Team Texas
Texas is launching a state junior golf team that will expand and diversify the pipeline for elite local junior golfers by creating critical development, competitive and talent identification opportunities into the U.S. National Development Program (USNDP), a new initiative launched in 2023 by the United States Golf Association. Texas is one of 30 states to join the USNDP’s state junior team program.
Team Texas
Texas is launching a state junior golf team that will expand and diversify the pipeline for elite local junior golfers by creating critical development, competitive and talent identification opportunities into the U.S. National Development Program (USNDP), a new initiative launched in 2023 by the United States Golf Association. Texas is one of 30 states to join the USNDP’s state junior team program.
Fostering Future Generations of American Golf
The U.S. National Development Program is the United States’ first national development program to provide a clear and unified pathway for the country’s top players, beginning with competitive junior golf through to the pinnacles of the sport. The U.S. National Development Program will identify, train, develop, fund and support the nation’s most talented junior players – regardless of cultural, geographical or financial background.
The U.S. National Development Program is the United States’ first national development program to provide a clear and unified pathway for the country’s top players, beginning with competitive junior golf through to the pinnacles of the sport. The U.S. National Development Program will identify, train, develop, fund and support the nation’s most talented junior players – regardless of cultural, geographical or financial background.
Selection Criteria
The Team Texas Selection Committee – composed of representatives from the Texas Golf Association and both the Northern Texas and Southern Texas Sections of the PGA of America will name 20 athletes (10 boys and 10 girls) to represent the 2027 team.
Athletes will qualify through competitive performance during the 2026 season. Points will be awarded in designated in-state and national events chosen by the committee, with the official 2026 Points List published in December 2025. From this list, eight boys and eight girls will be named directly based on point standings with consideration for geographical representation across Texas. The remaining 4 spots (two boys and two girls) will be selected by the committee, using the points standings as the primary criteria, while also considering scoring average, competitive round statistics, work ethic, willingness to learn, character (on and off the course), and the ability to work with others on a team.
Team Texas Details
Click on the links below for more information about Team Texas.
Eligibility Criteria
- Residency: Athletes must be a U.S. Citizen and the athlete’s parent/guardian must file personal taxes in Texas. Exceptions may be made for athletes with unique circumstances such as relocation, parents residing in different states, military families, etc.
- Age Limit: Athletes must be 13 by January 1st, 2027, and not have reached their 19th birthday by July 19th, 2027. Additionally, athletes must not be enrolled in college for the 2026-2027 school year.
- Handicap Index®: Athletes must have a Handicap Index with a full scoring record of 20 scores, including eight (8) competitive scores within the previous twelve (12) months. For information on how to get a Handicap Index, click HERE.
- Good Standing: Athletes must adhere to the USNDP Code of Conduct and be in good standing with other junior golf organizations or programs. Any athlete who is serving a suspension from a junior golf organization is not eligible for Team Texas.
- Other Requirements: Athletes must be an amateur under the Rules of Amateur Status and comply with the Rules of Amateur Status, USGA Anti-Doping Protocol, USGA Betting Policy and the USGA Gender Policy.
Team Texas Benefits
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Recognition on USNDP website and social media
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Streamlined access to USNDP grant programs
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Consideration for USNDP Exemptions into AJGA non-invitational tournaments (if needed)
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Access to:
° Official statistical platform
° Athlete development resources
° USNDP talent database and watchlist -
Texas-specific benefits to be determined
FAQs
The Team Texas Committee will name 10 boys and 10 girls to Team Texas in 2026. Athletes earn their way onto the team through outstanding competitive performance during the 2026 season.
Yes. Only players who are Texas residents and U.S. citizens are eligible for Team Texas.
Players must be 13 years old by January 1, 2027, have not reached their 19th birthday by July 19, 2027, and must not be enrolled in college for the 2026-2027 school year.
Players must have an established Handicap Index® and enter all eligible scores to be eligible for Team Texas. Read more about Handicap Index HERE.
Team Texas will be named in late 2026. Team members will participate in Team Texas programming and benefits in 2027. Players must earn their way onto the team each year.
Yes! Once named to Team Texas, 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 Texas 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.
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.
The programming and benefits for Team Texas will be announced throughout the 2026 season.
- Stacy Dennis, Executive Director of the Texas Golf Association (TGA)
- Sandra Haynie, World Golf Hall of Famer
- Kelly Gilley, Executive Director of the Northern Texas PGA (NTPGA)
- Thomas Hutton, Executive Director of the Southern Texas PGA (STPGA)
USNDP News and Updates
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