The United States Golf Association (USGA) is serious about elevating American junior golf! On October 9, 2025, they announced a major expansion of the State Junior Team Program under the U.S. National Development Program (USNDP) umbrella, adding 14 new states to the pipeline for elite golfers aged 13-18.
This is a game-changer for high-potential junior golfers!
The New Squads
The new additions bring the State Junior Team Program to a total of 30 states. The incoming states, whose teams are created in collaboration with their respective Allied Golf Associations (AGAs) and PGA of America Sections, are:
- Alabama
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- Connecticut
- Florida
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Louisiana
- Maryland
- Michigan
- New Jersey
- South Dakota
- Texas
- Washington
Rosters for these 14 new teams will be finalized and released after the conclusion of the 2026 season.
What’s In It For the Athletes?
This program isn’t just about a cool bag tag; it’s about real development. As Heather Daly-Donofrio, USGA managing director, Player Relations and Development, put it, “We’re already seeing that states with teams up and running are thriving, as juniors are taking advantage of new opportunities to develop.”
Athletes named to a State Junior Team will receive a suite of benefits designed to accelerate their game:
- At least two days of in-person athlete development per year.
- Access to exclusive webinars led by the USNDP’s coaching and athlete development team.
- Consideration for USNDP exemptions into various junior tournaments.
- A streamlined grant application process for families demonstrating financial need.
Teams determine their own roster criteria, so keep an eye on your state’s AGA for details!
Setting the Gold Standard
The initial seven pilot states, launched in March 2024, already include 116 junior athletes taking advantage of these resources. Furthermore, the second wave of states, announced last October, will announce their inaugural rosters by the end of this year (2025).
The USGA’s ultimate goal is to have a team in all 50 states by 2033, ensuring a truly national player pathway.
The USNDP, which was announced in 2023, is built on six key pillars—including talent identification, access to competition, and financial support—to ensure American golf remains the global leader. As Team Colorado’s Ella Scott shared, having access to resources like the USNDP webinars is “unparalleled.”
The program is already showing results: the reigning U.S. Amateur champion, Mason Howell, and U.S. Junior champion, Hamilton Coleman, both hail from Team Georgia!
To be eligible for a State Junior Team, a player must be a U.S. citizen, not enrolled in college, be 13 by Jan. 1, and not reach their 19th birthday by July 19 of the competing year.
For more information and to support the future of American golf, check out the USNDP links on the USGA website!