USGA Announces 2025 U.S. National Junior Team and Inaugural U.S. Elite Amateur Program Rosters; 100 Families Awarded Grant Funding

The United States Golf Association (USGA) announced the 2025 U.S. National Junior Team roster, the first-ever U.S. Elite Amateur Program roster and this year’s annual U.S. National Development Program (USNDP) grant funding, demonstrating considerable progress toward creating a unified pathway to nurture the potential of America’s top players.

Building on last year’s inaugural team of 18 athletes, the 2025 U.S. National Junior Team features 11 boys and 11 girls representing the country’s elite junior golf talent. The team is composed of 14 returners from 2024 and eight newcomers, including two, Jude Lee and Jessy Huebner, who received USNDP Grants last year.

Consisting of three men and six women, including 2024 U.S. National Junior Team member Gianna Clemente, the inaugural U.S. Elite Amateur Program roster is another significant milestone for the USNDP. This program will complement the athletes’ college programs, providing tailored support that bridges gaps and enhances their competitive edge. It is the second of three teams to be launched as part of the USNDP with the third and final team, the Young Professional Team, set for 2026.

“We’ve seen exceptional growth over the past year in the young athletes on the U.S. National Junior Team, and with the launch of the U.S. Elite Amateur Program, it represents another significant step in our mission to nurture top talent, provide individualized support and prepare them for success on the world stage,” said Chris Zambri, head coach of the USNDP. “We are excited to build on this momentum in 2025 and continue growing and shaping the future of American golf.”

As part of its commitment to mitigate barriers of cost to promising junior golfers who demonstrate both financial need and the potential to progress through the USNDP pathway, the USGA announced its 2025 USNDP Grant recipients. In total, 100 athletes representing 31 states and ranging in age from 13-18 will receive more than $795k to help cover actual and incurred golf and athlete development-related expenses, such as practice and green fees, competitive tournament fees, tournament travel, coach fees and equipment costs. In addition, grant recipients receive athlete development support, inclusive of virtual coaching sessions and 1-on-1 consultations and statistical analysis with USNDP coaches.

This demonstrates significant growth from 2024, when 72 families received $650,000 in funding in the program’s inaugural year. Grant program funding is provided by the USGA, founding partners such as Ally Financial and generous donations. Over the next few years, the program aims to support 300 participants annually. To learn more, visit usga.org/donate.

2025 U.S. National Junior Team Roster

*New team members

For more information on the U.S. National Junior Team players, please click here.

2025 U.S. Elite Amateur Program Roster

For more information on the U.S. Elite Amateur Program players, please click here.

The U.S. National Junior Team and Elite Amateur Program rosters are compiled and reevaluated annually by a selection committee of USNDP staff members, and eligibility criteria include nationality, age, amateur status, conduct, education and graduation year and participation on other national teams.

In February, members of the U.S. National Junior Team convened at Desert Mountain in Scottsdale, Ariz., for the first of two camps in 2025. Additionally, members of both rosters competed internationally under the U.S. flag. Members of each team will receive year-round support, including world-class coaching ana analysis, sports psychology, nutritional guidance and necessary to develop the physical, mental and life skills to reach their potential. In addition, the National Junior Team will compete against Golf Canada in an international friendly match April 11-13 at Champions Golf Club in Houston, Texas. Last year, the National Junior Team defeated Australia in a similar match at SentryWorld, in Stevens Point, Wis.

Announced 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. In October of 2024, the USGA expanded its State Junior Team Program to support the pipeline for elite junior golfers ages 13-18 into the USNDP with nine new teams to be established this year, advancing the USGA’s goal of all 50 states having a team by 2033.

For more information, visit usga.org/usndp.