The college golf process looks different for every athlete. The perspectives shared below reflect individual experiences, lessons learned, and insights gained along the way, intended to help families better understand the realities of the journey.
Annabelle Ackroyd
2 Years at University of Minnesota
3 Years at Elon University
"I was lucky enough to play five years of NCAA Division I college golf and compete in over 115 competitive college rounds. After committing to the University of Minnesota at 15, I spent my first two seasons there. Growing up in Calgary, I dreamed of attending a big-name American school and experiencing high-level Division I athletics. Minnesota gave me that experience, but it also showed me how much these programs operate like businesses.
The resources were exceptional, from world-class facilities to academic tutors, but everything was geared toward athletic performance. Golf came first, and life outside the sport could be difficult to balance. I was often encouraged to take easier academic paths so I could focus more on golf, which is common in high-level athletics.
Since I did not enjoy the city or the athletic department environment, I decided to enter the transfer portal. It was the hardest decision I had made, but it forced me to reconsider what truly mattered. I prioritized academics, safety, and a campus community where I could grow beyond my sport.
That decision led me to Elon University. If you had told 15-year-old Annabelle that I would end up at a mid-major school that most Canadians had never heard of, I would not have believed you. But Elon was exactly what I needed. The classes were small and personal, the competition was still strong, and the constant pressure I had felt before was gone. I had time to build a life outside of golf, and my game improved because of it. I became a better player, a better teammate, and a better person.
I served as captain for my final two years and earned my master’s degree, finishing my college career somewhere that helped me grow into the person I am today.
With all that being said, take the time to think carefully about what truly matters to you and what you want out of your college experience.
Biggest Misconceptions
One of the biggest misconceptions is that smaller conferences are less competitive and that the golf is weaker. That simply isn’t true. The top players in the CAA could easily compete in Big Ten lineups. The main difference between conferences is depth. On some teams, there may be a drop-off in the fourth and fifth spots, but the top three players on most Division I teams are capable of competing at a Power Five level.
What I Wish I Knew Beforehand
Playing 36 holes in one day is exhausting. There is no shortcut around that. If you can, try walking 36 beforehand to understand the physical and mental demand. It is tough for everyone. Make sure you are eating consistently and give yourself permission to reset mentally throughout the day. You are out there for 10 to 12 hours, and it is unrealistic to expect perfect focus the entire time.
What I Would Do Differently in My Recruiting Experience
I chose a cold-weather school because I thought practicing indoors would create a better balance between academics and golf. That assumption was wrong. You practice just as much at cold-weather schools as you do at warm-weather schools. The only difference is the setting. In warm climates, you are outside. In cold climates, you may be indoors for hours at a time.
Where I Am Now
After graduating, I spent a few months traveling around Europe. As a student-athlete, you do not get traditional summers or long breaks, so having that time was something I really valued. I then moved back to Calgary and began working at an oil and gas company as a Marketing and Logistics Analyst. I do not play much competitive golf anymore, but it still comes in handy at corporate tournaments.
— Annabelle Ackroyd
Bachelors of Strategic Communication, Class of 2023
Masters of Business Analytics, Class of 2024
"The whole recruitment process for college golf—especially for juniors in Canada—can feel overwhelming when you don’t have all the information. Looking back, there are a few things I wish I had known, and I hope sharing them helps others navigating the same journey.
It might sound cliché, but when people talk about student-athletes, student truly comes first. Strong high school grades make the recruitment process much easier and help you stand out to coaches. Remember, you need to give a coach a reason to choose you over someone local. If they don’t have to worry about a recruit’s academic eligibility, that’s a major advantage.
Personalizing your communication with coaches also matters. Avoid sending generic emails that start with “Dear College Golf Coach.” Use their name, mention the school, and include something specific you’ve learned about the program. These coaches receive hundreds of emails—showing genuine interest is an easy way to stand out.
Maintaining relationships is equally important. Follow up on your conversations, share your results, and stay engaged with how their team is performing. Coaches want strong players, but they also look for people who are respectful, proactive, and invested.
Finally, choose a school where you’ll have the chance to play. Sure, it sounds impressive to say you attend a top-tier golf program, but you won’t improve if you never travel or compete. It’s far more valuable to join a team where you can earn a spot, contribute, and grow as a player.
