At the ShowMeGolfers Junior Championship in early December, 72 unsigned senior boys showcased their skills in front of 42 coaches from 38 colleges and universities. The tournament preceded the national convention for the Golf Coaches Association of America in Las Vegas, allowing coaches to step away from convention activities and onto the golf course to recruit during the weekend.
While the early signing period was in November, the regular signing period extends from mid April to August, letting coaches continue filling playing spots and offer scholarships well into a players senior season.
Playing in
his last AJGA event, YongLiang Shao, who shot a two-day total of 1-under-par
143 to win, was aware of what this opportunity could mean for his future. I
have talked to a couple coaches already, Shao said in an interview following
his win. But this event has been a huge advantage to building my resume and gives
me the opportunity to showcase my skills to coaches and get them more
interested in me and [it] will be a lot easier for me to obtain scholarships.
Andy Germann,
who tied for third, was excited to have the opportunity to take part in an
event with a concentration of college coaches where he could gain exposure.
While he had been successful competing in regional school and AJGA events, he
was still looking for a college or university with which to continue his golf
career.
I always
love to play at AJGA events because they are at awesome courses and everyone is
great. The ShowMe [event] was amazing because I could play in front of coaches
I did not even know had slots open on their rosters, Germann said.
Players
participating had the chance to showcase their skills in front of coaches from
all over the country, as well as from many different types of schools, an occasion
that, for many, was invaluable. It was kind of a lot of pressure hitting shots
with six coaches watching, Germann said. But I proved to myself and to them
that I can handle the pressure and post a good score.
Mark Oskarson, AJGA Chief
Operating Officer, said, There is not another event on the AJGA schedule which
is more critical to our Associations mission and purpose. This was another
opportunity to perform in front of a collection of coaches for players who
needed it most.
Building on the success of
the inaugural event, and in order to continue the AJGAs commitment to its
mission, the ShowMeGolfers Junior Championship will return to Las Vegas, Dec.
6-8, as an unsigned seniors event for both boys and girls. The
inaugural girls event will be hosted in conjunction with the Womens Golf
Coaches Association convention.