UNITED STATES NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
Investing in the Future of Golf
The U.S. National Development Program (USNDP), launched by the United States Golf Association (USGA) in 2023, was created to identify, support and develop the next generation of American golfers. Through a focus on talent identification, competitive opportunities, player development, athlete resources and financial support, the program provides a pathway for promising junior golfers to reach their full potential and compete at the highest levels of the game.
Team Kentucky is proud to be part of this national initiative, bringing new opportunities to talented junior golfers across the state. Through a collaborative effort between the USGA, Kentucky Golf Association, Kentucky PGA Section, and the Kentucky Golf Foundation, Team Kentucky will provide a pathway for elite junior golfers ages 13–18 to further develop their skills, gain valuable experiences and pursue their competitive goals. Our goal is to recognize Kentucky's top junior golfers, support their continued growth and help prepare them for the next level of competition while strengthening the future of golf in Kentucky.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Who will be on Team Kentucky? +
TIMELINE: Team Kentucky will be announced each fall. Selected players will represent Team Kentucky for one calendar year and must earn their way back onto the team each season they remain eligible.
SELECTION CRITERIA: Players earn selection to Team Kentucky through outstanding competitive performance during the season. The selection process is established and overseen by the Team Kentucky Selection Committee and is based on a combination of a points system and committee evaluation.
Who is on the Team Kentucky Committee? +
The Team Kentucky Committee, made up of representatives from the Kentucky Golf Association, the Kentucky Section of the PGA of America, and the Kentucky Golf Foundation (which includes the Kentucky PGA Junior Tour), will name up to 8 boys and 8 girls to Team Kentucky for 2028.
Athletes earn their way onto the team through outstanding competitive performance during the 2027 season.
Do you need to be a Kentucky resident to be part of Team Kentucky? +
Yes. Only players who are Kentucky residents and U.S. citizens are eligible for Team Kentucky.
How old do you need to be to be part of Team Kentucky? +
Players must be 13 years old by Jan. 1, 2028, have not reached their 19th birthday by July 15, 2028, and must not be enrolled in college for the 2027–2028 school year.
Are there any other requirements to be on Team Kentucky? +
Players must have an established Handicap Index® and enter all eligible scores to be eligible for Team Kentucky.
When will Team Kentucky start? +
Team Kentucky will be named in late 2027. Team members will participate in Team Kentucky programming and benefits in 2028. Players must earn their way onto the team each year.
If an athlete is part of Team Kentucky, are they automatically a part of the U.S. National Development Program? +
Yes! Once named to Team Kentucky, athletes are a part of the U.S. National Development Program (USNDP) for the following calendar year.
The USNDP will provide benefits and recognition to Team Kentucky participants. These benefits may include recognition on the USGA/USNDP website and social media, streamlined USNDP grant applications, exemptions into local AJGA events, and access to the official USNDP statistical platform and athlete development resources.
Read more about the USNDP HERE.
If an athlete is part of Team Kentucky, are they automatically a part of the National Junior Team? +
No. The National Junior Team is determined by the USGA and will be a relatively small number of athletes compared to the number of athletes on State Teams.
What are the benefits of being on Team Kentucky? +
Team member benefits will be determined prior to each season, with the first announcement to be made in 2027.
For More Information About the USNDP Program:
CLICK HERE for U.S. National Development Program FAQs.
Contact KGA Membership & Engagement Director, MacKenzie Peyton, mpeyton@kygolf.org for any questions.
