New York State is the latest to participate in the pilot phase of the National program. (April 7, 2025) – New York is creating a state junior golf team that will expand the pipeline for elite local golfers, ages 13-18, into the U.S. National Development Program (USNDP) – an initiative launched in early 2023 by the United States Golf Association (USGA).
Seven states participated in the initial phase of the state team pilot program in 2024. New York now joins a group of ten new state teams being established in 2025, advancing the USGA’s goal of all 50 states having a team by 2033.
Said Heather Daly-Donafrio, USGA managing director, Player Relations and Development: “The opportunity to represent their home state will incentivize each region’s best junior golfers to play more in-state competitions, ultimately strengthening the junior golf programming across the country.”
The program is continuing to expand through close collaboration between the USGA, its Allied Golf Associations – including the three AGAs in New York: Metropolitan Golf Association, New York State Golf Association and the Rochester District Golf Association – as well as the PGA of America and relevant state junior programs.
“We are thrilled to join forces with the NYSGA and the RDGA to support Team New York. This partnership reflects our shared commitment to fostering the next generation of elite golfers and shaping the future of golf in New York,” noted Brian Mahoney, Executive Director/CEO of the MGA. “We look forward to working together to provide these juniors with the opportunities, resources, competition, and guidance they need to excel on the national and international stage.”
Team New York will select 12 boys and 12 girls to its inaugural team in 2026. Team members will participate in programming and receive select benefits. Team selection is conducted on an annual basis; players must earn their spot each year.
“The RDGA is pleased to partner with the NYSGA and Met GA to roll out the State Junior Team Program in New York,” said RDGA Executive Director Tim Vangellow. “This program will create opportunities for promising young golfers in New York and provide support and resources to them.”
The participating states will each establish a committee consisting of representatives from major golf entities within each state as well as regional PGA of America Sections. This committee will oversee team selection criteria, which will be published prior to the entry deadline of the first official events of the 2025 championship season.
“We are honored to join our regional partners in the creation of Team New York,” added Bill Moore, Executive Director of the NYSGA. “The Empire State produces so many talented golfers, and we are excited to contribute to a program that will showcase our athletes at the highest levels of the game.”
To be eligible to compete on the New York team, a player must be a U.S. Citizen and be a New York State resident. Each eligible player must be 13 years old by Jan. 1, 2026, have not reached their 19th birthday by July 19, 2026, and must not be enrolled in college for the 2025-2026 school year. A Handicap Index® through the NYSGA, MGA, or RDGA and eligible posted scores is also required.
Announced in February of 2023, the USNDP is designed to ensure that American golf is the global leader in the game by focusing on six key pillars: talent identification, access to competition, national teams, athlete resources, player development and relations and athlete financial support. The state team program will focus on creating a developmentally appropriate, aspirational pathway for athletes within each state to compete at higher levels of the game, including an opportunity to represent the United States as a member of the USNDP’s National Team led by former Pepperdine Associate Head Coach Chris Zambri.
