Study and play golf in America – combine sports and study
Want to combine your passion for golf with a world-class degree? College golf in the USA is the most prestigious and effective route to take your game to the highest level. You’ll practice and compete on world-famous courses, gain access to the best technology, and play a tournament schedule many pros would envy. And you’ll do it all while earning your bachelor’s degree, with opportunities for talented players at every level.
On top of everything else, student-athletes learn to work and thrive in a team environment, which alters and shapes them into well-rounded, unselfish, team-oriented, and driven individuals. These qualities will help you be successful, whether on or off the course.
How does a golf scholarship work?
With over a thousand of universities offering golf programs, the opportunities are immense. Coaches evaluate your level based on a combination of factors, including your handicap, tournament scores, and your World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR).
The foundation is the athletic scholarship, which can cover up to the full cost of attendance (‘full ride’). This is often combined with:
Academic Scholarships: For strong grades (GPA) and test scores (SAT/ACT).
International Student Aid: Special funds that universities have available for non-US students.
‘Stacking’ these scholarships is an art. This is where our expertise makes all the difference in creating the best financial package for you.
What does a golf scholarship cover:
Tuition
Your scholarship can cover the full cost of tuition, which can range from $10,000 to over $70,000 per year.
Training gear
You will receive complete sets of team apparel, golf clubs, bags, and balls from top brands, all provided by the university.
Room&Board
The costs for your room on campus (‘dorms’) and your daily ‘meal plan’ can be fully covered by your scholarship.
Insurance
It is mandatory to have health insurance and some schools require international students to take a school’s policy.
Books
A significant expense that is often included in your scholarship package, saving you between $400 and $1200 annually.
Spending money
With a ‘full ride’ scholarship, you may even receive an extra monthly stipend for personal expenses.
Life as a college golfer: training & competition
As a student-athlete, you step into a fully professional environment. You’ll be surrounded by experts and have access to world-class facilities, including:
- A complete coaching staff: With a head coach, swing coach, short-game specialist, and a strength & conditioning coach.
- First-class facilities: Access to private championship courses, extensive driving ranges, putting greens, and indoor swing analysis technology like TrackMan.
- Expert medical support: Daily access to your own ‘athletic trainers’ (physical therapists) for prevention, treatment, and recovery.
Travel through America & battle for the championship
While golf is an individual sport, the college experience is a true team adventure. The fall is mainly focused on individual tournaments, while the spring is all about the team competition. You’ll travel with your team to prestigious tournaments across America, with the ultimate goal of qualifying for the NCAA National Championships, the pinnacle of college golf. But the experience goes much further:
- Travel as a team: You travel with your teammates, who quickly become your best friends, throughout the regio, and sometimes the entire country. This means not only competing but also discovering the diversity of America, from long bus rides filled with music and camaraderie to flights for important away matches.
- The dream of “The Nationals”: The ultimate goal of the season is to qualify for the conference tournament and then “The Nationals”: the national knockout tournament. Here, the best teams from across the US compete for the coveted National Championship. This is the ultimate on-stage experience where dreams become reality.
Overview of an academic year
Summer break – There is a possibility to stay in The USA and take summer classes or work in camps. Most students decide to go back to their families to enjoy the 2.5 month break to rest and individual preparation for pre-season.
Day in the life of a student-athlete
Sports & academics are 100% coordinated, so you have the opportunity to excel on both the golf course as well as in the classroom.
6:30
Weight/conditioningWake up,
get ready for the
weight/conditioning training.
7:45
Shower/BreakfastShower and then have breakfast with teammates or friends in one of the dining facilities on the college campus.
8:30
Classes11:45
LunchLunch with teammates and friends, again at one of the various food halls available on campus using your prepaid ‘meal plan’ card.
12:30
Classes14:30
PracticeArrive at the training room to prepare for practice. You may get stretched out or taped by an athletic trainer (physiotherapist)
17:30
Recover/Shower/DinnerBack to the training room to make sure you take care of yourself physically after practice (ice bath/physical therapy). After taking a shower you will have dinner with teammates and friends.
19:00
Study/LeisureTime to get some studying or homework done. When other sports teams are in action, a good College athlete supports their fellow athletes! The rest of the evening is your own!
4 Unique Facts about College Golf
The #1 Pathway to the PGA Tour Dreaming of a pro career? Consider this: over 70% of all players on the PGA and Korn Ferry Tour played college golf. It is the most proven path to the top.
Follow in the Footsteps of Legends The greatest to ever play the game followed this route. Tiger Woods (Stanford), Jack Nicklaus (Ohio State), and Annika Sörenstam (Arizona) are just a few of the icons who started their careers in college golf.
Play on World-Class Courses As a college golfer, you will compete weekly on the most prestigious and perfectly maintained courses in America. Some top teams even play events at courses like Augusta National, home of The Masters.
Team Glory & Individual Success The best of both worlds. Besides competing for the team championship, college golf also allows you to qualify for the National Championship as an individual. Your personal performance can take you to the highest stage
Curious About Your Chances?
Request a free, no-obligation evaluation. We’ll map out your personal opportunities.