Team Arizona

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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.

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.

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.

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Criteria for ALL Athletes

View Criteria
- Complete the 2026 Player Application by 3/31/2026. Application will be available starting December 15th.
- 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

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!

FAQs

Who will be on Team Arizona?
Do you need to be an Arizona resident to be part of Team Arizona?
How old do you need to be to be part of Team Arizona?
Are there any other requirements to be on Arizona?
When will Team Arizona start?
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.
If an athlete is part of Team Arizona, are they automatically a part of the National Junior Team?
What are the benefits of being on Team Arizona?

Team Arizona Joins the National Stage

Reshaping the Future of Elite Level Junior Golf.

Shaping the Future of American Golf

Selection Criteria

Criteria for ALL Athletes

View Criteria

Team Arizona Benefits

View current benefits

FAQs

Who will be on Team Arizona?

Do you need to be an Arizona resident to be part of Team Arizona?

How old do you need to be to be part of Team Arizona?

Are there any other requirements to be on Arizona?

When will Team Arizona start?

If an athlete is part of Team Arizona, are they automatically a part of the U.S. National Development Program?

If an athlete is part of Team Arizona, are they automatically a part of the National Junior Team?

What are the benefits of being on Team Arizona?

Still Have Questions About Team Arizona?