Louisiana Joins the National Stage

Louisiana is thrilled to announce the launch of the first state junior golf team (Team Louisiana). 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.

Louisiana Joins the National Stage

Louisiana is thrilled to announce the launch of the first state junior golf team (Team Louisiana). 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.

Team Louisiana will be selected by the Team Louisiana Selection Committee. The committee will be composed of representatives from the Louisiana Golf Association, Louisiana Junior Golf Tour, and Gulf States Section of the PGA of America. The Committee will name 10 players (5 boys and 5 girls) to the 2027 team. Players will earn their way onto Team Louisiana through outstanding completive performances during the 2026 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 4 boys and 4 girls directly from the point standings. The remaining spots (1 boy and 1 girl) will be awarded using the points standings as the primary criteria, while also considering head-to-head results, scoring average, and competitive round statistics. The committee will also factor in work ethic, willingness to learn, personal conduct (on and off the golf course), and the ability to work with others and be a good teammate.

Since 1920, the Louisiana Golf Association has proudly supported the game of golf throughout our state. As the trusted governing body for amateur golf in Louisiana, we oversee championships, manage the World Handicap System™, eLAvate the game of junior golf, and uphold the integrity of the sport. But our mission goes beyond tournaments—we’re committed to making golf more inclusive, accessible, and sustainable, ensuring it continues to thrive for generations of Louisiana golfers to come.

Selection Criteria

2026 Points List

Overview and Purpose

One of the main goals of the U.S. National Development Program (USNDP) is to 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 this goal includes establishing state junior programs across the United States, and Louisiana will join this USNDP initiative in 2026.

Who will be on Team Louisiana?

Do you need to be A Louisiana resident to be part of Team Louisiana?

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

Are there any other requirements to be on Team Louisiana?

When will Team Louisiana start?

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

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

What are the benefits of being on Team Louisiana?

The Team Louisiana Selection Committee will name 5 boys and 5 girls to Team Louisiana in 2026.

Athletes earn their way onto the team through outstanding competitive performance during the 2026 season.

Yes! Once named to Team Louisiana, 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 Louisiana 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. Read more about the USNDP HERE.

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