The USGA today announced that Augusta National Golf Club and Masters Tournament Charities have committed $1.5 million over three years to support the expansion of the State Junior Team component of the U.S. National Development Program.
This commitment, which runs from 2026 through 2028, will provide $500,000 annually to help grow and strengthen state-based junior development programs across the country, with the goal of having all 50 states participating in the State Junior Team Program by the end of 2028.
“Masters Tournament Charities shares our belief that meaningful development starts at the local level,” said Heather Daly-Donofrio, managing director, U.S. National Development Program. “Their commitment to the State Junior Team Program is an investment in young athletes across the country, helping states provide thoughtful, high-quality development opportunities that support both competitive growth and personal development. We’re incredibly grateful for their partnership as we work toward a truly national pathway for junior golfers.”
Launched in January 2024, the State Junior Team Program is designed to create a developmentally appropriate and aspirational pathway for junior golfers within their home states, helping them progress toward higher levels of competitive golf. Sixteen states currently have programs up and running with active participants, and an additional 14 states joined the initiative in fall 2025. Those states will select their first rosters following the 2026 season.
Funding from Masters Tournament Charities will be distributed annually based on state junior team size. The investment will directly support athlete development and educational initiatives aligned with the USNDP’s guiding principle of Developing Athletes Who THRIVE, with an emphasis on both on-course performance and off-course growth.
In addition to athlete-focused programming, the funding will support enhanced resources for state team administrators, including shared educational materials, instructional videos and opportunities for states to collaborate and exchange best practices as the program continues to scale nationwide.
Each participating State Junior Team Program is overseen by a committee composed of representatives from major golf organizations within the state, including Allied Golf Associations and PGA of America Sections. These committees are responsible for establishing team selection criteria and administering their state programs in accordance with guidelines provided by the USGA, ensuring a consistent national framework while allowing for local leadership and collaboration.
The State Junior Team Program is a key pillar of the U.S. National Development Program, which was launched to strengthen the pipeline of American golf talent by expanding access to development opportunities and creating clearer pathways for young athletes across the country.