2027 U.S. National Development Program® Grant Application Overview

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 2027 application will be open mid-July – Oct. 31, 2026

Eligibility Requirements

All of the following criteria must be met to qualify:

• Financial Needs Requirement: The athlete’s family must meet the financial need parameters as determined by the USGA.

• Age: Athlete must be between 13-18 years old (turning 13 by January 1, 2027) with a projected high school graduation date (or GED) no earlier than 2027.

• 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

How to Apply

All applications must be submitted through the application portal, the USNDP Grant Management Center. Emailed submissions will not be considered. Only portal submissions will be reviewed. 

Parents/guardians applying on behalf of their athlete(s) must serve as the primary contact and enter their own name and email address when prompted following a passed pre-screening survey, as USNDP Staff may need to reach them directly via email throughout the application process.  

• NEW APPLICANTS 

Must first fill out a pre-screening survey to determine basic eligibility for a potential USNDP Grant. Athletes and their families that 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, to complete an application.

• RETURNING APPLICANTS 

If your household income or number of people in your household has changed since the last application period, we encourage families to complete a pre-screening survey to determine basic eligibility. If you pass the pre-screening survey—or if your household information has not changed—log in to the USNDP Grant Management Center, the application portal, using your current login to complete your application.

• PARENTS/GUARDIANS APPLYING FOR MULTIPLE ATHLETES

The USNDP Grant Management Center allows parents/guardians to manage applications for multiple athletes under a single household account.

Required Application Materials Checklist 

• Handicap ID (i.e. GHIN #)

• Athlete Age and Citizenship Verification
  • For requirements, click HERE. 

• U.S. Residency Verification
  • For requirements, click HERE. 

• Financial Verification
  • For requirements, click HERE.

• Video Submissions
  • For requirements, click HERE.

• Recommendation Letter
  • For requirements, click HERE.
  • Exception: Selected USNDP State Team athletes are not required to provide a recommendation letter. 

• Family Statement of Intent
  • For requirements, click HERE.

• If applicable, Additional Parent/Guardian
  • Required if another parent/guardian shares custody, has visitation rights, provides any financial support, or files taxes separately from the Primary Applicant. 
  • Their Supplemental Financial Application must also be submitted for the Primary Applicant's application to be considered complete and eligible for review. 
  • For the USNDP definition of an "Additional Parent/Guardian", the requirements and the application process details, click HERE.    

Application Review Process

Applications submitted within the secure application portal are reviewed based on the following steps:  

1. Financial Needs Assessment

2. Performance Assessment

3. Grant Committee Evaluation

For full details of each stage, see: USNDP Grant Application FAQs - Application Review Process

The total number of grants awarded will be determined by the total number of qualified athletes and availability of funds. 

If you have any questions, please visit our USNDP Grants Application FAQs or contact us HERE.