USGA announces 14 new State Junior Teams under its National Development umbrella

by Golf NIL Staff

October 9, 2025

Big dreams just found a bigger stage.

Fourteen states are joining the USGA’s fast-growing State Junior Team Program, flipping the switch for hundreds of up-and-coming junior golfers.

The USGA confirmed today that Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, South Dakota, Texas, and Washington are now on the map for its elite talent pipeline.

Created in tandem with PGA of America Sections and Allied Golf Associations, these state squads will help juniors ages 13-18 punch their ticket into the U.S. National Development Program (USNDP), with team rosters rolling out after the 2026 season.

“This program represents an important step in building the national player pathway,” said Heather Daly-Donofrio, USGA managing director, Player Relations and Development.

“States with teams up and running are thriving—juniors are taking advantage of new opportunities to develop. By creating state junior teams, we’re not only opening doors for more juniors to access resources and development opportunities but also instilling pride in representing their home state. That combination will help elevate competition locally and deepen the overall pool of talent nationwide.”

Team Georgia’s Mason Howell en route to winning the 2025 U.S. Amateur at The Olympic Club in San Francisco, California | Chris Keane/USGA

Launched in March 2024, the seven-state pilot has grown to 116 junior athletes. Those initial rosters now set the bar for selection as expansion continues, while athletes gain at least two days of in-person development each year, plus USNDP webinars, national-exemption prioritization, and streamlined grants for families in need.

“It has been awesome to create friendships based on a game that we all love,” said Ella Scott, a high school junior and Team Colorado standout. “We get so much encouragement and support from not only fellow teammates, but also our committee members and the Colorado Golf Association as a whole. It is really cool to know that in such an individual game, so many people have my back and are supporting me.”

The program’s impact is already evident at the highest levels.

Team Georgia’s Mason Howell, ranked No. 5 in the Golf NIL High School Boys Rankings, dominated The Olympic Club in August to become the third-youngest U.S. Amateur champion. Hamilton Coleman,  Golf NIL High School Boys No. 8 and also from Team Georgia, claimed the U.S. Junior Amateur at Trinity Forest in July, with a win over world No. 52 Minh Nguyen. Both prove how the State Junior Team hones elite talent at the state level and unlocks pathways to the national spotlight.

The USGA aims for all 50 states to field teams by 2033—a high bar powered by philanthropy and resources, so every junior can chase the national echelon, no matter their background.

For athlete eligibility and team info, visit usga.org/usndp.