One of 14 states added to the junior team program in 2026
LAFAYETTE, LA (Oct. 9, 2025) – Spearheaded by the Louisiana Golf Association (LGA), Louisiana 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 (USGA) to create critical development, competitive and talent identification opportunities for golfers ages 13-18.
"We’re incredibly excited to bring the U.S. National Development Program to Louisiana. This is a huge step forward for junior golf in our state, and it’s going to open up amazing opportunities and resources for our young players to grow, compete at the highest level, and reach their full potential. It’s a very exciting time for the future of Louisiana golf."
— Jake Norris, LGA Director of Junior Golf
Louisiana is now one of 30 states to join the USNDP’s state junior team program, which 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. The LGA is proud to partner with the USGA on this progressive initiative.
“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. Louisiana’s team committee will be established by December 1, 2025.
Team Louisiana will be selected by the Team Louisiana Selection Committee based on guidelines provided by the USNDP. The committee will be comprised of representatives from the Louisiana Golf Association, Louisiana Junior Golf Tour, and Gulf States Section of the PGA of America. The Committee will name 16 players (8 boys and 8 girls) to the 2027 team. Players will earn their way onto Team Louisiana through outstanding competitive performances during the 2026 season (additional criteria listed below).
Athletes will accumulate points in 2026 events selected by the Committee, and these points will determine the standings used for team selection. The Selection Committee will name six boys and six girls directly from the top six in point standings. The remaining spots will be awarded using the points standings as the primary criteria, while also considering head-to-head results, scoring average, competitive round statistics. The Committee will also factor in work ethic, willingness to learn, personal conduct (on and off the golf course), and the ability to work with others and be a good teammate. The Committee will have the final decision on the selection of the two remaining boys and girls.
Since 1920, the Louisiana Golf Association has proudly supported the game of golf throughout our state. As the trusted governing body for amateur golf in Louisiana, we oversee amateur championships for golfers of all skill levels and ages, administer the World Handicap System™, “eLAvate” the game of junior golf, and uphold the integrity of the sport. But our mission goes beyond tournaments—we’re committed to making golf more inclusive, accessible, and sustainable, ensuring it continues to thrive for generations of Louisiana golfers to come.
State team roster sizes are calculated by elite junior participation in the state, ranging from two boys/two girls to 20 boys/20 girls. Louisiana will have 16 players 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 Louisiana. 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 through Louisiana Golf Association membership.
Additional eligibility requirements and FAQs can be found at https://lgagolf.org/usndp-team-louisiana/
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 the LGA
The Louisiana Golf Association (LGA) is a mission-driven organization dedicated to unifying the golf community across Louisiana. Since its inception in 1920, the LGA has expanded its scope to offer a variety of championships, including the Junior Amateur Championship and the Louisiana Junior Golf Tour. The LGA is committed to providing exceptional services in Championship Administration, USGA Handicap System oversight, and Rules of Golf authority, ensuring fair play and integrity throughout the state.
The LGA supports golfers of all levels through its Course Measuring and Rating services, comprehensive tournament management, and educational seminars on the Rules of Golf and Amateur Status. By partnering with entities like the Audubon Golf Trail and Gulf States PGA, the LGA fosters growth and inclusivity in the sport.
As the authoritative body for amateur golf in Louisiana, the LGA maintains the WHS Handicap Index, crucial for assessing individual performance, and continues to uphold the game’s traditions and values. For more information, visit LGA.org or contact us at 337-265-3938.
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