North and South Carolina are launching state junior golf teams that will expand the pipeline for elite local golfers into the recently created U.S. National Development Program (USNDP), an initiative launched last year by the United States Golf Association to create critical development, competitive and talent identification opportunities for golfers ages 13-18.

One of the main goals of the USNDP is to expand and strengthen the junior golf pipeline by creating critical development, competitive and talent identification opportunities within each state for elite athletes ages 13-18. Part of this goal includes establishing state junior programs across the United States, and North and South Carolina will join this USNDP initiative in 2025.

The Carolinas are two of 16 states/regions that are now part of the state team program. Seven states were included in the initial phase of the program that kicked off in January, with the goal of all states having a team by 2033. The program is continuing to expand through close collaboration between the USGA, its allied golf associations, the PGA of America and its sections and relevant state junior programs. 

THE TEAMS
State team roster sizes are calculated by elite junior participation in the state, ranging from two boys/two girls to 20 boys/20 girls. North Carolina and South Carolina both expect to have 12 players and eight players respectively as part of the initial team, which will be named in late 2025. 

WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
* Only players who are North Carolina and South Carolina residents are eligible for their respective teams.
* Players must have an established Handicap Index® and enter all eligible scores to be eligible for Team North Carolina or Team South Carolina. Boys must have a Handicap Index®. Girls must have a Handicap Index®. Read more about Handicap Index® HERE.

* Players must be 13 years old by January 1, 2026, have not reached their 19th birthday by July 19, 2026, and must not be enrolled in college for the 2025-2026 school year.

TIMELINE

Team North Carolina and Team South Carolina will be named in late 2025. Team members will participate in Team North Carolina and Team South Carolina programming and benefits in 2026. Players must earn their way onto the team each year.
 

QUESTIONS
For more information and questions specific to the U.S. National Development Program, please use the web resources below.

USNDP Homepage | USNDP FAQs