Back to: College Recruiting Playbook
🎯 Overview
Navigating the college golf landscape requires a clear understanding of the various divisions, their competitive levels, scholarship offerings, and academic expectations. This lesson provides a detailed breakdown of NCAA Divisions I, II, III, NAIA, and NJCAA for both men’s and women’s golf programs.
🏌️♂️ Men’s College Golf Programs
NCAA Division I
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Number of Programs: Approximately 292
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Team Size: Average of 10 golfers; top 5 travel, top 4 compete
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Scholarships: Up to 4.5 per team (equivalency sport)
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Scoring Averages:
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Top-tier programs: 70–72
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Mid-level programs: 72–75
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Lower-tier programs: 75–78
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Recruiting Insights: Coaches prioritize nationally ranked players with strong tournament experience. Academic excellence is also a significant factor.
NCAA Division II
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Number of Programs: Approximately 218
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Team Size: Similar to Division I
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Scholarships: Up to 3.6 per team
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Scoring Averages:
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Top programs: 71–74
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Mid-level programs: 74–77
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Lower-tier programs: 77–80
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Recruiting Insights: Offers a balance between athletics and academics. Coaches look for consistent performers with potential for growth.
NCAA Division III
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Number of Programs: Approximately 304
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Scholarships: No athletic scholarships; financial aid based on academics and need
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Scoring Averages:
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Top programs: 72–75
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Mid-level programs: 75–78
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Lower-tier programs: 78–82
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Recruiting Insights: Emphasis on academic achievements and a passion for golf. Ideal for student-athletes seeking a balanced college experience.
NAIA
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Number of Programs: Approximately 250
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Scholarships: Up to 5 per team
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Scoring Averages:
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Top programs: 72–75
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Mid-level programs: 75–78
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Lower-tier programs: 78–82
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Recruiting Insights: Flexible eligibility requirements. Coaches value dedication and the potential to develop.
NJCAA (Junior College)
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Number of Programs: Approximately 200
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Scholarships: Varies by program
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Scoring Averages:
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Top programs: 70–73
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Mid-level programs: 73–76
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Lower-tier programs: 76–80
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Recruiting Insights: Serves as a stepping stone to four-year programs. Focus on skill development and academic improvement.
🏌️♀️ Women’s College Golf Programs
NCAA Division I
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Number of Programs: Approximately 249
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Team Size: Average of 8 golfers; top 5 travel, top 4 compete
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Scholarships: Up to 6 per team (equivalency sport)
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Scoring Averages:
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Top-tier programs: 70–73
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Mid-level programs: 73–76
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Lower-tier programs: 76–79
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Recruiting Insights: High emphasis on national rankings and tournament performance. Academic strength is also crucial.
NCAA Division II
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Number of Programs: Approximately 154
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Scholarships: Up to 5.4 per team
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Scoring Averages:
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Top programs: 72–75
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Mid-level programs: 75–78
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Lower-tier programs: 78–82
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Recruiting Insights: Coaches seek well-rounded student-athletes with consistent performance and academic dedication.
NCAA Division III
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Number of Programs: Approximately 187
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Scholarships: No athletic scholarships; financial aid based on academics and need
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Scoring Averages:
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Top programs: 74–77
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Mid-level programs: 77–80
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Lower-tier programs: 80–85
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Recruiting Insights: Focus on academic excellence and a genuine interest in the sport.
NAIA
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Number of Programs: Approximately 143
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Scholarships: Up to 5 per team
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Scoring Averages:
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Top programs: 74–77
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Mid-level programs: 77–80
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Lower-tier programs: 80–85
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Recruiting Insights: Offers opportunities for late bloomers and those seeking a balance between academics and athletics.
NJCAA (Junior College)
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Number of Programs: Approximately 100
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Scholarships: Varies by program
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Scoring Averages:
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Top programs: 72–75
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Mid-level programs: 75–78
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Lower-tier programs: 78–82
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Recruiting Insights: Ideal for players aiming to improve skills and academics before transferring to four-year institutions.
📊 Comparative Overview
| Division | Men's Avg. Score | Women's Avg. Score | Scholarships (Men/Women) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NCAA Division I | 70–75 | 70–76 | 4.5 / 6 | Highly competitive, national rankings |
| NCAA Division II | 71–77 | 72–78 | 3.6 / 5.4 | Balanced focus on academics and sports |
| NCAA Division III | 72–82 | 74–85 | None | Emphasis on academics |
| NAIA | 72–82 | 74–85 | Up to 5 | Flexible eligibility |
| NJCAA | 70–80 | 72–82 | Varies | Pathway to four-year programs |
✅ Lesson Summary
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Diverse Opportunities: College golf offers a range of programs across various divisions, each with unique characteristics and opportunities.
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Scoring Benchmarks: Understanding the average scoring ranges for each division can help set realistic goals and expectations.
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Academic Importance: Academic performance plays a crucial role in the recruiting process, especially in divisions without athletic scholarships.
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Strategic Planning: Identifying the right fit involves assessing both athletic and academic preferences, as well as long-term goals.