The milestone comes three years after the State Junior Team Program launched with seven pilot states in 2024. Created to expand, strengthen and diversify the pipeline of junior golfers ages 13-18, the program provides athletes with development, competition and talent-identification opportunities within their home states.
In February, Augusta National Golf Club and Masters Tournament Charities committed $1.5 million over three years to support the expansion of the State Junior Team component of the USNDP, helping accelerate the growth of the program.
“This is a significant moment for the U.S. National Development Program and for junior golf in this country,” said Heather Daly-Donofrio, managing director, U.S. National Development Program. “When we launched the State Junior Team Program, the vision was to create meaningful development opportunities for young athletes across the country. Having all 50 states committed to the program brings that vision to life and gives us the foundation for a truly national pathway. Most importantly, it will allow more young golfers to access the resources, coaching and competitive opportunities that can help them reach their full potential.”
The State Junior Team Program began with California (Southern), Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Ohio and Tennessee. The initial goal was establishing teams in all 50 states by 2033.
Nine states joined the program in 2025: Idaho, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Delaware, Pennsylvania, New York, Minnesota, Wisconsin and California (Northern).
The program grew to 30 states following the announcement of 14 additional participating states in 2026. Those states are Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, South Dakota, Texas and Washington and will name their inaugural teams by the end of this year.
With the remaining 20 states now committed to join in 2027 and identify teams by the end of next year, the program has reached nationwide participation five years ahead of the USGA’s original 2033 goal.
“It has been incredibly gratifying to see the vision for the USNDP State Junior Team Program come to life, and having all 50 states on board is an amazing milestone," said Scott Nye, director of golf at Merion Golf Club and captain for Team Pennsylvania. "In our first season with Team Pennsylvania, I saw firsthand the pride our players took in representing their state, supporting one another and building friendships that go well beyond the golf course. The support we received from clubs and so many people throughout the state made the experience even more special. Having worked in golf in Pennsylvania since 1990, seeing our team walk onto some great courses with Team Pennsylvania bags and uniforms filled me with tremendous pride and excitement for what the future of this program can become.”
State Junior Teams are established through collaboration among the USGA, Allied Golf Associations (AGAs), PGA of America Sections and relevant state junior golf programs. State committees oversee team selection criteria and program operations based on guidelines provided by the USGA.
“Our Allied Golf Associations and PGA of America Sections have been instrumental in bringing this program to life,” said Daly-Donofrio. “They understand their junior golf communities better than anyone, and their commitment has helped us create a pathway that can identify and support talented athletes across the entire country. Reaching all 50 states is an exciting milestone and opportunity to strengthen these programs and help more juniors pursue their goals in the game.”
To be state junior team 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 15 of the year in which they would compete on a State Junior Team.
"My experience with Team Southern California was incredibly valuable," said Jaden Soong, former Team Southern California athlete now in his first year on the U.S. National Junior Team. "It’s an outstanding program. The resources and opportunities that we had really helped me improve my game on and off the course. Making the jump from the State Junior Team to the National Junior Team is something I worked hard toward. It’s great to see that the work you put in pays off, and it motivates me to keep improving and make the most of this opportunity."
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 USNDP is supported by founding partners Ally Financial and Sentry Insurance as well as philanthropic giving to fulfil the USGA’s commitment to providing pathways to elite levels of the game, regardless of financial situations.
About USNDP
The mission of the U.S. National Development Program is to foster future generations of American golf talent. The USNDP, developed and managed by the USGA, 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, experiences 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.
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 34,500 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; and 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.
Media Contact:
Alison Williams
Manager of Media, Marketing & Communications
Alabama Golf Association
205-979-1234
alison@alabamagolf.org
