The easiest path to college golf has coaches flocking to you with scholarships in hand. It’s also the least likely. More often, players should expect to take at least the first step. If you’re not quite sure what that means, don’t worry. We talked to former college coaches and recruitment experts to gather their best tips for contacting coaches.

It’s part of the Golf Digest College Golf Package, where we’re breaking down everything you need to know about college golf from the recruitment process to advice from pros who’ve been through it to the best collegiate courses.