What Scores Do You Need to Play College Golf? D1, D2, D3, NAIA & JUCO Guide

Think you're good enough to play college golf? Here's how your scores compare.

One of the most common questions junior golfers and parents have during the recruiting process is:

What scores do you actually need to play college golf?

The answer depends heavily on the school. A golfer who is a strong recruit for one program might not be competitive for another program in the same division.

But current college scoring data can give you a very useful starting point.

College Golf Scoring Averages by Division

One helpful benchmark is the scoring average of the fifth player on a college roster. This gives recruits an idea of the level they may need to reach to compete for a traveling spot.

Men's College Golf

Women's College Golf

These are averages—not recruiting requirements. Programs within the same division can have dramatically different scoring levels.

What If You Average 72–74?

You're playing very strong tournament golf.

For men's golf, this range can put you in the conversation with many college programs, including potential Division I opportunities. Elite D1 programs, however, can be considerably more competitive.

For women's golf, these scores can make you a very competitive prospect across a wide range of programs.

What If You Average 75–78?

You have plenty of potential college golf opportunities.

Depending on your tournament schedule, academics, development and results, you could explore programs across D1, D2, D3, NAIA and NJCAA.

Don't automatically eliminate a division based solely on your scoring average. Research the individual programs and the golfers currently on their rosters.

What If You Average 79–85?

Yes, college golf can still be an option.

Division III, NAIA and NJCAA programs offer opportunities across a wide range of competitive levels, and some Division II programs may also be worth exploring.

The important thing is finding programs that match your current ability and development potential.

Do College Coaches Only Care About Scores?

No.

Coaches may also consider:

• Tournament results

• Strength of competition

• Course difficulty

• Consistency

• Golf rankings

• Academics

• Athletic potential

• Improvement over time

• Character and communication

A single round of 68 looks great, but coaches need to understand what you consistently shoot in tournament conditions.

Don't Make This Recruiting Mistake

One of the biggest mistakes junior golfers make is only contacting schools they recognize.

You might contact 30 highly competitive Division I programs, receive very few responses and assume coaches aren't interested.

The real problem could simply be your target list.

There may be dozens of D2, D3, NAIA, NJCAA—or even other D1—programs where your scores make you a strong potential recruit.

Ask a Better Question

Instead of asking:

"Am I good enough to play college golf?"

Ask:

"Which college golf programs are the best fit for my scores?"

Research the golfers currently playing for programs you're interested in. Look at their scoring, tournament results and competitive schedules.

Then build your recruiting list around programs where you have a realistic opportunity to compete.

Find College Golf Programs That Fit Your Game

College Recruitment Portal helps junior golfers and parents navigate the recruiting process in one place.

Search college golf programs, access coach contact information, build your recruiting profile, create your target-school list, contact coaches and track your recruiting progress.

Don't guess which schools you should contact.

Find the programs that fit your game and start your college golf recruiting process today.