Massachusetts 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), a new initiative by the United States Golf Association. Team Massachusetts will be managed by Mass Golf, based on guidelines provided by the USGA, and will be supported through a collaborative effort between other state-wide and regional organizations including New England Professional Golfers’ Association and the United States Challenge Cup.
THE TEAM
In 2024, Team Massachusetts will be made up of 16 players (8 boys/8 girls). Team members will participate in Team Massachusetts programming and will receive select benefits in 2025. Players must earn their way onto the team each year.
TIMELINE
ELIGIBILITY
SELECTION CRITERIA
Players will earn their way onto the team through outstanding competitive performance during the 2024 season. Established and overseen by the Selection Committee, the selection criteria is made up of a points system and a consideration set. The Selection Committee will name 7 boys and 7 girls to Team Massachusetts directly from the point standings. The remaining spots will be named exclusively by the Selection Committee using the points standings as a guide in decision making. The Selection Committee reserves the right to exclude a player from the selection process, regardless of his or her position in the points standings, for conduct it determines is unbecoming as a representative of Team Massachusetts.
BENEFITS
Being selected to Team Massachusetts is an accolade that comes with the benefit of receiving varying levels of support, helping players continue their growth and journey. Once named to Team Massachusetts, players are a part of the USNDP for the following calendar year. The USNDP will provide benefits and recognition to Team Massachusetts participants. These benefits may include recognition on the USGA/USNDP website and social media, expedited USNDP grant program access, exemptions to local AJGA events, invites to future USNDP camps, and access to the official USNDP statistical platform.
QUESTIONS
For more information and questions specific to the U.S. National Development Program, please use the web resources below.
For questions related to Team Massachusetts, please contact the Mass Golf staff:
RESOURCES FOR PARENTS
The “Be My Champion” series is part of the U.S. National Development Program and is a resource for parents, coaches and supporters of young golfers. VISION54 co-founders and world-renowned golf coaches Pia Nilsson and Lynn Marriott lead a discussion on how to create a culture of excellence and well-being for the game’s future champions. Players coached by Pia and Lynn have combined to win 150 times worldwide on the major professional tours. They have coached 11 major champions and five World No. 1-ranked players, and have interacted with players, parents and coaches from around the world for the last 30 years.
Informational Webinar | Informational Webinar PowerPoint
Mass Golf hosted an informational webinar to give a general overview of Team Massachusetts, including topics like selection process, point earning lists, benefits of being on the team, Q&A session, and more.
Massachusetts 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), a new initiative launched last February by the United States Golf Association. Massachusetts is one of seven states that will participate in the initial phase of the state team pilot program kicking off in 2024 with the goal of all states having a team by 2033.
The U.S. National Development Program is the United States’ first national development program to provide a clear and unified pathway for the country’s top players, beginning with competitive junior golf through to the pinnacles of the sport. The U.S. National Development Program will identify, train, develop, fund and support the nation’s most talented junior players – regardless of cultural, geographical or financial background.
ABOUT MASS GOLF
Mass Golf is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that is dedicated to advancing golf in Massachusetts by building an engaged and inclusive community around the sport.
With a community made up of over 120,000 golf enthusiasts and over 360 member clubs, Mass Golf is one of the largest state golf associations in the country. Members enjoy the benefits of handicapping, engaging golf content, course rating and scoring services along with the opportunity to compete in an array of events for golfers of all ages and abilities.
At the forefront of junior development, Mass Golf is proud to offer programming to youth in the state through First Tee Massachusetts and subsidized rounds of golf by way of Youth on Course.
