73 replies to this topic

[semi]

Hi - I am 14 and doing well at my golf side of things but I am wondering about the other side - the grade side.  I am around 3.0 going to a good school.  Would that be acceptable?

Thanks

[Golfnole3]

Being a good golfer is one thing, but you can be an OK golfer and have great grades and the coach will normally pick you over the guy who is a better golfer but has a substantially lower GPA. This is because the coach doesn't want to worry about discipline problems or grade problems.

[TheMackDaddy]

Grades are essential. To get into a good D1 golf school you better have pretty darn good grades. 3.8+ GPA and on top of that be a talented golfer for some schools.

[Par Fore]

I think that a 3.0 is not acceptable

[Mr. Grumpy]

It depends on where you want to go to school, if scholarships are expected, and strength of the program is wanted. 3.0 is not bad, but if the program can be choosy because most applicants have 3.5 or higher, then you may be out of luck. This means that you cannot be choosy. Research other programs and the players scoring averages and GPA's to see how you might fit in.

[CannonAtShort23]

Wow, no offense but that's a load of crap. I play college baseball as a reference, and grades are important. However, there is no way a coach will pick a less talented player because he has better grades than a better player. It's really important to try to raise that 3.0 if you want to get into a good school, but you have time to do that if you're only 14. Study hard and practice harder. Keep your head in your golf and your studies. Have some fun in highschool too, but not too much, you'll have plenty of time once you get into college, trust me . And if you get into the school you want, it'll feel even sweeter.

Golfnole3, on 18 February 2012 - 12:09 AM, said:

Being a good golfer is one thing, but you can be an OK golfer and have great grades and the coach will normally pick you over the guy who is a better golfer but has a substantially lower GPA. This is because the coach doesn't want to worry about discipline problems or grade problems.

Edited by MrParr1Noid, 18 February 2012 - 01:15 AM.

[muxi87]

CannonAtShort23, on 18 February 2012 - 12:46 AM, said:

Wow, no offense but that's a load of crap. I play college baseball as a reference, and grades are important. However, there is no way a coach will pick a less talented player because he has better grades than a better player.

I coach college golf...I can tell you that you are flat out wrong.  

If it's even somewhat close with the skill level, I'd take the better student every time.

[Petethreeput]

This question is too vague.  Every school has different admission standards.  Every kid goes to a "good" school.  Are you at a good school like Exeter, or a good public school in urban Chicago?  Have the last 5 people from your school gone to your target school and failed out?  This is important, this is why there are feeder high schools to certain schools, because those students have historically gone on and done well at that particular university.  What else do you do?  If you only play golf and not a lot of other extra-curriuculars, colleges will look at you differently, unless of course you have a + HCP then the mono- focus can be overlooked.

IMO, just about everyone has a 3.0.  Grade inflation is rampant.  Golfers in general belong to a specific socio-economic class, rarely poverty, and these students tend to do better than the national average GPAs.  You are probably, again HCP and tournament result dependent, on track to attend "Central/ North/ South State University."

[awil]

Well  it depnds on the school . I think colleges look at the physical geade as well. I have a 2.9 at my school ( not good im working getting to a 3.2) but i have a average class percantage at about 85% so i feel my gpa dosent represent my overall  sucess and hope colleges look at that when they  admit me or want to give a schloarship

[kvnhlstd]

When my daughter was recruited she was carrying a 4.227 GPA, blew away the SAT, and had a class rank of 16 out of 700+ seniors. She also carried a 3.1 handicap from the mens white tees.  They are looking for someone who is equally adept in the classroom and the course, and the pond is full of them.

Edited by kvnhlstd, 18 February 2012 - 11:06 AM.

[thaus7]

I read a bolog that the u of washington coach writes about college recruiting, and he said last week that they are only looking for 3.5 and above

[TheMackDaddy]

Good thing I have a 3.83!

thaus7, on 18 February 2012 - 11:11 AM, said:

I read a bolog that the u of washington coach writes about college recruiting, and he said last week that they are only looking for 3.5 and above

[DaSportsGuy]

C's get degrees' brah. If you're good enough, they'll take you...unless we're talking like south of 2.6 or 2.7.

[TheMackDaddy]

C get degrees at local community colleges

DaSportsGuy, on 18 February 2012 - 11:19 AM, said:

C's get degrees' brah. If you're good enough, they'll take you...unless we're talking like south of 2.6 or 2.7.

[Hambone1]

C's get degrees...once you're admitted.

[CannonAtShort23]

The kid is talking about a big d1 golf school, not a juco or tiny d3 school.  Also, the kid said you can be an ok golfer and start over another ok golfer. I'm saying if somebody is a decent amount better than you, you are not going to play over him because you have better grades. If you are both close in skill level then ya, having a better gpa will give you a little bit of an advantage, but being an amazing golfer with a 3.5 will get looked at before a just ok golfer with a 3.7

muxi87, on 18 February 2012 - 08:11 AM, said:

CannonAtShort23, on 18 February 2012 - 12:46 AM, said:

Wow, no offense but that's a load of crap. I play college baseball as a reference, and grades are important. However, there is no way a coach will pick a less talented player because he has better grades than a better player.

