LOUISVILLE, KY. (Oct. 13, 2026) – Kentucky is launching a state junior team that will expand the pipeline for elite local golfers as part of the 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 are really excited to bring the U.S. National Development Program to Kentucky," said Connie Saner, Executive Director of the Kentucky Golf Association. "This is a great opportunity for us to help develop our young golfers and give them the support and resources they need to continue growing in the game. We want to do more than just recognize talented junior golfers. We want to help them reach their potential and create opportunities for their future. We have a lot of work ahead of us as we build this program, but we are looking forward to welcoming our first group of Kentucky athletes in 2028. I truly believe this program will make a difference for junior golf in our state." 

Kentucky is one of 20 states to join the USNDP's state junior team program in 2027. The initiative launched in January 2024 with seven pilot states and continues to grow steadily with nine states in 2025 and 14 in 2026. The USGA's goal is to establish a team in every state working in close partnership with allied golf associations, the PGA of America and its sections, and local junior golf programs.

"The growth of the state team program in year three is an important step in building the national player pathway," said Heather Daly-Donofrio, USGA managing director, U.S. National Development Program. "This program is about more than competition. It gives young players the opportunity to develop together, build relationships with teammates and proudly represent their home states, all while gaining greater access to resources that can support their growth. These experiences will strengthen junior golf 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. Kentucky's team committee includes the Kentucky Golf Foundation (KGF), the Kentucky Golf Association (KGA), the Kentucky PGA (KPGA) and the KPGA Junior Tour. 

The committee will oversee team selection criteria, and the operation of Team Kentucky 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 2028 championship season.

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.

State team roster sizes are calculated by elite junior participation in the state, ranging from two boys/two girls to 20 boys/20 girls. Kentucky expects to have 16 players (8 boys/8 girls) as part of the initial team, which will be named in late 2027.  To be eligible to compete on a state team, a player must be a U.S. Citizen and resident of Kentucky. Each eligible player must be 13 years old by Jan. 1, 2027, have not reached their 19th birthday by July 15, 2027, and must not be enrolled in college for the 2027-2028 school year. A Handicap Index® is also required.

Additional eligibility requirements and FAQs can be found by clicking here.

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.