BIRMINGHAM, AL (Sept. 10, 2026) – The Team Alabama Committee today announced the 4 boys and 4 girls who were named to the 2027 Team Alabama roster as part of the USGA’s U.S. National Development program (USNDP).
“The launch of Team Alabama marks an exciting step forward for junior golf in our state,” said Jeremy Gardner, AGA Executive Director. “These eight athletes have demonstrated a tremendous level of talent, commitment and competitive success. We’re proud to recognize their accomplishments and look forward to providing them with opportunities to grow both on and off the course. Through the USNDP State Team Program, these players will have access to valuable development experiences and resources as they continue pursuing their goals in the game.”
The roster was selected by the Team Alabama committee based on players’ performances throughout the 2026 season. The Team Alabama committee includes representatives from the Alabama Golf Association and the Alabama NW-FL PGA Section.
Team Alabama is one of 30 states in the USNDP’s State Junior Team program – designed to expand, strengthen and diversify the American junior golf pipeline. The USGA announced 14 new states to the program in October of 2025, with goals to expand to all 50 states by 2029.
2026 Team Alabama - Boys Roster
Fletcher Finch of Birmingham (2028)
Ty Hester of Guntersville (2028)
SJ Thomas of Birmingham (2029)
Seve Winebrenner of Vestavia Hills (2028)
2026 Team Alabama - Girls Roster
Merritt Daniel of Trussville (2029)
Courtney Grace of Birmingham (2029)
Kamdyn Kelley of Dothan (2027)
Brooklyn Sutter of Cullman (2029)
Team Captain: Dawson Meek, dawson@alabamagolf.org
Team Coach: Robbie Blackwell, golfinstruction@hoovercc.com
All athletes named to a state team will receive at least two days of in-person athlete development per year, access to webinars led by the USNDP’s coaching and athlete development team, consideration for USNDP sponsored tournament exemptions and a streamlined grant application process for families demonstrating financial need, among other benefits.
Announced in 2023, the USNDP is designed to ensure that American golf is the global leader in the game by focusing on six key pillars: talent identification, access to competition, national teams, athlete resources, player development and relations, and financial support.
The State Junior Team Program focuses on creating a developmentally appropriate, aspirational pathway for athletes within each state to compete at higher levels of the game. The U.S. National Development Program is supported by philanthropic giving and secured resources to fulfill the USGA’s commitment to providing pathways to elite levels of the game, regardless of financial situations.
To be eligible, a player must be a U.S. citizen, cannot be enrolled in college, must be 13 years old by Jan. 1 and not reach his/her 19th birthday by July 19 of the year in which they would compete on a State Junior Team.
About the Alabama Golf Association (AGA)
The Alabama Golf Association is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit educational organization founded in 1915 whose mission is to serve and promote amateur golf in Alabama. AGA membership consists of 125 member clubs represented by over 34,000 individuals. The activities and services of the Alabama Golf Association are governed by a Board of Directors consisting of Alabama golfers who wish to serve the game and the association through service. A full-time professional staff of seven individuals handles day-to-day activities.
Based in Hoover, the AGA is the USGA's Allied Golf Association in Alabama conducting national championship qualifying, administering the World Handicap System including the GHIN Handicap service, course & slope rating, and Rules of Golf & Handicapping education. The AGA annually conducts 24 championships; team match competitions for men, women, junior and seniors. The AGA manages the Junior Golf Alabama program that is a joint venture between the AGA and Alabama-NW Florida PGA Section.
In addition to competitions, the AGA administers the AGA Scholarship Fund through the Alabama Golf Foundation that is dedicated to assisting young golfers in higher education. Additionally, the Alabama Golf Foundation supports the Youth on Course Alabama program providing facility access to junior golfers and provides funding for the Alabama Turfgrass Research Foundation. In 2016, the AGA earned the Gold Tee Award for “Outstanding Tournament Operations – Small Association” by the International Association of Golf Administrators (IAGA).
For more information about the Alabama Golf Association, visit www.alabamagolf.org.
About the USNDP
The mission of the U.S. National Development Program is to foster future generations of American golf talent. The USNDP provides a pathway to success in golf by delivering competitive opportunities, support and training that develops American golf talent and mitigates financial burdens. With our key strategic partners, host venues, and champions, we provide education, experience, and mentorship that help athletes achieve success at each level. We are committed to fostering a positive and healthy pathway for American golfers to follow their dreams and reach the pinnacle of the sport. For more info, visit usga.org.
Media Contact:
Alison Williams
Manager of Media, Marketing & Communications
Alabama Golf Association
205-803-6524
alison@alabamagolf.org
