Tacoma, Wash. – Washington 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. Washington is one of 14 states added to the program in 2026.
“Washington Golf is proud to lead this new chapter for junior golf in our state,” said WA Golf CEO Troy Andrew. “This program not only reflects our mission to lead and support the game, but also creates an inspiring pathway for our most talented juniors to pursue their goals while instilling pride in representing Washington.” Andrew also said he is excited to collaborate with the Washington Junior Golf Association (WJGA) and the Pacific Northwest PGA Section on this program to further strengthen junior golf statewide, and ensure the state’s young players have the resources, opportunities, and support they need to succeed at the highest levels.
“Washington Junior Golf Association is excited to collaborate with WA Golf and provide this incredible opportunity for Washington’s top junior golfers in alignment with the USGA,” said Tyler Johnsen, executive director of the WJGA. “Team Washington will foster an environment for the best junior golfers in the state to motivate and encourage each other to elevate their game to even greater success.”
Washington 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. Washington’s team committee includes Washington Golf, Washington Junior Golf Association, Pacific Northwest PGA Section, and Oregon Golf Association.
The committee will oversee team selection criteria, and the operation of Team Washington will be 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. Washington expects to have 24 players – 12 boys and 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 Washington. 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.
Click here for additional eligibility requirements and FAQs.
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 Washington Golf
Founded in 1922, WA Golf is a 501c4 non-profit amateur golf association governed by men and women volunteers that has grown into one of the largest golf associations in the United States, providing a multitude of member benefits and services to more than 103,000 golfers, 520 member clubs, and 260 golf facilities throughout Washington and Northern Idaho. WA Golf also serves as the statewide representative of the United States Golf Association and works closely with a number of allied associations within the golf industry for the betterment of the game. Visit wagolf.org for more information.
About the Washington Junior Golf Association
The WJGA was founded by Joan Teats in 1977. It is a 501c3 non-profit association that is dedicated to supporting boys’ and girls’ junior golfers by providing a comprehensive, competitive program that helps build character and sportsmanship, providing lifelong benefits. Serving over 1,200 members, it continues to be one of the largest state junior golf competitive programs in the country. Visit wjga.net for more information.