College programs that GBGA students have been part of:
College Honorable Mention:
Scott Feaster (University of South Carolina): Won the 2002 Coker College Intercollegiate
Jon Stephenson (Wofford): 2-time Academic All-American
Adam Dox (Wofford): 1-time Academic All-American
Chase Butler (North Greenville): Won the 2004 BMW Intercollegiate Invitational
Charles Wagner (Newberry College): Won the 2006 Mid-Carolina Inivitational
George Bryan IV (University of South Carolina):
2007 SEC Freshman Academic Honor Roll, PING Honorable Mention All-America, PING All-Southeast Region, 2 Time SEC Golfer of the Week
2008 SEC Spring Sports Academic Honor Roll, All SEC 1st Team, Ping All-Southeast Region, National Golfer of the Week by both Golfweek and Golf World, SEC Golfer of the Week, Won the 2008 Schenkel E-Z-GO Invitational
Wesley Bryan (University of South Carolina): Won the 2008 Rees Jones Intercollegiate
QUESTIONS YOU MIGHT HAVE ABOUT COLLEGE GOLF!
My child is interested in college golf - where do I start? Right here! Our information is current and accurate, it is not "heresay."
How good do you have to be to play college golf? Depends on what level: Division I, Division I-AA, Division II, Division III, or NAIA. Look up different schools and see what kind of scores they are shooting.
What about recruiting? And how does a player get noticed? Believe it or not, the process is initiated by the player! In many cases, it is the player who contacts the school and coach and even cultivates the process.
What kind of tournament should we play in? The type that is a good fit for the player. There is some awful information floating around! There has been more talent wasted than developed in junior golrf due to mistakes on this topic.
What are most college coaches looking for? Good people, good grades, good games! The first is almost a given because all golfers are good people so many of the "first questions" a coach will ask about is what kind of student the athlete is. Golf scores are obvious, they are on the scoreboard!
When does a college coach start looking seriously at a player? Too early now! There are coaches looking closely at 12 and 13 year olds!
How and why so young and early? Children can early commit and this is a popular trend. That's right, 9th and 10th graders are verbally committing!
How do you choose a college program? Obviously, the school demographics and academics should be a top priority. When it comes to athletics, it is extremely important that the program as it is and has been, be a good fit for the player.
Who should initiate communication with the college coaches? The player! NOT the parents!
When should the communication start? Early! As soon as the "college golf goal" is established.
Why is it so easy for girls to get scholarships in golf? This is simply in-accurate information. It is not easy! And "scholarship" is loosely used!
Who should we talk to about this college golf topic? First, experts, people who are in contact with college coaches and players frequently. Former college players and coaches and current players and coaches, also.
My senior is high school has fallen in love with golf and recently decided he/she wants to play college golf - is this too late? NO! Absolutely not! Where there is passion and will, there is a way! The "map" and the "plan" becomes very important.
Are there publications, websites or others to reference on this topic? Yes! John Brooks' website is http://www.rednumbersgolf.com/ and there is also the PING American College Golf Guide available on the web only - http://www.collegegolf.com/collegegolf/.
What are some areas PARENTS can help with "College Bound Children?" Encourage and support and be their best fan. Help in all areas of advanced planning and preparation. Listen to their golf stories; ask lots of questions about their games and practice; let them earn the privilege! Use special trips of competitions as a reward and let them OWN their game!
What should parents NOT do for their college bound players? Parents should not amke children play or practice. (If they start a round, a tournamet, or aseason, they should finish!) Parents should not be frequently contacting college coaches. Let the players lead the way! Parents should not listen to the "heresay"! Develop opinions and make decisions based on facts, and take advice from EXPERTS ONLY! There is so much BAD information floating around and it is disheartening to learn after the fact and when it is too late, that there were other or even better options available.