One of 14 states added to the junior team program in 2026
Indiana Golf, Indianapolis, IN (Oct. 9, 2025) – Indiana is launching a state junior golf team that will expand the pipeline for elite local golfers into the recently created U.S. National Development Program (USNDP), an initiative launched in 2023 by the United States Golf Association to create critical development, competitive and talent identification opportunities for golfers ages 13-18.
Executive Director of Indiana Golf, Mike David stated, “We are excited to launch our efforts to form Team Indiana and be part of the USGA’s National Development Program. Indiana has long been a leader in junior golf and this program is a logical next step for us.”
Indiana is now one of 30 states to join the USNDP’s state junior team program. The initiative launched in January 2024 with seven pilot states, expanded to nine more earlier this year and continues to grow steadily. The USGA’s goal is to establish a team in every state by 2033, working in close partnership with allied golf associations, the PGA of America and its sections, and local junior golf programs.
“This program represents an important step in building the national player pathway,” said Heather Daly-Donofrio, USGA managing director, Player Relations and Development. “By creating state junior teams, we’re not only opening doors for more juniors to access resources and development opportunities, but also instilling pride in representing their home state. That combination will help elevate competition locally and deepen the overall pool of talent nationwide.”
The participating states will each establish a committee consisting of representatives from major golf entities within the state including any AGAs and PGA of America Sections. Indiana’s team committee includes the Indiana PGA, Indiana Golf Foundation, and Indiana Golf Association.
The committee will oversee team selection criteria, and the operation of Team Indiana based on guidelines provided by the USNDP. Team selection criteria may consist of a points structure, ranking or combination of other competitive factors, and will be published prior to the entry deadline of the first counting event of the 2026 championship season.
State team roster sizes are calculated by elite junior participation in the state, ranging from two boys/two girls to 20 boys/20 girls. Indiana expects to have 12 players as part of the initial team, which will be named in late 2026. To be eligible to compete on a state team, a player must be a U.S. Citizen and resident of Indiana. Each eligible player must be 13 years old by Jan. 1, 2027, have not reached their 19th birthday by July 19, 2027, and must not be enrolled in college for the 2026-2027 school year. A Handicap Index® is also required. Additional eligibility requirements and FAQs can be found at www.indianagolf.org/team-indiana/
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 junior team program will focus on creating a developmentally appropriate, aspirational pathway for athletes within each state to compete at higher levels of the game.