Arizona Launches State Junior Team

PHOENIX, ARIZ. (Oct. 9, 2025) – Arizona 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 in 2023 by the United States Golf Association to create critical development, competitive and talent identification opportunities for golfers ages 13-18.

“AZ GOLF is thrilled to introduce Team Arizona alongside our peer Associations, united in the mission of raising the game and creating greater opportunities for our junior golfers,” said Catherine Carmignani, AZ GOLF Executive Director. “Together, we will celebrate their journey, empowering them to reach their fullest potential both on and off the course.”

Arizona is now one of 30 states to join the USNDP’s state junior team program. The initiative launched in January 2024 with seven pilot states, expanded to nine more earlier this year and continues to grow steadily. The USGA’s goal is to establish a team in every state by 2033, working in close partnership with allied golf associations, the PGA of America and its sections, and local junior golf programs. 

“This program represents an important step in building the national player pathway,” said Heather Daly-Donofrio, USGA managing director, Player Relations and Development. “By creating state junior teams, we’re not only opening doors for more juniors to access resources and development opportunities, but also instilling pride in representing their home state. That combination will help elevate competition 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. Arizona’s team committee includes representatives from AZ GOLF; Junior Golf Association of Arizona; Southwest PGA; Tucson Junior Golf; and a special advisor.

The committee will oversee team selection criteria, and the operation of Team Arizona 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 2026 championship season.

State team roster sizes are calculated by elite junior participation in the state, ranging from two boys/two girls to 20 boys/20 girls. Arizona expects to have 12 boys/12 girls as part of the initial team, which will be named in late 2026. To be eligible to compete on a state team, a player must be a U.S. Citizen and resident of Arizona. Each eligible player must be 13 years old by Jan. 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. A Handicap Index® is also required.

Additional eligibility requirements and FAQs can be found at azgolf.org/team-arizona.

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.

About AZ GOLF: We exist to connect golfers with the greatest game on this green earth. As the governing body of Arizona golf, we continuously strive to elevate sport and unlock access for all levels of players - embracing the beginners' road to refinement while celebrating competition amongst champions.