TEAM MICHIGAN

Michigan Joins the National Stage

Michigan is thrilled to announce the launch of its first state junior golf team (Team Michigan). This team will expand and diversify the pipeline for elite local junior golfers by creating critical development, competitive opportunities, and talent identification for the recently created U.S. National Development Program (USNDP), a new initiative launched by the United States Golf Association. Michigan is one of 30 states that now have a state team program.

Shaping the Future of American Golf

The USNDP is a new initiative launched by the United States Golf Association to expand the pipeline for elite local golfers into the national development program and to strengthen junior golf programming across the country. The program is designed to ensure that American golf remains a global leader by focusing on six key pillars: talent identification, access to competition, national teams, athlete resources, player development and relations, and athlete financial support.

Selection Criteria

The Team Michigan Selection Committee—composed of representatives from the Golf Association of Michigan and the Michigan Section of the PGA of America—will name 16 athletes (8 boys and 8 girls) to the 2027 team. Athletes will earn their way onto the team through outstanding competitive performance during the 2026 season and additional criteria listed below.

Athletes will accumulate points in 2026 events selected by the committee. These points will determine the standings used for team selection. The Selection Committee will name eight boys and eight girls directly from the point standings.

The committee will use the points standings as the primary criteria, while also considering head-to-head results, scoring average, competitive round statistics, work ethic, willingness to learn, personal conduct (on and off the course), and the ability to work with others and be part of a team.

For over a century, the Golf Association of Michigan has been dedicated to serving golfers, supporting courses, and growing the game across the state. As the governing body for amateur golf in Michigan, GAM provides championship opportunities, administers the World Handicap System™, and ensures fair play for all. Our commitment extends beyond competition—we advocate for the future of golf, ensuring it remains a sport that is accessible, welcoming, and impactful for generations to come.

All Athletes Will Also Need to Meet This Criteria

Play in two (2) events listed on the Team Michigan Points list. Any Qualifiers for those events and Michigan PGA events will count towards the two-event requirement.
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.
Athletes must be U.S. Citizens, and the athlete’s parent or guardian must file personal taxes in Michigan. Exceptions may be made for athletes with unique circumstances such as relocation, parents residing in different states, military families, etc.
Athletes must have an established Handicap Index with a full scoring record of 20 scores, including eight (8) competitive rounds within the previous 12 months.
Athletes must adhere to the USNDP Code of Conduct and be in good standing with other junior golf organizations or programs. Any athlete who is serving a suspension from a junior golf organization is not eligible for Team Michigan.
Athletes must be amateurs under the Rules of Amateur Status and comply with the Rules of Amateur Status, USGA Anti-Doping Protocol, USGA Betting Policy, and the USGA Gender Policy.

Once selected in the fall of 2026, athletes are part of the USNDP for the 2027 calendar year and will receive various benefits and recognition for being part of the team.

Current Benefits for Team Michigan Will Include

Access to USNDP Statistical Platform
Access to additional USGA online Athlete Development Resources (e.g. nutrition, sports psychology, fitness, recruiting support, course management tools)
Consideration for USNDP Exemptions into AJGA non-invitational tournaments (if needed)
Streamlined USNDP grant application process for families demonstrating financial need
Acknowledgement on USNDP digital channels
Inclusion in USNDP Database/Watchlist for potential opportunities
Exclusive Team Michigan events and seminars
Swag and gear discounts
More benefits coming soon!

Still Have Questions About Team Michigan?

FAQs

Overview and Purpose:

The U.S. National Development Program (USNDP) will 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 these goals includes establishing state junior programs across the United States, and Michigan will join this USNDP initiative in 2026.

Who will be on Team Michigan?

The Team Michigan Committee will name 8 boys and 8 girls to Team Michigan in the fall of 2026. Athletes earn their way onto the team through outstanding competitive performance during the 2026 season.

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

Yes. Only players who are Michigan residents and U.S. citizens are eligible for Team Michigan.

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

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 Michigan?

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

When will Team Michigan start?

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

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

Yes! Once named to Team Michigan, 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 Michigan 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.

GAM

GOLF ASSOCIATION OF MICHIGAN