Team Arizona Joins the National Stage
Reshaping the Future of Elite Level Junior Golf.
Arizona is excited to announce the launch of the state's first junior golf team - Team Arizona. The goal of this team is to expand the pipeline for elite golfers in Arizona into the recently created U.S. National Development Program (USNDP), a new initiative launched by the United States Golf Association. Arizona is one of 14 states being added to the state team program in 2026.
Selection Criteria
The Team Arizona Selection Committee — composed of representatives from AZ GOLF, the Junior Golf Association of Arizona, Southwest PGA, Tucson Junior Golf and other accomplished individuals in the sport — will name 24 athletes (12 boys and 12 girls) to the 2027 team. Athletes will earn their way onto the team by accumulating points and demonstrating outstanding competitive performance in 2026 events selected by the committee, along with meeting the additional criteria listed below.

2026 Team Arizona USNDP Application
To be considered for selection to Team Arizona, all interested athletes or parent/guardians must complete and submit the official Team Arizona USNDP Application. Submission of an application is required to confirm athletes understand the eligibility criteria and would like to be considered for selection to Team Arizona. Applications will be reviewed in accordance with Team Arizona selection criteria and applying does not guarantee selection to the team.
Selection Criteria
The Team Arizona Selection Committee — composed of representatives from AZ GOLF, the Junior Golf Association of Arizona, Southwest PGA, Tucson Junior Golf and other accomplished individuals in the sport — will name 24 athletes (12 boys and 12 girls) to the 2027 team. Athletes will earn their way onto the team by accumulating points and demonstrating outstanding competitive performance in 2026 events selected by the committee, along with meeting the additional criteria listed below.

Criteria for ALL Athletes
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View Criteria
- Complete the 2026 Player Application.
- Be a U.S. Citizen.
- Be a resident of Arizona, defined as having a parent/guardian who files state taxes in Arizona.
- Be at least 13 years old on January 1, 2027, and not older than 19 on July 19, 2027.
- Not be enrolled in college during the 2026–2027 academic year.
- Hold a USGA Handicap Index® and consistently post eligible scores.
- Compete in a minimum of two (2) events from the approved Points List.
Once selected, athletes are part of the USNDP for the 2027 calendar year and will receive various benefits and recognition for being part of the team.
Team Arizona Benefits
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View current benefits
- Access to USNDP Statistical Platform.
- Access to additional USGA online Athlete Development Resources (e.g. nutrition, sports psychology, fitness, recruiting support, course management tools).
- Consideration for USNDP Exemptions into AJGA non-invitational tournaments (if needed).
- Streamlined USNDP grant application process for families demonstrating financial need.
- Acknowledgement on USNDP digital channels.
- Inclusion in USNDP Database/Watchlist for potential opportunities.
- Exclusive Team AZ events and seminars.
- More benefits coming soon!
Team Arizona Coaching Staff
Rob Rashell
Head Coach
A University of Washington standout, Rashell enjoyed a successful 15-year professional playing career that included membership on both the PGA Tour and European Tour, appearances in the 2005 and 2008 U.S. Opens, and victory at the 2001 Arizona Open.
Today, he is recognized as one of Arizona's premier instructors, working with players of all skill levels—from beginners to PGA TOUR professionals—while utilizing advanced technology and data-driven coaching to help golfers maximize their potential. Most notably, he currently serves as the swing coach for PGA TOUR winner Joel Dahmen, helping guide one of the game's most recognizable players.
Dana Fall
Assistant Coach
Dana Fall is an Arizona native and professional golfer who has competed on both the LPGA Tour and Epson Tour. A standout junior golfer from Chandler who played in JGAA events, she enjoyed an accomplished collegiate career at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), where she was a two-time All-American, three-time Mountain West Player of the Year, and five-time tournament champion. Since turning professional in 2015, Dana has earned an Epson Tour victory, competed at the highest levels of women's professional golf, and continues to inspire the next generation through her passion for the game and commitment to player development.
Sarah Bowman
Team Captain
Sarah Bowman is a veteran LPGA Tour caddie with extensive experience working alongside some of the world's top professional golfers. Throughout her career, she has caddied for accomplished LPGA Tour players including Alena Sharp, Su Oh, and Sarah Schmelzel, bringing expertise in course management, preparation, and on-course strategy. Sarah has earned a reputation as a trusted member of the player-caddie team, helping competitors perform at the highest level of women's professional golf. She is passionate about sharing the insights and lessons she's gained on tour, offering a unique behind-the-scenes perspective on what it takes to succeed at the highest level while inspiring the next generation of golfers.
FAQs
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Who will be on Team Arizona?
The Team Arizona Committee will name 12 boys and 12 girls to the 2027 Team Arizona in Fall of 2026. Athletes earn their way onto the team through outstanding competitive performance during the 2026 season.
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Do you need to be an Arizona resident to be part of Team Arizona?
Yes. Only players who are Arizona residents and U.S. citizens are eligible for Team Arizona.
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How old do you need to be to be part of Team Arizona?
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.
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Are there any other requirements to be on Arizona?
Players must have an established Handicap Index® and enter all eligible scores to be eligible for Team Arizona. Read more about Handicap Index® HERE.
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When will Team Arizona start?
Team Arizona will be named in late 2026. Team members will participate in Team Arizona programming and benefits in 2027. Players must earn their way onto the team each year.
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If an athlete is part of Team Arizona, are they automatically a part of the U.S. National Development Program?
Yes! Once named to Team Arizona, 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 Arizona 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 o]icial USNDP statistical platform and athlete development resources. Read more about the USNDP HERE.
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If an athlete is part of Team Arizona, are they automatically a part of the National Junior Team?
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.
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What are the benefits of being on Team Arizona?
We will be announcing more details throughout the 2026 season! Stay tuned!
Shaping the Future of American Golf
The USNDP is a program launched by the United States Golf Association to expand the pipeline for elite local golfers into the national development program and to strengthen junior golf programming across the country. The program is designed to ensure that American golf remains a global leader by focusing on six key pillars: talent identification, access to competition, national teams, athlete resources, player development and relations, and athlete financial support.