I coach college golf...I can tell you that you are flat out wrong.  

If it's even somewhat close with the skill level, I'd take the better student every time.

Edited by CannonAtShort23, 18 February 2012 - 01:53 PM.

[llamont]

While I didn't play golf for big D1 powerhouse, I did play for a small D3 school and any new players how had less than a 3.0, or returning players with less than a 3.0, received academic assistance.  What does that have to do with the OP?  I'd say that the better your grades and overall academic performance, the better the chances that you are able to adapt to being able to maintain the rigors of your academic schedule while also meeting the demands of being a student athlete.  If you're 14, then you have time to work on your academics but you need to really put forth the effort to get your grades up, immediately.  While a 3.0 isn't terrible, there's still plenty of room for improvement.  This may not sound fun or cool, but if I were you, I'd get with my parents and teachers to figure out what steps can be taken to help you excel in the classroom while being able to keep on top of your golf game.  The first thing to remember when playing a sport while pursuing academics is that you are a student first and an athlete second.  Good luck!

[MadGolfer76]

I used to work in college admissions at Florida State University and am a past college instructor (though not for golf, so take what I say with a grain of salt). From what I have seen at most larger and/or reputable schools, you need both good grades and scores to be considered/admitted to the golf program or team. That isn't the case at all schools (remember Dustin Johnson?), so like others have said, different schools = different expectations.

There are also certain other points to consider. The better programs will want to see a history of success in tournament play. Preferably wins, but also high finishes. Overall academic grades can be mitigated somewhat by a combination of high SAT's, successful completion of AP work, particular types of community service, recommendations, and a beastly golf game, but that is less common. There are just so many stellar applicants out there.

If you go further down the list of programs, you will see differing standards, but even at your age, it isn't getting ahead of yourself to start visiting the programs you are thinking about and start asking questions. Contact past graduates and ask for input. There may be some here on WRX, so put out a call for information.

My two cents, for whatever it is worth.

[muxi87]

CannonAtShort23, on 18 February 2012 - 01:50 PM, said:

The kid is talking about a big d1 golf school, not a juco or tiny d3 school.  Also, the kid said you can be an ok golfer and start over another ok golfer. I'm saying if somebody is a decent amount better than you, you are not going to play over him because you have better grades. If you are both close in skill level then ya, having a better gpa will give you a little bit of an advantage, but being an amazing golfer with a 3.5 will get looked at before a just ok golfer with a 3.7

muxi87, on 18 February 2012 - 08:11 AM, said:

CannonAtShort23, on 18 February 2012 - 12:46 AM, said:

Wow, no offense but that's a load of crap. I play college baseball as a reference, and grades are important. However, there is no way a coach will pick a less talented player because he has better grades than a better player.

I coach college golf...I can tell you that you are flat out wrong.  

If it's even somewhat close with the skill level, I'd take the better student every time.

Actually, the quote I replied to was "there is no way a coach will pick a less talented player because he has better grades".

My reply to that quote is 100% correct.

Yep, I coach at a D3 school...and personally know several coaches at top 25 D1 and D2 programs.

I suppose you coach college golf and can tell me I'm wrong?

[thaus7]

TheMackDaddy, on 18 February 2012 - 11:13 AM, said:

Good thing I have a 3.83!

thaus7, on 18 February 2012 - 11:11 AM, said:

I read a bolog that the u of washington coach writes about college recruiting, and he said last week that they are only looking for 3.5 and above

u want to go to u of washington?

[TheMackDaddy]

Yessir

thaus7, on 18 February 2012 - 06:40 PM, said:

TheMackDaddy, on 18 February 2012 - 11:13 AM, said:

Good thing I have a 3.83!

thaus7, on 18 February 2012 - 11:11 AM, said:

I read a bolog that the u of washington coach writes about college recruiting, and he said last week that they are only looking for 3.5 and above

u want to go to u of washington?

[M.C.H.]

TheMackDaddy, on 18 February 2012 - 07:20 PM, said:

Yessir

thaus7, on 18 February 2012 - 06:40 PM, said:

TheMackDaddy, on 18 February 2012 - 11:13 AM, said:

Good thing I have a 3.83!

thaus7, on 18 February 2012 - 11:11 AM, said:

I read a bolog that the u of washington coach writes abou
t college recruiting, and he said last week that they are only looking for 3.5 and above

u want to go to u of washington?

