What practical steps can families take to make informed decisions regarding their children's sports pursuits, particularly when they lack experience in the sport? We're thrilled to have Rich Brazeau with us. Rich’s journey to college golf was anything but easy—he faced financial challenges and a steep learning curve in a sport his family knew little about. Yet, through determination and resourcefulness, he paved his own path to Seton Hall. We talk about the misconceptions and realities of college golf recruitment, including how to effectively get noticed by coaches and the importance of finding the right fit for your unique situation. Rich shares invaluable insights into the changing landscape of college golf, including the impact of scholarships, the transfer portal, and the nuances that families must navigate to maximize opportunities. Top Takeaways Rich Brazeau’s journey in pursuing college golf despite various obstacles underscores the value of persistence. Brazeau places significant importance on making informed decisions when pursuing college golf, highlighting the need for guidance and support for families unfamiliar with the recruitment process. The episode debunks the misconception that full scholarships are common in college golf. Brazeau emphasizes that every golfer's journey is unique. The intricate nature of college golf recruitment underscores that a compelling presentation to coaches and being a positive teammate and leader is key to standing out. Upcoming changes, such as increased transfer portal activity and potential shifts in scholarship funding could impact how players and coaches approach recruitment. Utilizing resources like collegegolf.com, second9golf.com, and the AP College Golf Guide can significantly streamline the school search and recruitment process, providing valuable information and saving time. College golf is compared to a fraternity, offering deeper interpersonal connections and growth opportunities that extend beyond athletic performance, contributing to personal development from ages 18 to 23. AP College Golf Guide. This comprehensive guide offers a wealth of knowledge on the recruitment process, including creating school lists, writing effective emails, understanding rankings, and more, providing a structured plan for families and aspiring golfers. Engage in junior golf events and to explore available resources thoroughly, fostering continuous learning and staying informed on the best practices for college golf recruitment. Memorable Moments 00:00 Discussion about founding and purpose of collegegolf.com. 03:08 Helping families navigate path to college goals. 09:23 Seeking college golf scholarships, despite initial uncertainty. 10:11 Questions for easier college decision making process. 18:07 Steven Patterson, a determined and compelling recruit. 21:32 College golf website offers powerful academic data. 26:18 Unaware of other Ohio colleges, miss important options. 28:10 Video series covers all aspects of recruiting. 33:06 Increasing difficulty for coaches and players, transfer portal implications. 34:29 Financial constraints affect golf scholarships at colleges. 37:00 Guide families to prioritize and navigate paths. Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/hartzmann/paradise-island License code: EGCL4LAT2URKBLYU Copyright 2024 Kyle Morris