College Golf Consulting 101

Our mission is simple: To provide families and junior golfers invaluable guidance and direction on selecting an ideal University/collegiate setting. This will be accomplished through careful planning and preparation to ensure your child’s overall success and happiness while playing intercollegiate golf. As a former collegiate golf Coach for 20 years at The University of Tennessee, I can provide your family insights that very few can offer. I have successfully assisted over 45 families in the past five years. I am more than happy to provide references. Thank you for your time.

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

  • 1983 Competed in NCAA Finals University of Oklahoma
  • 1983 Captured Oklahoma State Amatuer Title
  • 1987 Graduated University of Alabama
  • 1989 Men's Assistant Golf Coach University of Florida

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

  • 1992 Earned Master's Degree in Sports Management University of Florida
  • 1992 Head Men's Golf Coach Augusta State University
  • 1993 Augusta State University Finishes 13th in NCAA Finals
  • Augusta State University NCAA Finals 1993, 1995, 1997. 1998

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

  • 1998 Head Men's Golf Coach University of Tennessee
  • University of Tennessee NCAA Finals 2003, 2005, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013
  • David Skinns named to 2003 & 2005 Palmer Cup Team
  • Coached 2005 SEC Champion David Skinns

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

  • 2007 SEC Men’s Golf Championship University of Tennessee
  • 2007 SEC Coach of the Year
  • 2008/2009 Charlie Ford, Chris Paisley & Robin Wingardh named to Palmer Cup Team
  • Coached 2013 NCAA Finals Individual Runner-up Rick Lamb

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

  • Coached 2013 U.S. Amateur Runner-up Oliver Goss
  • 2013 Chris Paisley & Garrick Porteous named to GBI Walker Cup Team
  • Coached 2014 Low Amateur at The Masters Oliver Goss
  • 13 All-American Selections

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

  • Teams Consistently Ranked Among the Top 25 in the Country
  • 35 Team Titles
  • 32 Individual Titles
  • 18 Academic All-American Awards

Candi Gracy

We are so thankful for Jim Kelson. Coach Kelson worked with my son, Cain, to reach his dream of playing collegiate golf. Coach Kelson has been Cain's advocate throughout this journey. He encourages Cain and offers wisdom concerning every aspect of golf. Coach Kelson kept close contact with Cain each step of the way and was available to answer any questions we had about tournaments, college options, or ways to improve Cain's golf game. Coach Kelson became a part of our family. He truly has the best interest for each golfer in mind. He celebrated Cain's successes and was there to keep him going during the difficult times. He never quit believing in Cain! We are so grateful for his encouragement, wisdom, and guidance. I would highly recommend Jim Kelson to any junior golfer and parent. He believed in Cain and made us a part of this challenging and exciting journey!

Mark Dorman – Medina, Ohio

“Deciding to work with Jim Kelson was the best decision we made in my Son’s senior year of High School golf. It was obvious to me that Jim truly cared about our Son’s improvement, and it showed throughout our sessions with Jim. Jim’s vast coaching experience brings a ton of credibility to every interaction with a high school golfer- My Son ‘listened’ to every word Coach Kelson has to say. I highly recommend to any player & parent work with Jim Kelson - you will be glad you did!”


Rocky Hambric – CEO, Hambric Sports Group

I have known Jim Kelson for almost 30 years and I have scouted and recruited many of his college players over those years. I have always observed Jim to be an extremely knowledgeable golf coach, who cares a great deal for his players and their futures. Jim is both an excellent judge of golf talent and an experienced developer of talented players. His years of top level college coaching would be invaluable to a young player seeking to play college golf.

Chris Paisley – PGA European Tour Winner

My four years at UT were the most important years of my golfing career. Coach Kelson and his program provided me with all the help and tools I needed to improve as a golfer. But most importantly, I grew as a person. Without doubt, I would not be a successful golfer without those four years at UT under Coach Kelson’s guidance.

Robert & Linda Wingerter

Jim Kelson was a great resource to have in our corner – but get him early! By the time we found Jim, we were already talking to several schools but had no idea how to “get the ball over the goal line”. We were stressing out!

Immediately, Jim was a calming resource explaining the next steps in the process and giving insight to the coach’s mind. He worked with Justin on what to consider in a college, questions to ask a coach, and how to evaluate teammates. Every coach complemented Justin on the quality of his questions, and Justin was able to really understand the program and team attitude.

For the parents, having a resource to talk to… and part-time referee... was invaluable. Sometimes it was a simple text about how to respond or a phone call when considering offers, when to push, or hold back with coaches. Knowing we had an expert in our corner helped tremendously!

In the end, our son had multiple D1 offers, he chose a school and coach that he can’t wait to play for, and for the parents – relief!! Job well done! Thanks Jim!

John McDearman

Coack Kelson has been instrumental in Mark’s pursuit and achievement of securing a scholarship in golf on the D-1 level. What has impressed me the most has been his honesty and openness with Mark. He has shared with him where he needs to spend his practice time and always checks in after his tournaments. My investment in Coach Kelson and his program have given us great returns on many levels.