The USGA’s effort to build a nationwide development pathway for elite junior golfers has secured commitments from all 50 states, with the final 20 set to join the U.S. National Development Program’s State Junior Team Program in 2027.
Announced Oct. 13, the expansion means those remaining states will identify their inaugural teams by the end of next year, putting nationwide participation well ahead of the program’s original 2033 target.
For juniors, the significance is closer to home: more opportunities to receive coaching, compete and be identified for further development without relying solely on a national tournament schedule.
“Having all 50 states committed to the program brings that vision to life and gives us the foundation for a truly national pathway,” said Heather Daly-Donofrio, managing director of the U.S. National Development Program, in the USGA announcement. “Most importantly, it will allow more young golfers to access the resources, coaching and competitive opportunities that can help them reach their full potential.”
From seven pilot states to a national footprint
The State Junior Team Program launched in 2024 with Southern California, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Ohio and Tennessee. Subsequent additions expanded its reach, including a Northern California program alongside the Southern California team.
The 2026 expansion brought participation to 30 states. Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, South Dakota, Texas and Washington are scheduled to name their first teams by the end of this year.
The growth received a boost in February when Augusta National Golf Club and Masters Tournament Charities committed $1.5 million over three years to the state team initiative. According to the USGA’s funding announcement, that support provides $500,000 annually from 2026 through 2028.
State teams are developed through partnerships among the USGA, Allied Golf Associations, PGA of America Sections and relevant state junior golf programs. State committees manage selection criteria and operations under USGA guidelines.
A step toward the national team
Jaden Soong offers an example of how that pathway can work. A former Team Southern California player, Soong is now in his first year on the U.S. National Junior Team.
“The resources and opportunities that we had really helped me improve my game on and off the course,” Soong said in the announcement. “Making the jump from the State Junior Team to the National Junior Team is something I worked hard toward.”
The team experience also gives players a chance to represent their state and build relationships in a sport often measured by individual results. Scott Nye, director of golf at Merion Golf Club and captain of Team Pennsylvania, pointed to the pride his players took in representing Pennsylvania and the friendships they formed during the team’s first season.
Who is eligible?
The program is designed for elite junior golfers ages 13-18. To be eligible for a State Junior Team, a player must:
- Be a U.S. citizen.
- Not be enrolled in college.
- Be at least 13 years old by Jan. 1 of the competition year.
- Not reach their 19th birthday by July 15 of that year.
Because state committees oversee selection, interested players and families should consult their state program for its criteria and timeline.
The broader USNDP, announced in 2023, combines talent identification, competition, national teams, athlete resources, player development and financial support. With commitments now covering every state, the next step is turning that national reach into local opportunities for the next generation of American golfers.
Reporting based on the USGA’s Oct. 13 announcement. Learn more about the U.S. National Development Program.