New York is creating a state junior golf team that will expand the pipeline for elite local golfers, ages 13 to 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.
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 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.
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 January 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.
For more information, visit https://teamnewyork.mgagolf.org.
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