Catching Up with USNDP Grant Recipient Erik Erlenkeuser

As a 2025 U.S. National Development Program grant recipient, Erik Erlenkeuser’s journey has been filled with growth, challenges, and incredible opportunities. The 6-foot-7 standout from Anderson, S.C., has enjoyed success in both high school and national junior competitions. A two-time state high school champion and recipient of the 2024 Jay Haas Boys Player of the Year from the South Carolina Junior Golf Association, Erlenkeuser is currently the top-ranked junior in his state for the Class of 2026. He also has committed to play at Division I Georgia Southern University and hopes to someday graduate to the PGA Tour. Shaped by a unique journey that includes time spent as a youth in Germany, he now credits the support from USNDP as a crucial component in his development.

Q: How did you first hear about the USNDP and what was your reaction when you received the grant?

Erlenkeuser: When I first saw the email, I was just surprised. I felt honored to be noticed. My dad told me about an AJGA exemption from USNDP, and at first, I wasn’t sure what it was. But after learning more, I realized how incredible this opportunity was. Over the next few weeks, I completed the application process, submitted my videos, and eventually found out I had been selected as a grant recipient. It was an exciting moment for me and my family.

I actually learned more about it from Trace Carter, a fellow grant recipient and a future teammate at Georgia Southern. We played a practice round together, and he told me about how much USNDP had helped him. It made me even more excited to be part of the program.

Q: You’ve had a unique journey, spending a lot of your childhood in Germany. How has that shaped your development as a golfer?

Erlenkeuser: Growing up in Germany was a different experience for golf. It’s not as big over there, so I had to work extra hard to develop my skills. I started playing seriously when I was living there, and by the time [my family] moved back to the U.S. in sixth grade, I was ready to compete at a higher level. My dad’s family is from Germany, so I still have strong ties there, but I’ve always wanted to play professionally in the U.S. and represent this country.

Golf is such a huge part of American sports culture, and I always knew I wanted to be a part of that. The level of competition in the U.S. is unmatched, and I wanted to test myself against the best. From a young age, I’ve dreamed of playing on the PGA Tour and winning majors, and I knew that being in the U.S. gave me the best chance to make that dream a reality. There’s a pride in representing the U.S., especially in golf, and I want to be a part of that legacy.

Q: What are some of your biggest accomplishments so far, and how do you balance golf and academics, especially with such a busy schedule?

Erlenkeuser: Winning the [2024] Jay Haas Boys Player of the Year was a big one for me. Also, leading my high school team (TL Hanna) to multiple state championships was huge. I already have two state rings, but my goal is to get five before I graduate. I’ve also been fortunate to commit to Georgia Southern University, which was a big step in my career.

Balancing golf and academics is definitely a challenge, but I’ve always been disciplined with my time. I have a 5.1 GPA, and I take a lot of AP (Advanced Placement) classes, so academics are really important to me. But I also dedicate a lot of time to golf. Summers get crazy – I once played seven tournament rounds in eight days. One of my best moments was winning the Harvey Brock Orange Jacket Classic on my birthday, making five birdies in my last seven holes. That was a special win.

Q: How do you balance playing high school golf versus national junior tournaments?

Erlenkeuser: High school golf and junior tournaments are very different and balancing them takes a lot of planning. High school golf is more about playing as a team, which is an experience I love. Winning state championships with my teammates has been incredible, and I know those moments will stay with me forever. There’s a sense of camaraderie that’s unique to high school golf.

Junior tournaments, on the other hand, are all about individual performance. They’re much more competitive, and you’re constantly facing some of the best players in the country. I enjoy the challenge of junior tournaments because they push me to improve, but I also appreciate the fun and team aspect of high school golf. It’s a different kind of pressure, but both have helped me grow as a player.

Q: What impact has USNDP had on your development as a golfer?

Erlenkeuser: It’s been a game changer. The grant has allowed me to focus more on improving my game. The resources, from coaching to stroke analysis, are things I never had access to before. I’ve never really tracked my data, so learning from those insights will be huge. It’s going to help me become more efficient with my practice and elevate my game.

But beyond my own development, this grant means a lot for my family. I have three sisters who also play golf, and the financial burden of tournaments, travel and training can be tough. This grant helps lighten that load, and I’m really grateful for that. It allows me to play in more national tournaments and put myself in front of college coaches and scouts.

Q: You’ve spoken about your love of pressure and competition. Can you elaborate on that?

Erlenkeuser: I thrive under pressure. I love competing in high-stakes situations, whether it’s trying to sink a clutch putt or making a charge in the final round of a tournament. There’s nothing quite like that feeling. Some people shy away from those moments, but I embrace them.

I think that’s what keeps me motivated. I don’t just want to be good, I want to be the best. Every time I win something, I immediately think about what’s next. If I shoot a 63, I want to figure out how to shoot a 61. There’s no limit to how much better I can get, and that’s what excites me about golf.

Q: What are your long-term goals in golf?

Erlenkeuser: I want to be one of the best. I believe I can be. My goal is to break into the top 10 nationally in junior golf, win a U.S. Junior, and then compete in the U.S. Amateur. Looking further ahead, I want to play on the PGA Tour and win all four major championships in the same year. That’s the ultimate goal. I know it’s a big dream, but I believe anything is possible if I put in the work.

Q: What excites you most about the future?

Erlenkeuser: Just seeing how far I can go. When I look back in six years, I want to be able to say that this moment was the beginning of something great. The USNDP has given me the resources and confidence to chase my dreams, and I’m excited to see where it takes me.

This program is truly something special. It’s not just about financial support, it’s about putting young golfers in the best position to succeed. It has already changed my perspective on how I train and compete, and I know it’s going to continue shaping my journey. I’m beyond grateful to be part of it.