profile, you’ll increase your chances of catching the eye of college coaches and taking the next step in your golf career.
If you are looking to take this a step further and maybe get some additional help with your college recruiting resume, contact the team at Path Fore Success today! Send us an email today at info@pathforesuccess.com to get started today!
For more posts like this one, check out our blog here: Path Fore Success Blog. You can also follow us on Instagram & Twitter for more!
