4 Things a Top Golf Coach Looks for in Young Players Beyond the Scorecard

"Emotional control is essential. Do they pout after a bogey, snap clubs, or make excuses? Or do they reset and move on? Golf constantly tests emotions."

Every junior golfer wants to shoot low. Every parent wants to see a good number on the card. But when it comes to catching the eye of a top coach, whether it’s for college, high-performance programs, or long-term development, the scorecard is only part of the story. In fact, most great coaches are looking for something else entirely.

1. The Best Coaches Aren’t Just Watching the Golf

They’re watching the body language after a bad hole. They’re listening to how a player speaks to themselves and others. They’re noticing who carries their own bag and who blames their clubs. Because anyone can play well when things are easy. What matters is who you are when things get hard.

2. Here’s What Coaches Actually Value

Attitude matters a lot. How do players handle adversity? Are they respectful? Coachable? Do they show gratitude to volunteers and officials? An upbeat, resilient attitude stands out far more than a perfect swing. Effort is key. Do they grind to the finish, even on an off day? Do they chase improvement off the course, in the gym, in the classroom, in their routines? Effort is one of the few things totally in a player’s control. Coaches pay attention. Self-awareness is gold. Can players explain their strengths and weaknesses? Are they honest about where they need to grow? Players who know their own game and take ownership of it are coachable.

3. Manage Emotions

Emotional control is essential. Do they pout after a bogey, snap clubs, or make excuses? Or do they reset and move on? Golf constantly tests emotions. How a junior manages that is a huge marker of future success. Body language speaks volumes. Slouched shoulders, frustrated sighs, head shakes, all say something, and coaches are reading it. Confidence isn’t arrogance, it’s composure.

4. Beyond the Numbers

Of course, scores matter, but they’re only part of a much bigger picture. Coaches know that today’s 73 could be tomorrow’s 68 if the right mindset and habits are there. That’s why they’ll often take the player who shoots 76 and competes with grit over the one who shoots 71 and sulks after every missed putt.

Parents: This Is Where You Come In

Celebrate effort over outcome. Talk about body language, not just birdies. Encourage self-reflection after rounds. Model composure when things go sideways. The scoreboard will always go up and down, but the character your kid builds, that’s what lasts. And that’s what top coaches are really looking for.