March 31, 2023

US College Pathways

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US College Pathways

The US College system is a viable option and a popular choice for many aspiring players in NSW. This page aims to provide information for those who are considering the College pathway.

Over the years, several players have chosen this pathway and gone on to play professional golf, including Matt Jones, Aron Price, Matt Giles, Tahnia Ravnjak, Ruben Sondjaja and Justin Warren, while others like Cathleen Santoso, have used the qualifications they gained to forge careers in the business world.

US College offers students/athletes the opportunity to combine academic study with high-level golf coaching and a competitive tournament program. 

The pathway is not only for those whose ambition is to play professional golf. Attendees will develop life and career-building skills, gain independence, experience a different culture and create lifelong friendships while completing their degree.

You don’t need to be an elite junior golfer to have the opportunity to go to a US College, either. You will, of course, need to meet specific academic entry requirements during your HSC and complete an SAT/ACT exam. 

There are many different levels in the College system that offer scholarships catering for various golf and academic abilities. These include the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) Division I & II, NJCAA (National Junior College Athletic Association) and the NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics).

Remember, US College is not for everyone, and this page isn’t a “one stop shop” for all things US College. Nor should the information contained here be regarded as an endorsement of the system. It’s here to give you a deeper understanding of the academic and playing environment, allowing you to ask the “quality questions” to get the answers you need to make one of the most important decisions in your career.

Golf NSW recommends all prospective students conduct their own research and form your own opinions. We hope, however, the contents of this page will better equip you to make the right decision for your future.

More info:

Matt Giles Q & A with Khan Pullen

PODCAST: THE COACHES ROUNDTABLE:

Ryan Crysler from The Floridian leads a conversation with three of the finest collegiate coaches in the game today. Jonathan Dismuke (Houston), Matt Thurmond (Arizona State), and Trey Jones (Florida State) discuss all aspects of college golf. 

Tons of valuable information for anyone considering playing collegiate golf:

Listen HERE (Click Link)

 

NSW/ACT - US College Alumni

Matt Giles Golf

Matt
Giles

High School: Caringbah High School
Home Club: The Australian GC
College: University of Southern Cal.  (Jan'08 - June'10)
Course of Study/ Major: Business
Current Occupation: Financial Services Product Manager

Justin Warren Golfer

Justin
Warren

High School: Picton High
Home Club: Antill Park/ The Australian
College: Sth Mtn Comm. College (15-17) Uni of Arkansas Little Rock (17-19)
Major: Applied Comms & Business Management.
Current Occupation: Member of the ISPS Handa PGA Tour of Australasia.

McNeill Hayley 2400 20201206Major Pennant Final1319

Hayley
McNeill

High School: Carroll College, Broulee
Home Club: The Australian GC
College: Charleston Southern University 2014-18
Course of Study/ Major: B.Sc Psychology
Current Occupation: Golf Ops Manager at Avondale GC

Ravnjak Tahnia 2400 20180203 supplied LET

Tahnia
Ravnjak

High School: Holy Spirit, Bellambi
Home Club: The Australian GC
College: Campbell University 2012-16
Course of Study/ Major: BSc Sports Management
Current Occupation: Events Co-Ordinator Golf NSW, Member WPGA & China LPGA

Santoso Cathleen 20120403 2400 supplied Iconsports

Cathleen
Santoso

High School: PLC Sydney
Home Club: The Australian GC
College: University of Oregon 2013-17
Course of Study/ Major: BSc Majored in Advertising
Current Occupation: Business & Product Manager -BodyMindLife

Bolton Harry 2400 20200110 AMOTA Rd4 038

Harry
Bolton

High School: Canberra Grammar
Home Club: Royal Canberra GC
College: Newberry College 2015-19
Course of Study/ Major: BSc Sport Mmt / Business & Coaching
Current Occupation: Pursuing Pro Career

SOndjaja Ruben supplied 20170802

Ruben
Sondjaja

High School: Marcellin College, Randwick
Home Club: Bonnie Doon GC
College: Iowa State 2013- 2017
Course of Study/ Major: Accounting
Current Occupation: Iowa State Men's Golf - Assistant Coach