Going to College
About the Author:

For 13 years (1990–2003), as the Head Golf Coach at the University of North Florida, Coach John Brooks led the Osprey golf team to 26 tournament titles, including two NAIA National Championships. Coach Brooks also coached 19 All-America collegiate golfers. With extensive coaching experience at the NAIA, NCAA Division II, and NCAA Division I levels, Coach Brooks has witnessed the commitment necessary for junior golfers to transition successfully into collegiate competition and to prepare for an eventual career as a professional golfer.

As a member of the United States Golf Association (USGA) Junior Amateur Championship Committee, John has built relationships on the national junior golf scene and has become proficient in the application of USGA Rules, including the Rules of Amateur Status.

Coach Brooks also assists with the prestigious Mercedes-Benz Collegiate Championship, held annually at Sawgrass Country Club. This 54-hole collegiate invitational features the nation’s premier NCAA Division I golf programs. John’s affiliation with this event allows him to forge, cultivate, and strengthen relationships with key members of the NCAA Division I golf family, including coaches, players, and sponsors.

During his tenure as a collegiate golf coach, John worked daily with talented young players and helped them improve all facets of their golf games and life skills. Coach Brooks is now looking forward to sharing this knowledge with a younger generation of golfers and to assisting in their junior golf development through the Red Numbers Golf Program.

To learn more about Coach Brooks' services, please visit www.rednumbersgolf.com

Professional Biography:

  • Head Golf Coach, University of North Florida (UNF) for 13 years NAIA (3 years) NCAA Division II (4 years) NCAA Division I (6 years)
  • Coordinator of Golf Programming for The First Tee at UNF for 2 years
  • United States Golf Association (USGA) Junior Amateur Committee Member since 1996
  • USGA Rules Official at U.S. Junior, U.S. Senior Open, Walker Cup, and U.S. Amateur Public Links
  • Owner and Director of the Florida Collegiate Golf Coaches Summer Camp at World Woods Golf Club since its inception in 2000
  • Coached 19 All-America golfers during collegiate career
  • Named by the Golf Coaches Association of America as NCAA Division I District III- South Coach of the Year, 2001
  • Led UNF team to 26 tournament titles, including two NAIA National Championships
  • Established in 2000 and continues to assist with the prestigious Mercedes-Benz Collegiate Championship at Sawgrass Country Club
  • Coordinated the funding, design, and construction of UNF’s $2.5 million Hayt Golf Learning Center — a three-hole, state-of-the-art golf training facility designed by Mark McCumber
  • Conducted numerous volunteer junior golf clinics for The First Tee, THE PLAYERS Championship, and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes Golf Ministry since 1990
  • Earned NAIA All-America honors in 1989
  • Served as Head Golf Coach for Team USA at the World University Games (Palma de Mallorca, Spain), 1992
  • Established working relationships with key members in the golf industry including swing instructors and sport psychologists as well as representatives of various golf equipment manufacturers
  • Regularly serves on advisory boards and working committees for credible junior golf associations at the local, state, and national levels
  • Master of Business Administration, 1991

    Email John Brooks

    • Other Articles by John Brooks
    What Are the Most Frequently Asked Questions Concerning Scholarships? 2/15/2008
    How do I know if a School is Really Interested in Recruiting Me? 11/1/2007
    How do Players Verbally Commit to Schools so Early in the Process? 8/1/2007
    When Should Junior Golfers Begin Visiting and Researching Colleges? 5/16/2007
    What Is a Typical Week Like in the Life of a College Golfer? 2/6/2007
    Is It a Good Idea To Withdraw After a Poor Round? 11/29/2006
    What’s the Story on Division II and Division III Golf Programs? 9/26/2006
    As a Rising Senior Is It Too Late To Be Recruited? 7/31/2006
    Do Coaches Really Care About Academics? 5/3/2006
    Is College Golf an Individual Sport? 3/14/2006
    Do You Have the Game to Play College Golf? 2/7/2006
    What is a Parent's Role in the Recruiting Process? 12/20/2005
    Are Unofficial Visits to College Campuses Necessary? 11/10/2005
    Should Junior Golfers Attend Collegiate Tournaments? 9/27/2005
    Will Playing AJGA Events Increase My Chances of Earning a College Scholarship? 8/8/2005
    What Should Recruits Say When Coaches Call Them? 7/13/2005
    Just How Big is College Golf? 6/3/2005
    What questions should I ask a college coach during a campus visit? 2/4/2005
    What are the main differences between junior golf and college golf? 10/7/2004
    College Recruitment Timeline - Part 2 7/30/2004
    College Recruitment Timeline - Part 1 5/28/2004
    Where Should I Attend College to Study and Play Golf? 4/6/2004
    When Should Junior Golfers Sign the NLI? 2/25/2004
    How Do College Coaches Work Junior Tournaments? 1/16/2004
    What is a Full Scholarship? 12/12/2003
    How Can a Junior Golfer Improve His Practice Sessions? 11/11/2003
    What Commitment Level is Necessary for Junior Golfers to Become Successful Collegiate Student-Athletes? 10/10/2003
    How Do College Golf Coaches Discover Talent? 8/20/2003


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