Introducing Team Washington

We are excited to announce the launch of a new Washington state junior golf team in 2026 designed to strengthen the pathway for elite local players into the recently established U.S. National Development Program (USNDP), an initiative of the United States Golf Association.

Managed by Washington Golf, Team Washington will be supported through a collaborative effort with the Washington Junior Golf Association, the Pacific Northwest PGA Section, and the Oregon Golf Association.

The inaugural USNDP Team USA includes two-time WA Golf Women’s Amateur champion Angela Zhang (back of the group)

Shaping the Future of Golf

One of the main goals of the USNDP is to expand, strengthen and diversify the junior golf pipeline by creating critical development, competitive and talent identification opportunities within each state for elite athletes ages 13-18. Part of this goal includes establishing state junior programs across the United States, and Washington is excited to join this initiative in 2026.

USNDP FAST FACTS

2026 Team Washington USNDP Application

To be considered for selection to Team Washington, all interested athletes or parent/guardians must complete and submit the official Team Washington 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 Washington. Applications will be reviewed in accordance with Team Washington selection criteria and applying does not guarantee selection to the team.

Team Washington Player Application

Selection Criteria

The Team Washington Selection Committee — composed of representatives from Washington Golf, Washington Junior Golf Association, the Pacific Northwest PGA Section, and the Oregon Golf Association — 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.

FAQs

Team Washington Questions

Who will be on Team Washington?

The Team Washington Committee will name 12 boys and 12 girls to Team Washington in 2026. Athletes earn their way onto the team through outstanding competitive performance during the 2026 season.

Do you need to be a Washington resident to be part of Team Washington?

Yes. Only players who are Washington residents and U.S. citizens are eligible for Team Washington. Additionally, players must not receive funding from any other national golf federation or country.

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

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.

Are there any other requirements to be on Team Washington?

Players must have an established Handicap Index® and enter all eligible scores to be eligible for Team Washington. Read more about Handicap Index® HERE.

When will Team Washington start?

Team Washington will be named in late 2026. Team members will participate in Team Washington programming and benefits in 2027. Players must earn their way onto the team each year.

What criteria will be used to select Team Washington?

The Team Washington Committee will use the 2026 Points Distribution List as the primary guide in decision making with the top twelve (12) points earners for each gender being given first consideration. Players will earn points for their competitive performance during events throughout the 2026 season. Further selection consideration will be given to factors such as rankings, scoring, results, sportsmanship and commitment. More information can be found in the Team Washington Selection Criteria.

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

Yes. Once named to Team Washington, 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 Washington 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.

If an athlete is part of Team Washington, 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.

What are the benefits of being on Team Washington?

Team Washington athletes can expect to receive team issued apparel, invitations to state camps, support and mentorship from the Team Washington staff, and access to other resources as needed. Additional team benefits will be announced in 2026.

If I have further questions, who should I contact?

Please contact Nate Schroeder at nschroeder@wagolf.org.

Team Washington Partners

Managed by WA Golf, Team Washington will be supported through a collaborative effort with the Washington Junior Golf Association, the Pacific Northwest PGA Section, and the Oregon Golf Association.