UNITED STATES NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

Investing in the Future of Golf

Team Kentucky is Kentucky’s state junior golf team that exists to expand the pipeline for elite local golfers into the U.S. National Development Program (USNDP), an initiative launched by the United States Golf Association (USGA) in 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. Team Kentucky focuses on creating a developmentally appropriate, aspirational pathway for athletes in Kentuckyto compete at the highest levels of the game.

TEAM KENTUCKY USNDP ANNOUNCEMENT

Beginning in 2027, Kentucky will begin the process of developing all Team Kentucky USNDP procedures including:

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?

Team Kentucky will be led by an oversight committee that works in partnership with the U.S. National Development Program (USNDP) to administer and guide the program within the state.

One of the committee's most important responsibilities is selecting Team Kentucky members each year. In making its decisions, the committee carefully evaluates a range of competitive and developmental facts, including but not limited to:

• KGA Event Calendar
• KPGA Junior Tour Events
• National and international rankings (WAGR, AJGA, Junior Golf Scoreboard)
• Top finishes in tournaments
• Strength of field in events played
• Performance trends throughout the season
• Graduation year and age eligibilty
• On-course observations during tournament play and practice
• Final team selections and points list are made at the sole discretion of the Selection Committee.

What benefits will the team receive?

• Once an athlete commits to Team Kentucky, they can expect to receive team gear, invitations to state camps, support and mentorship from the Team Kentucky staff, and access to other resources as needed.

What events will be used to determine Team Kentucky?

• TBD 

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.