Good Luck With That

[TheMackDaddy]

Thanks![quote name='The Next Tiger' timestamp='1329613471' post='4319569']
[quote name='TheMackDaddy' timestamp='1329610815' post='4319325']
Yessir[quote name='thaus7' timestamp='1329608431' post='4319121']
[quote name='TheMackDaddy' timestamp='1329581599' post='4316505']
Good thing I have a 3.83![quote name='thaus7' timestamp='1329581465' post='4316485']
I read a bolog that the u of washington coach writes abou
t college recruiting, and he said last week that they are only looking for 3.5 and above
[/quote]
[/quote]

u want to go to u of washington?


[/quote]
[/quote]
Good Luck With That

[/quote]

[thaus7]

TheMackDaddy, on 18 February 2012 - 07:20 PM, said:

Yessir

thaus7, on 18 February 2012 - 06:40 PM, said:

TheMackDaddy, on 18 February 2012 - 11:13 AM, said:

Good thing I have a 3.83!

thaus7, on 18 February 2012 - 11:11 AM, said:

I read a bolog that the u of washington coach writes about college recruiting, and he said last week that they are only looking for 3.5 and above

u want to go to u of washington?

U met coach thurmond yet? from reading his blog he seems like a really nice guy. id probably want to go there to, but washington is little too far from home for my liking. if your not already reading his blog i would recommend it, he gives some great free information about college golf and recruiting. heres a link http://coachthurmond.tumblr.com/

[TheMackDaddy]

Yes, I have met coach thurmon, and played with the two assistant coaches and the entire current team! thanks for the link![quote name='thaus7' timestamp='1329615893' post='4319801']
[quote name='TheMackDaddy' timestamp='1329610815' post='4319325']
Yessir[quote name='thaus7' timestamp='1329608431' post='4319121']
[quote name='TheMackDaddy' timestamp='1329581599' post='4316505']
Good thing I have a 3.83![quote name='thaus7' timestamp='1329581465' post='4316485']
I read a bolog that the u of washington coach writes about college recruiting, and he said last week that they are only looking for 3.5 and above
[/quote]
[/quote]

u want to go to u of washington?
[/quote]
[/quote]

U met coach thurmond yet? from reading his blog he seems like a really nice guy. id probably want to go there to, but washington is little too far from home for my liking. if your not already reading his blog i would recommend it, he gives some great free information about college golf and recruiting. heres a link [url="http://coachthurmond.tumblr.com/"]http://coachthurmond.tumblr.com/[/url]
[/quote]

[CannonAtShort23]

Ok you can think you're 100% right on that, you're entitled to your opinion . I don't get how you could think that though. You're telling me you'd pick a 4 hdc golfer over a plus 2 hdc golfer because his gpa is better?

muxi87, on 18 February 2012 - 05:28 PM, said:

CannonAtShort23, on 18 February 2012 - 01:50 PM, said:

The kid is talking about a big d1 golf school, not a juco or tiny d3 school.  Also, the kid said you can be an ok golfer and start over another ok golfer. I'm saying if somebody is a decent amount better than you, you are not going to play over him because you have better grades. If you are both close in skill level then ya, having a better gpa will give you a little bit of an advantage, but being an amazing golfer with a 3.5 will get looked at before a just ok golfer with a 3.7

muxi87, on 18 February 2012 - 08:11 AM, said:

CannonAtShort23, on 18 February 2012 - 12:46 AM, said:

Wow, no offense but that's a load of crap. I play college baseball as a reference, and grades are important. However, there is no way a coach will pick a less talented player because he has better grades than a better player.

I coach college golf...I can tell you that you are flat out wrong.  

If it's even somewhat close with the skill level, I'd take the better student every time.

Actually, the quote I replied to was "there is no way a coach will pick a less talented player because he has better grades".

My reply to that quote is 100% correct.

Yep, I coach at a D3 school...and personally know several coaches at top 25 D1 and D2 programs.

I suppose you coach college golf and can tell me I'm wrong?

[thaus7]

what 4 hdcp is playing college golf??? their are plenty of +2s out there, college coaches are going to pick the ones with the best grades. good grades give you a leg up on other recruits.

[CannonAtShort23]

o dear Lord I just threw out random numbers. Bottom line, if one guy has a decent amount more talent than 1 guy, he's gonna play over him, unless he's flunking. By the way I have 2 friends playing d3 golf with handicaps of 3.4 and 3.8. OP, do your best on what YOU can control. Your game and your grades. If you work hard at both, you should be able to play somewhere.

thaus7, on 18 February 2012 - 10:40 PM, said:

what 4 hdcp is playing college golf??? their are plenty of +2s out there, college coaches are going to pick the ones with the best grades. good grades give you a leg up on other recruits.

Edited by CannonAtShort23, 19 February 2012 - 01:05 AM.

[GatorNate11]

This is what every thread in the junior section comes to. OP, just work hard in the class and the course, see where it goes.

[generaljhc]

College coaches care about your grades. They will ask about GPA and ACT/SAT....work on your grades. Also, golfers do not receive full scholarships. Good grades and test scores could mean more money for you in the form of academic scholarships. All things being equal the coach will take the golfer with better grades.