CGN Feature: Balancing Books and Birdies: How College Golfers Actually Make It Work

Balancing Books and Birdies: How College Golfers Actually Make It Work

Being a college golfer isn’t just about grinding on the range and playing 36-hole days — it’s also about learning how to juggle school, travel, workouts, and sleep without falling apart. And in a sport like golf, where you're missing multiple days of class for tournaments on the regular, that balance isn’t easy.

But somehow, most of them figure it out.

And it’s not just guesswork — there’s real research and structure behind how they do it.

Time Management Isn’t Optional — It’s Survival

One thing becomes clear real fast: if you don’t know how to manage your time, you’re toast. Golfers don’t have the luxury of being on campus every week. They’re flying out on Sundays, competing Monday through Wednesday, and trying to finish a midterm on the plane back.

Even the NCAA flat-out says, “Time management is a key component of any college student’s success, but it is especially important for students who play sports.” (NCAA)

Current players agree. In an interview with one D1 golfer said, “The hardest part is staying on top of your work when you’re gone for a tournament. You learn to use every bit of downtime — buses, airports, wherever.”

Built-In Support Systems Make a Big Difference

Thankfully, most schools get it. Academic support for athletes isn’t just a resource — it’s a built-in part of the schedule. Study hall hours, tutors, advisors who actually communicate with professors… it’s all designed to keep athletes from slipping through the cracks.

Why? Because the risk is real. A 2022 report published by ERIC noted that “student-athletes can be at high risk for lower GPAs due to the conflicting time demands of athletics and academics.” Their suggestion? Give them structured help and access to it from day one. (ERIC)

Coaches Who Get It Make All the Difference

Good coaches understand the grind. Yes, they want to win. But they also want their players eligible — and graduating. A lot of coaches, especially at the DIII level, even encourage players to pursue internships, clubs, or other campus activities outside of golf.

The Titleist Performance Institute put it best: “Many DIII coaches encourage their players to explore other areas of life while still competing at a high level — academics, internships, and campus involvement are all part of the experience.” (TPI)

Bottom line: College golfers don’t just learn how to shoot lower scores — they learn how to keep their lives organized, deal with pressure, and stay accountable. And honestly? Those skills stick around a lot longer than any tournament trophy.