U.S. National Development Program

Team Illinois is excited to announce the launch of its state junior golf team, a new program designed to provide a pathway for talented young golfers in the state.

Illinois 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 to create critical development, competitive and talent identification opportunities for golfers ages 13-18.

Illinois is now one of 30 states to join the USNDP’s state junior team program. The initiative launched in January 2024 with seven pilot states, expanded to nine more earlier this year and 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.

Who will be on Team Illinois?

The Team Illinois Committee will name 8 boys and 8 girls to Team Illinois in late 2026. Athletes earn their way onto the team through outstanding competitive performance during the 2026 season. Selection criteria will be announced in January 2026.

Do you need to be an Illinois resident to be part of Team Illinois?

Yes. Only players who are Illinois residents are eligible for Team Illinois.

What are the age requirements to be part of Team Illinois?

Players must be 13 years old by January 1, 2027, have not reached their 19th birthday by July 19, 2026, and must not be enrolling in college for the 2026-27 or 2027-28 school years.

Are there any other requirements to be on Team Illinois?

Athletes must have a Handicap Index with a full scoring record of 20 scores, including eight (8) competitive scores within the previous twelve (12) months. Read more about Handicap Index® HERE.

Athletes must also be an active member of either the CDGA, IJGA or MAGA and participate in at least one CDGA, IJGA or MAGA event.

When will Team Illinois start?

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

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

Yes! Once named to Team Illinois, athletes are a part of the U.S. National Development Program (USNDP) for the following calendar year. The UNSNDP will provide benefits and recognition to Team Illinois athletes. These benefits may include recognition on the USGA/USNDP website and social media, streamlined USNDP grant applications, exemptions into local events, and access to the official USNDP statistical platform and athlete development resources. Read more about the USNDP HERE.

If an athlete is part of Team Illinois, are they automatically a part of the National Junior Team?

No. The National Junior Team is determined by the USGA and will be a relatively small number of athletes compared to the number of athletes on State Teams.

What are the benefits of being on Team Illinois?

Team Illinois athletes can expect to receive benefits after being named to the team. These will include apparel with the Team Illinois logo and 2 days of in-person Athlete Development.

The USGA will provide free access to the statistical platform Accel. Team members will also be considered for USNDP exemptions and have access to a streamlined grant application process for families demonstrating financial need.

The USGA will also acknowledge players on USNDP digital channels.

Who is on the Team Illinois Committee?

The Team Illinois Committee will be comprised of representatives from the Chicago District Golf Association, Illinois Junior Golf Association, Metropolitan Amateur Golf Association, Illinois PGA, and Gateway PGA. A list of committee members will become available in December 2025.