Team New Jersey is New Jersey’s state junior golf team that exists to expand the pipeline for elite local golfers into the U.S. National Development Program (USNDP), an initiative launched by the United States Golf Association (USGA) in 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. Team New Jersey focuses on creating a developmentally appropriate, aspirational pathway for athletes in New Jersey to compete at the highest levels of the game.
Team New Jersey Eligibility
New Jersey residents who are 13 years old by January 1, 2027, have not reached their 19th birthday by July 19, 2027, and are not enrolled in college for the 2026-2027 school year. Players must be a member of New Jersey Golf and have an established Handicap Index® and should enter all eligible scores. Additionally, players must be a U.S. Citizen and not receive funding from any other national golf federation or country.
Team New Jersey Selection
Team New Jersey is led by an oversight committee who work with the USNDP to meet the requirements of this program. One of the most important responsibilities of the oversight committee is to select Team New Jersey members every year. The committee takes this responsibility very seriously and looks at many factors to determine these selections. Such factors include, but are not limited to, New Jersey Junior Players of the Year Points Lists, NJPGA Junior Tour Points Lists, junior rankings (Junior Golf Scoreboard (JGS), American Junior Golf Association (AJGA), World Amateur Golf Rankings (WAGR), etc.), top-finishes at events, strength of field in events played, trending indicators, graduation year, and, on-course observations in both tournament play and practice. For Team New Jersey – 2027, this process will begin early in 2026 and will continue throughout the season and will include many thoughtful discussions. Final team selections are made at the sole discretion of the committee.
Selecting a team for such an elite program is difficult given the number of very talented junior players in New Jersey. It is our hope that both those who are selected, and those who are not use this program as motivation to achieve their full potential in the game of golf.
Team New Jersey Points Lists & Information
Coming soon.
Team New Jersey FAQs
Who is on Team New Jersey?
The Team New Jersey Committee will annually name eight boys and eight girls to Team New Jersey.
When will Team New Jersey be named?
Team New Jersey will be named in late fall of each year. Team members will participate in Team New Jersey programming and benefits the following year. Players must earn their way onto the team each year.
What are the benefits of being on Team New Jersey?
Once an athlete commits to Team New Jersey, they can expect to receive team gear, invitations to state camps, Junior Americas Cup team eligibility, support and mentorship from the Team New Jersey staff, and access to other resources as needed.
If an athlete is part of Team New Jersey, are they automatically a part of the USNDP?
Yes! Once named to Team New Jersey, athletes are a part of the USNDP for the following calendar year. The USNDP will provide benefits and recognition to Team New Jersey participants. These benefits may include recognition on the USGA/USNDP website and social media, expedited USNDP grant program access, consideration for local exemptions to AJGA events, invites to future USNDP camps, and access to the official USNDP statistical platform (Accel Golf). Read more about the USNDP HERE.
If an athlete is part of Team New Jersey, are they automatically on the National Junior Team?
No. The National Junior Team will be for a select and relatively small number of athletes compared to the number of athletes on State Teams and is solely selected by the USGA.
I have further questions. Who should I contact?
Contact Brad Bardon at bradb@njgolf.org or Gavin Rau grau@pgahq.com
In Association With
USNDP Grant Program
The USNDP offers a Grant Program for junior golfers with financial need, whether or not they are members of Team New Jersey.