USA Idaho

(Oct. 16, 2024) Idaho 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 last year by the United States Golf Association to create critical development, competitive and talent identification opportunities for golfers ages 13-18.

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Idaho is one 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.

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"This first of its kind state team program will serve as a critical part of the talent identification pathway for the USNDP and provide more opportunities for a diverse population of athletes to receive resources and guidance to compete at the highest levels of the game," says Heather Daly-Donofrio, USGA managing director, Player RElations and Development.  "Additionally, the opportunity to represent their home state will incentivize each region's best junior golfers to play more in-state competitions, ultimately strengthening the junior golf programming across the country."

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The participating state will each establish a committee consisting of representatives from major golf entities within the state including any AGAs and PGA of America Sections. Idaho team committee includes, Idaho Golf Association, Idaho Junior Tour, Rocky Mountain PGA Section, Washington Golf Association and Pacific Northwest PGA Section.

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The committee will oversee team selection criteria, and the operation of the Idaho state team program based on guidelines provided by the USGA. 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 2025 championship season. 

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State team roster sizes are calculated by elite junior participation in the state, ranging from two boys/two girls to 20 boys/20girls. Idaho expects to have four boys/four girls as part of the initial team, which will be named in late 2025. To be eligible to compete on state team, a player must be a U.S. Citizen. Each eligible player must be 13 years old by January 1, 2026, have not reached their 19th birthday by July 198, 2026, and must not be enrolled in college for the 2025-2026 school year. A handicap index is also required. ​

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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 pillars: talent identification, access to competition, national teams, athlete resources, player development and relations and athlete financial support. The state team program will focus on creating a developmentally appropriate, aspirational pathway for athletes within each state to compete at higher levels of the game, including an opportunity to represent the United States as a member of the National Junior Team led by former Pepperdine Associate Head Coach Chris Zambri, In March, the USGA named its inaugural 18-player U.S. National Junior Team.