Team Minnesota
Minnesota is thrilled to announce the launch of the first state junior golf team (Team Minnesota). This team will expand and diversify the pipeline for elite local junior golfers by creating critical development, competitive and talent identification opportunities into the recently created U.S. National Development Program (USNDP), a new initiative launched by the United States Golf Association. Minnesota is one of nine states being added to the state team program in 2025.

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.

Please reach out to Holly Noble with any questions or inquiries regarding Team Minnesota:
Email: holly@mngolf.org
Phone: (952) 345-3961

Selection Criteria

The Team Minnesota Selection Committee, made up of representatives from the Minnesota Golf Association and the Minnesota Section of the PGA of America, will name 24 athletes (12 boys and 12 girls) to the 2026 team. Athletes earn their way on to the team through oustanding competitive performance during the 2025 season and additional criteria listed below.

Athletes will earn points for the 2025 events* selected by the committee. These points will determine the standings used for team selection. The Selection Committee will name 8 boys and 8 girls to Team Minnesota directly from the point standings. Remaining spots will be determined using the points standings as the primary criteria but will also consider head-to-head results, scoring average, overall competitive round statistics, strong work ethic, willingness to learn, personal conduct at events (both on and off the course), and a willingness to work with others and be part of a team.

ALL athletes will also need to meet the below criteria:

• *Play in two (2) events listed on the Team Minnesota Points list. Any Qualifiers for those events and PGA Minnesota Players Tour events will count towards the two event requirement.
• Players must be 13 years old by January 1, 2026, have not reached their 19th birthday by July 19, 2026, and must not be enrolled in college for the 2025-2026 school year.
• Athletes must be a U.S. Citizen and the athlete's parent or guardian must file personal taxes in Minnesota. Exceptions may be made for athletes with unique circumstances such as relocation, parents residing in different states, military families, etc.
• Athletes must have an Handicap Index with a full scoring records 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 Minnesota.
• Athletes must be an amateur under the Rules of Amateur Status and comply with the Rules of Amateur Status, USGA Anti-Dopping Protocol, USGA Betting Policy and the USGA Gender Policy.

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

Current benefits for Team Minnesota 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 MN events and seminars
• Swag and gear discounts
• More benefits coming soon!

Program FAQs