As a free service to our membership, the CJGA will assist juniors in finding an opportunity to play golf at the collegiate level. Our staff will work with the junior player and his/her family to develop a list of potential schools, create a resume and communicate with prospective coaches. Contact the CJGA staff for more information by calling 303.366.4653 ext. 3 or EMAIL us.

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NAVIGATING COLLEGE GOLF
Too often we see the game as a means to the end. The thinking is, “Junior golf leads to a college scholarship.” While we are extremely proud of our alumni that have gone on to successful college careers and professional tours, we also realize that only a select few reach this golden path. More important is the fact the family gets to spend some great time together in a sport based on true integrity.

College golf is a great avenue to expand horizons and add an additional dimension to the learning experience. We will assist any player in fulfilling their goals of taking their game to the next level. However, parents and players alike need to be realistic in their goals of playing on the college level. Parents tend to believe their “star” is ready to take on Tiger or Annika, when they really can’t dominate their local events. Our job is to advise those eager to take that next competitive step, no matter their true gifts on the course. Please realize we want every child to play on the college level, but we are going to recommend a path that is more based on a quality education that will suit the player’s needs. The Ping American College Golf Guide is a vital tool for any college-bound golfer.

“As a college golf coach, we strongly encourage every junior golfer to do several things as they proceed throughout their athletic careers,” said Roy Edwards, men’s golf coach at the University of Colorado. “The first is to enjoy the competition. Second is to make sure you prove the ability to win at one level before you advance to the next. There is absolutely nothing that instills confidence like winning and playing good golf. The CGA and CJGA are not only excellent organizations, but they are perfect training grounds for young players aspiring to play high-level amateur and college golf. The tournaments are inexpensive and they are played on very good courses against outstanding competition.”

As was mentioned earlier, the most common questions we receive are from parents who want to get their juniors to play golf at the collegiate level. In following our “road map” we suggest that players and their families begin their path at a young age at their home club and then work into local junior golf leagues. Once a player is ready for competition, he/she should focus on participating in their local junior tournaments and then look to participate in their local junior golf association. As players develop and have a desire to play nationally, they should focus on in-state national qualifying events including the U.S. Junior Amateur, Big I Junior Classic, Optimist International, Callaway Junior World, U.S. Kids, etc. The ultimate goal for junior players should be to point toward their state junior championships (Junior Stroke Play/Junior Match Play) and in certain states such as Colorado the high school championship. As our players prove they can compete at the highest level in the state, they can then start to compete at major national events like the Western Junior, Junior Americas Cup and selected national junior tour events. As schedules permit, most college coaches will suggest that you fill in selected regional golf tour events from tours such as the AJGA, IJGT, FCWT, RMJGT, Plantations, etc.

Selecting a schedule from the vast lists of tournaments conducted both locally and nationally can be a daunting task. What makes it even more difficult is the fact that each junior’s schedule will need to be tailored to his/her specific needs and wants; no players are exactly alike. For assistance in building a schedule, contact the Colorado Junior Golf Association staff. We would enjoy the opportunity to discuss your “road map” over the phone or in person.