Nebraska Launches State Junior Team as Part of the USGA's U.S. National Development Program
One of 20 states added to the junior team program for 2027
OMAHA (October 5, 2026) – Nebraska is launching a state junior team that will expand the pipeline for elite local golfers as part of the U.S. National Development Program (USNDP), an initiative launched in 2023 by the United States Golf Association (USGA) to create critical development, competitive and talent identification opportunities for golfers ages 13-18.
"We could not be happier about being part of this initiative, we are very excited to provide this opportunity for our junior golfers in Nebraska" NebGolf Executive Director Craig Ames said.
Nebraska is one of 20 states to join the USNDP’s state junior team program in 2027. The initiative launched in January 2024 with seven pilot states and continues to grow steadily with nine states in 2025 and 14 in 2026. The USGA’s goal is to establish a team in every state working in close partnership with allied golf associations, the PGA of America and its sections, and local junior golf programs.
“The growth of the state team program in year three is an important step in building the national player pathway,” said Heather Daly-Donofrio, USGA managing director, U.S. National Development Program. “This program is about more than competition. It gives young players the opportunity to develop together, build relationships with teammates and proudly represent their home states, all while gaining greater access to resources that can support their growth. These experiences will strengthen junior golf locally and deepen the overall pool of talent nationwide.”
The participating states will each establish a committee consisting of representatives from major golf entities within the state including any AGAs and PGA of America Sections. Nebraska's team committee includes NebGolf, the Nebraska Section PGA, Nebraska Junior Golf and the Nebraska Women's Amateur Golf Association.
The committee will oversee team selection criteria, and the operation of Team Nebraska based on guidelines provided by the USNDP. Team selection criteria may consist of a points structure, ranking or combination of other competitive factors, and will be published prior to the entry deadline of the first counting event of the 2027 championship season.
State team roster sizes are calculated by elite junior participation in the state, ranging from two boys/two girls to 20 boys/20 girls. Nebraska expects to have eight players (four boys, four girls) as part of the initial team, which will be named in late 2027. To be eligible to compete on a state team, a player must be a U.S. Citizen and resident of Nebraska. Each eligible player must be 13 years old by Jan. 1, 2027, have not reached their 19th birthday by July 15, 2027, and must not be enrolled in college for the 2027-2028 school year. A Handicap Index® is also required.
Additional eligibility requirements and FAQs can be found at Team Nebraska's website here.
Announced in February of 2023, 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. The state junior team program will focus on creating a developmentally appropriate, aspirational pathway for athletes within each state to compete at higher levels of the game.
About the USGA
The USGA is a mission-based golf organization whose purpose is to unify the golf community through handicapping and grassroots programs; to showcase the game’s best talent through the U.S. Open, U.S. Women’s Open Presented by Ally and 13 other national championships and our museum; to provide unbiased global governance with The R&A through the playing, equipment and Amateur Status rules; and to advance issues important to golf’s future, with a focus on driving sustainability, accessibility and inclusion. The USGA also manages day-to-day operations for the U.S. National Development Program, the country's first unified pathway for American talent, and the World Golf Hall of Fame, preserving and celebrating the legacies of the game’s greatest figures. As a nonprofit association, our work and our team are driven to act for the good of the game. For more, visit usga.org.
About NebGolf
The Nebraska Golf Association, founded in 1966, is comprised of all members of public and private clubs and/or municipal or regional golf associations which utilize an approved handicap service recognized by the USGA and provided by the NGA. Our mission is to uphold and promote the game of golf and its values to all golfers in Nebraska. Among the duties of the Association include governance of member clubs and service as their handicapping and course rating authority, conduct of state golf championships, local USGA qualifying & other notable competitions, promotion of junior golf, presentation of worthwhile educational programs and support of allied golf organizations in Nebraska. The Nebraska Golf Association is an Allied Golf Association of the USGA and carries out core services including Handicap Administration and Oversight, Course Rating, Rules of Golf and Rules of Amateur Status, Tournaments and USGA Championship Qualifiers and USGA Initiatives and Community Programs.
