8 | December 2017 #juniorgolfmag Visit us at juniorgolfmag.net Knowing what I now know from nearly 25 years in college golf, these are some of the questions (and the why’s) I might ask if I were being recruited today. Before moving to Florida this year, Brazil- ian-born Bento became the inspiration for the creation of a junior golf tour in Brazil. Parabéns, Bento…well done! Junior Rising Star Bento Assis 7 years old – Boca Raton, FL • World Champion U.S.Kids Golf – Boys 6 & Under – 2017 • Florida State Champion 2017 • West Palm Beach Fall Tour Champion 2017 • Youngest Brazilian to ever win an official U.S. Golf Tournament • All-around athlete who also enjoys tennis, soccer, capoeira and swimming Get Started by Asking the Right Questions BYMATTTHURMOND COLLEGE COACHES’ CORNER Matt Thurmond, a former Golfweek Coach of the Year, is in his second season as the Head Men’s Golf Coach for Arizona State University. He played collegiately at Brigham Young University. I ’ve hosted hundreds of recruits and their families on unofficial visits. I love these opportunities to get to know them and to share information about our program. The value of the time for both parties is best determined by the questions asked and answered. With great questions, one can learn so much in a short period of time and determine the most important thing in recruiting – whether or not it is the right fit. Knowing what I now know from nearly 25 years in college golf, these are some of the questions (and the why’s) I might ask if I were being recruited today: Most of the current players and possibly the assistant coach won’t be here when I get here. How do you determine the peo- ple you bring into this program? (The people you are with will make or break your experience. You’ll probably become like them in many ways. So it’s important to know how the coach evaluates recruits.) What are the reasons I’ll still love it here even if I’m struggling with golf? (Many choose a school purely for golf and scholarship reasons, then arrive and realize there is so much more to the entire experience.) What are a few of the defining elements of your team culture? (If a coach doesn’t have good answers for this, he/she probably isn’t focusing enough on the entire experience for the players.) What do you see in me that makes you think I might be a good fit here? (Make them spe- cifically share their thoughts about you and your potential. You want a coach who believes in you and sees some of your unique opportunities to contribute. If they really like and respect you, they will coach you better.) Where do you currently have me rated, relative to the other recruits in my class? (Find out if they are truly interested in you. Be ready to accept that they may not be.) What do you see as the next steps in my progress as a person and golfer, and how would you go about helping me accomplish them? (Is the coach really inter- ested in you and beginning to see himself/herself as your coach?) How would you describe your coaching style and what kinds of golfers do you work best with? (Coaches have many diverse styles that connect differently with each player. Make sure you feel that your styles match up.) If you are going to take the time and money to do unofficial visits, make the most of the opportunity and learn as much as possible about those things that will really matter to your overall experience and dai- ly life within the team. Good luck!