CGN Feature- What is the Transfer Portal

What Is the Transfer Portal?

The NCAA transfer portal is a digital database that lets student-athletes declare their intent to transfer. Once they’re in, other schools can legally contact and recruit them. It’s designed to give players freedom and flexibility — and it's changing how coaches build and keep rosters.

Why It Matters in Golf

Golf doesn’t get the same spotlight as football or basketball, but the portal hits just as hard — maybe harder.

With smaller rosters and partial scholarships, a single transfer can swing a season. Coaches are increasingly using the portal to bring in experienced, proven players rather than risk it on a high school recruit.

“The portal has shifted how we build rosters,” one D1 coach told Golf Digest. “You’re not just recruiting freshmen anymore — you’re recruiting every player, every year.”

The Recruiting Squeeze

The impact trickles down to juniors and seniors in high school. As more coaches prioritize portal talent, fewer roster spots go to new recruits. It’s now harder to land a spot as a freshman than it was five years ago.

“It’s the toughest recruiting environment we’ve ever seen,” said Brendon R. Elliott, a PGA professional and contributor to Junior Golf Hub. “The portal has changed the numbers game completely.”

The Bottom Line

The transfer portal isn’t going anywhere. It’s giving players more control — and forcing coaches to adapt fast. For athletes, it’s about finding the right fit. For programs, it’s about staying competitive. And for college golf as a whole, it’s a new era.