The USGA is significantly expanding its State Junior Team Program to support the pipeline of elite junior golfers into the U.S. National Development Program (USNDP). In 2025, nine new states—California (Northern), Delaware, Idaho, Minnesota, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and West Virginia—will join the initiative, bringing the total to 16 teams. The USGA aims to have all 50 states participating by 2033. This expansion is a key step in the USGA’s long-term goal of identifying and nurturing top talent at the state level and providing them with the developmental resources needed to excel at the national and international levels.
The program offers selected junior golfers ages 13-18 exclusive access to athlete development, USNDP statistical platforms, tournament exemptions, and streamlined grant applications for financial aid. Each team will establish its own selection criteria, which could include rankings or a points system. The goal is to create a consistent pathway for junior golfers, giving them the opportunity to compete for their state and potentially represent the U.S. as part of the USNDP.
For junior golfers and their parents, this program represents a rare opportunity to access elite training, coaching, and competition at both the state and national levels. With increasing support from the USGA and PGA of America, this initiative will play a crucial role in shaping the future of competitive golf in the United States.
For more information on the USNDP, please visit: https://championships.usga.org/usndp.html
Photo Credit: USGA
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