U.S. NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

2026 U.S. National Development Program™ Grant Application Overview

By USGA Staff

| Jun 23, 2025 | Pinehurst, N.C.

The U.S. National Development Program (USNDP) Grant is an annual reimbursement-based program for families with competitive junior golfers who demonstrate financial need and exceptional potential to progress through the USNDP pathway. Grants of up to $15,000 are awarded to selected families.

Selected families will receive reimbursement for qualifying expenses incurred by the athlete, in the categories of tournament entry fees, tournament travel, equipment, practice/green fees and coaching fees up to a limit that the USGA deems as appropriate for each area by submitting receipts for approved costs. In addition to funding, the program provides player development resources to athletes, including free access to Accel Golf, a user-friendly stat-tracking app, and athlete development webinars led by the USNDP Coaching and Athlete Development team.

The 2026 application will be open mid-July – Oct. 31, 2025

Athletes for consideration must fit within the following criteria:

Age: Athlete must be between 13-18 years old (turning 13 by January 1, 2026) with a projected high school graduation date (or GED) no earlier than 2026.

Amateur Status: Athlete must be an amateur as defined under the Rules of Amateur Status.

Nationality and Residency:
- Athlete must be U.S. citizen and cannot be receiving support or funding from another country.
- The athlete and their parent(s)/guardian(s) must currently reside in the continental United States, Alaska, or Hawaii (excludes U.S. territories such as Puerto Rico, Guam, U.S. Virgin Islands, and other U.S. territories and possessions).
- The parent(s)/guardian(s) must file taxes with the United States Internal Revenue Service.

Handicap Index® Requirement:
- The maximum Handicap Index® eligibility will be consistent with the requirements for entry into the U.S. Junior Amateur Championship (2.4 or better) and U.S. Girls’ Junior Championship (5.4 or better)
- A full scoring record consisting of a minimum of 20 scores, including eight (8) competitive scores (“C” scores) within the previous 12 months
- Financial Needs Requirement: The athlete’s family must meet the financial need parameters as determined by the USGA.

During the open application period:

APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED VIA USNDP GRANT MANAGEMENT CENTER

Only application materials submitted within the secure application portal, the USNDP Grant Management Center, will be considered for the grant. Emailed submissions will not be considered for the Grant.

PARENTS/GUARDIANS APPLY ON BEHALF OF ATHLETE(S)

Parents/guardians should create and manage the account using their own name and email address. Our secure application portal, the USNDP Grant Management Center, allows families to manage multiple athletes under one household account.

COMPLETE PRE-SCREENING SURVEY

All applicants, returning and new, must first fill out a pre-screening survey to determine basic eligibility for a potential USNDP Grant. Athletes and their families who meet the basic eligibility to be considered for a USNDP Grant will be emailed a link to a secure application portal, the USNDP Grant Management Center, within 1-2 business days (excluding holidays and weekends) to complete an application.

To prepare for the application, the following items are needed to apply: