"Collecting data is a huge first step in continuing to grow as a golfer," says Ryan Potter, Associate Head Coach of the Wake Forest women’s team, winners of the 2023 NCAA DI Championship, in our video below.

By keeping track of their stats, junior golfers can identify their strengths and weaknesses, allowing them to focus on areas that need improvement. This proactive approach is essential for those aiming to play at a high level.

"It's impossible to know what to work on if you don't keep track of what you're doing,” adds Potter. “We're always trying to level up in golf."

Data not only benefits players but also coaches. "As a recruiting tool, it's been amazing," notes PGA professional Roger Knick, who has specialised in coaching outstanding juniors for more than 25 years.

Bruce Heppler, Head Coach of Georgia Tech, has won 14 ACC Conference Championships over a glittering career. He insists that a junior who records and tracks their data can really stand out in the recruitment process: "I would certainly think it would demonstrate a certain level of maturity. It shows their dedication to getting better."

Roger Knick agrees: "These coaches start to recognize that, man, this kid who's a developing kid is already doing stuff that their players in college are doing."

When junior golfers share their data with college coaches, it demonstrates maturity, dedication, and a passion for the game. Coaches appreciate recruits who are already familiar with the expectations of college-level play.

"We've been collecting stats and data on players for a long time now,” adds Knick. “It's been an essential part of what we do in collecting information on players to really help them understand where their game is."

In our video, one coach shares the story of a player who went from being a novice to an All-American in college. By using data to understand his game better, this player was able to make significant improvements: "He went from shooting in the mid-nineties to becoming an All-American," the coach proudly recalls.

The impact of data on college golf recruitment is undeniable. It provides a clear picture of a player's abilities and potential, making it easier for coaches to make informed decisions. For junior golfers, data is not just numbers; it's a roadmap to success. As the competition for college spots intensifies, those who embrace data will have a distinct advantage.

‍