July 2017 | 29 Subscribe today at juniorgolfmag.net Y oung golfers along the Atlantic Seaboard can now get a taste of tournament golf without high entry fees or the fear that they are not yet “ready for prime time.” The Virginia State Golf Association (VSGA) has developed a junior tournament program that has grown sig- nificantly over the past three years. Its VSGA Ju- nior Golf Circuit has five coordinators in regions across the state to schedule affordable tourna- ments for junior golfers of various skill levels. The VSGA Junior Golf Circuit offers more than 100 tournaments, including nine-hole, 18-hole and 36-hole events. Circuit events are spread throughout northern Virginia, Charlottesville, Richmond, Williamsburg, Hampton Roads and southwest Virginia. The new Junior Golf Circuit was specifically de- signed with a steppingstone approach in mind. It first introduces juniors to competitive and fun golf through nine-hole events. Then, as they grow, they move up to more competitive golf by means of 18- and 36-hole tournaments. The Junior Golf Circuit creates benchmarks through these tournaments for juniors and slowly transi- tions them into six junior championships. Besides the healthy competition, young golfers have access to courses that they might not nor- mally be able to play. This gives them the chance for more variety, not only in course styles, but in meeting fellow golfers of their own age. Organiz- ers believe that this friendly environment, along with the step-level approach, removes the initial intimidation factor that often keeps kids from playing tournament golf. As players step up to the bigger tournaments on this circuit, they are able to quantify their results. VSGAJuniorCircuitOffersEasy TransitiontoTournamentGolf • You still must be accepted to the university academically, for the NLI to be honored. • Upon your signing the NLI, other schools are required to stop all recruiting efforts. EARLY SIGNING PERIOD — 3RD WEEK IN NOVEMBER/SENIOR YEAR It’s fairly common for most schools to sign at least one playerduringtheearlysigningperiod.Someofthebigger programs may sign two or three players during this time. If you do decide to sign early, make sure you are in good standing with the school’s admissions department. This should be discussed with the coach prior to signing. REGULAR SIGNING PERIOD — MID-APRILTHROUGH AUGUST 1ST /SENIOR YEAR You didn’t sign your NLI early. So what now? Nearly all college golf coaches still need to sign players during the NLI regular signing period. Coaches know that players can still improve during their senior year and that they deserve an opportunity. • After the NLI early signing period, you should note all players that committed to the schools you are considering. • Maintain a competitive tournament schedule through the spring. • Continue taking official and unofficial visits as often as possible. • Constantly keep coaches updated with tournament results, your upcoming tournament schedule, grades and standardized test scores. BE PERSISTENT! The regular signing period is the time to let coaches know how hard you are working and how important it is that you get a spot on his or her team. At this point, it’s okay to ask about a coach’s current recruiting situation and where you stand in that equation. It’s much better to get direct answers, even if some coaches say “no”. You are better off focusing your time and energy on the schools that still may offer you a chance. Recruitingisaverycompetitiveexercise,whichyoushould engage in actively, not passively, if you’re truly interested in a college golf scholarship. Do it wisely, covering all the steps, and you should improve your position dramatically. John Murphy, a former All-American Scholar and Team Captain at UC Berkeley, is the founder of Recruiter Elite, which assists families with college recruiting and athletic development. TOUR PROFILE BYJUNIORGOLFSTAFF The VSGA Junior Golf Circuit Player Rankings award points to junior boys and girls who place in 18-hole, 36-hole and championship events within the VSGA Junior Golf Circuit. Kids 5-18 years of age are eligible for the 9-hole tournaments, while the intermediate 18-hole events are open to juniors, ages 10-18, and the 36-hole competitions are reserved for the 12-18 age group. The entry fee for the beginner level is $ 24 for Circuit members, $ 37 for non-members; $ 38 and $ 53 for the 18-hole events; and $ 80 and $ 100 for the 36-hole tournaments. Lunch is in- cluded for all categories. For more information on the VSGA Junior Golf Circuit, please visit: vsga.org/juniors/join- junior-golf-circuit. Questions should be directed to VSGA Junior Golf Manager Kent Holubar, at (804) 378-2300, Ext. 26. Winners are celebrated in many different categories