Tournaments vs. Camps: Why Both Matter for College Golf

Competing in tournaments is a proven way to improve your game, boost your ranking, and get on a College Coach’s radar. However, tournaments come with limitations—restricted access to coaches and no guarantees of being seen. That’s where camps come in.

Camps aren’t a replacement for tournaments but a key supplement for players looking to increase exposure and build relationships with College Coaches.

Why Camps Matter

Camps provide:

✅ Direct engagement with College Coaches in a casual setting

✅ Evaluation in practice and tournament-style rounds

✅ Skill instruction from College Coaches

✅ Insights into the recruiting process and college golf experience

✅ A chance to have your questions answered—something tournaments don’t offer

Who Benefits Most?

🔹 Juniors & Seniors: Get guaranteed coach evaluations, learn coaching styles, and prepare for the transition to college golf.

🔹 Freshmen, Sophomores & Middle Schoolers: Engage with coaches before typical  NCAA rules allow, get on their radar early, and develop strong practice habits.

Why Tournaments Still Matter

Tournaments remain essential for:

✔️ Proving your skills in competition

✔️ Establishing national rankings (TUGR, JGS, WAGR, etc.)

✔️ Showing coaches how you perform under pressure

✔️ Comparing your results against other recruits

But remember:

⚠️ Coaches might not attend the event you’re playing in

⚠️ Even if they are there, they may not see much of your round

⚠️ NCAA rules limit in-round communication

Bottom Line: Play in the right tournaments, but don’t overlook the guaranteed value of camps in your journey to college golf.

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