The State Junior Team program is part of the USGA’s U.S. National Development Program (USNDP).  The goal of the program is to expand, strengthen, and diversify the junior golf pipeline by creating critical development, competitive and talent identification opportunities within each state for elite athletes ages 13-18 through close collaboration between the USGA, its Allied Golf Associations (AGAs), the PGA of America sections and relevant state junior programs in each state.

Each State Committee has determined how their team will be selected each year.  This varies by state but typically includes outstanding competitive performance in state events.  You can access each State’s webpage for more information via our State Junior Team Program page.

This program started in 2024 with 7 pilot states and at the start of 2026, there will be 16 State Junior Teams across the country. Our goal is each state will have a State Junior Team by 2033.  We are working closely with AGAs and PGA of America sections to educate and prepare them to join our program; however, there is no set timetable for each state.  

Each State Junior Team will comprise of an equal number of boys and girls; however, the total number of athletes on each team may vary by state. Each state has a maximum number of athletes based on the number of elite junior golfers within the state as determined by those with a Handicap Index low enough to attempt to qualify for our USGA Junior Championships.

No, an athlete is only eligible for one State Junior Team.  This is determined as the state where the parent(s)/guardian(s) who claims the athlete as a dependent filed their most recent state tax return.