At the end of the day, college golf was one of the best experiences of my life. I hope these insights help others make the most of their own journeys."
— Brendan MacDougall
BBA. Bachelor of Business Administration and Accounting, Class of 2020
B.A. in Economics, Class of 2021
Current Professional Golfer
Brendan MacDougall
4 Years at High Point University
1 Year at University of Nevada
"As a junior golfer, I found tremendous value in seeking out the strongest competition possible. I played extensively in the United States on various tours and in major events, including the U.S. Junior Amateur. I also represented Alberta Golf on the provincial team and later competed on Golf Canada’s National Development Team. My biggest takeaway from that period is simple: if you are serious about development, you should always be trying to play the best competition you can find, whether that is within your province, across Canada, or in the U.S.
I was fortunate to be recruited by various NCAA programs and ultimately chose to pursue my collegiate golf career and degree at UCLA. After competing at the Division I level, I played professionally before returning to UCLA as the assistant coach for the men’s golf team. That experience gave me a different perspective on recruiting and player development, and reinforced how important maturity, work ethic, and coachability are at the college level. College coaches are under immense pressure to create the best roster they can, and they may be speaking to many athletes at once. Being transparent with coaches is highly valuable. Knowing what kind of facilities you need, the level of scholarship you want, and the level of play you want to pursue can help shape your opinions and prepare you to speak with coaches.
At the end of the day, the only thing that truly matters is your ability to score in competition. Any competitive experience is valuable. Learn to play in difficult conditions, learn how to make birdies, and most importantly, learn how to enjoy the process. Development does not happen without joy. If you stop having fun, progress becomes much harder to sustain.
For juniors considering the recruiting path, I would encourage you to fully commit to your development and stay open to where the game might take you. Golf has a way of opening doors you never expected if you are willing to put in the work and enjoy the journey."
— Patrick Murphy
B.Sc. Political Science, Class of 2018
J.D. Candidate at University of Wisconsin Law School, Class of 2026
Former Professional Golfer
Patrick Murphy
4 Years at UCLA
"I grew up playing competitive junior golf, where the game quickly taught me discipline, resilience, and the importance of process over results. Looking back, the biggest things I believe juniors should focus on are developing strong fundamentals, learning how to practice with intention, and building mental toughness rather than chasing scores or rankings too early.
I was relatively late to the college golf recruiting process because I participated in other sports, which helped me become the well-rounded athlete my college coaches were looking for. College coaches aren’t just looking for a good golfer; they are looking for someone who can multitask, prioritize responsibilities, and adapt to different circumstances as they arise.
My college golf journey had its ups and downs. I began at a school that I knew wasn’t the right fit from my first semester, but I had always been taught not to quit. I stayed for four years trying to make the coach like me, rather than accepting that some situations aren’t meant for you and can’t be fixed with hard work alone.
I later transferred to another university to play my COVID year and had the complete opposite experience. I was happy, playing great golf, and finally enjoying the student-athlete experience. Transferring gave me a fresh start and a much better overall experience, allowing me to grow as both a player and a person. Those contrasting experiences shaped my perspective on college golf, recruiting, and the importance of finding the right environment.
It is important for young junior golfers to start finding their own voice and determining what truly matters to them sooner rather than later. I learned too late what was best for me as a person and an athlete, and how to break away from following what everyone else thought was right for me. College golf is supposed to be fun—a time in your life when you meet new people, receive a great education, and experience something truly unique as a student-athlete. Know your strengths, understand your areas for improvement, and always prioritize your growth toward becoming the best person and athlete you can be."
— Kehler Koss
BBA. Bachelor of Business Administration, Class of 2021
Master of Sport Psychology, Class of 2023
Master of Sports Management, Class of 2023
Kehler Koss
4 Years at New Mexico State University
2 Years at Illinois State University
Jacob Chicoyne
1 Year at Simon Fraser University
3 Years at Old Dominion University
"After going through the recruitment process and transfer process twice, I had a lot of takeaways. For starters it is a fun but tedious process full of uncertainty.
