Michigan Launches State Junior Team For 2026
Joining USGA’s U.S. National Development Program
Michigan 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 (USGA) to create critical development, competitive, and talent identification opportunities for golfers ages 13-18.
“We’re excited to launch Team Michigan and further support the development of in-state players as they move through their junior golf experiences,” said GAM Executive Director Chris Whitten. “A major goal of this program is to ensure that future success at the regional and national levels can be tied back to strong foundations here at home. We’re equally excited to partner with our friends and outstanding coaches in the Michigan Section PGA, who have been providing exceptional player development opportunities for decades. Together, we can create a pathway that both elevates Michigan juniors and strengthens the game statewide.”
Michigan 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.”
State team roster sizes are calculated by elite junior participation in the state, ranging from two boys/two girls to 20 boys/20 girls. Michigan expects to have eight boys & eight girls as part of the initial team, which will be named late next year. To be eligible to compete on a state team, a player must be a U.S. Citizen and a resident of Michigan. 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 GAM.org.