Coaches can ignore you for weeks on end and then be fully invested in you, so it is important to be persistent. I learned that it’s about being personable when you talk with coaches, learn something about them during your call and ask about it in a later email/phone call. Prepping for the 1 on 1 calls in terms of research of the school is so vital and that’s where I wish I did a better job. Learning about the sports is one thing, but to know about the school itself is another aspect.
My advice for others going through this process is to understand where you could positively impact the team and highlight it to the coach. Lastly, University is about the whole experience so make sure the whole experience fits what you are looking for. Don’t go somewhere just because it’s in a power 5 conference, go there because you will be able to play and enjoy the time (reps are more important than the schools reputation)."
— Jacob Chicoyne
B.Sc. Business Administration, Class of 2024
Masters of Applied Economics, Class of 2025
Current Professional Golfer
1 Year at Washington State University
Jocelyn Casey
2 Years at University of British Columbia
2 Years at Oklahoma State University
"My journey to play collegiate golf was not the usual route. I decided to be competitive at golf rather late compared to my peers. When I was 14 I was a 25 handicap and decided I wanted to be competitive and get a golf scholarship. I dove headfirst into playing, practicing and most importantly playing tournaments. I signed up for competitions every weekend.
By the time I was in grade 12, I still was improving and was down to a scratch handicap, but I did not have that many key tournament results that were worth much to college scouts. I started sending out letters and speaking to some coaches in the US (like universities in Idaho and Colorado that were Div 2 or NAIA); however, nothing seemed like a fit. My swing coach at the time reached out to the UBC coach. I had some BC tournaments lined up so went to check out UBC. I liked the coach and at the time Education was a major factor in my decision. UBC seemed like the best fit.
While at UBC, my game improved significantly – practice, fitness, and again more tournaments meant I was gaining key competitive experience. During my second year I was presented with an opportunity to transfer to Oklahoma State University – a Div 1 school with quite the spread of alumni. I flew down to check out the school and meet some of the team. I was given a spot on the team but no guarantee of play or scholarship. I took the chance and ended up qualifying for the first tournaments of the year.
This was next level. The commitment players make when they sign for a Div 1 team is amazing. Your typical day is a 5:30 am wake up for a workout. You then go to class until noon. The rest of the day is spent at the course. Weekends – if not qualifying to make the team or travelling – all day practicing. In college golf five people play each week but there are usually 8-12 people on the squad.
I loved every minute of it. It took my game from a good player to one who could win. I ended up winning two Alberta amateurs and finally being somewhat competitive at Canadian Amateurs. I also was awarded a scholarship at OSU after my first semester – having consistently made the top 5 via qualifying.
My advice for junior golfers would be play as much as you can in a competitive environment. Enter as many tournaments as possible. Practice is important but it is hard to simulate the pressure of tournaments. This is where you learn to win. College coaches don’t care about your handicap, you need to be able to shoot the low scores in tournaments.
My second piece of advice is it is never too late to take chances and improve. If given those great opportunities, even if you feel like you are not good enough, take the chance. You have unlimited potential for improvement and unlimited birdies in you!"
— Jocelyn Casey
MBA, Oklahoma State University, Class of 2014
B.Sc. Finance, Oklahoma State University, Class of 2012
Georgia Barr
4th Year Golfer at Gardner Webb
“Growing up as a competitive junior golfer in Canada, I felt constant pressure to play every tournament possible. Summers were packed with back-to-back events, and winters were spent traveling to compete. I didn’t realize at the time that playing more tournaments didn’t necessarily make me better. What I wish I had understood earlier was the value of rest, recovery, and taking time between events to actually work on weaknesses. College coaches care far more about the quality of golf you play than the number of events on your schedule.
I also wish I had taken nutrition and fitness more seriously as a junior. Building general strength early would have helped my performance and prevented injuries later on. When it came time for recruiting, I didn’t fully understand how college golf worked or what coaches were actually looking for. Blindly emailing coaches without context led to frustration. Everything changed once I clarified what I wanted academically and athletically, and aligned my expectations with realistic opportunities.
I ultimately committed to a university that fit both my goals and my development. Over time, I grew into a leadership role on the team and had an incredibly positive collegiate experience. Looking back, clarity, realistic expectations, and understanding the process would have made a huge difference earlier on.”
— Georgia Barr
B.Sc. Business Management (Marketing), Class of 2026