Team Tennessee

Tennessee is excited to be a part of the USGA’s launch of state junior teams (Team Tennessee). This program looks to provide a new opportunity for the development of elite junior golf in both the state and country. Team Tennessee is one of seven states set to participate in the state team pilot program in 2024 and will expand the pipeline for elite junior golfers into the recently created U.S. National Development Program (USNDP). 

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.

ONLINE: Official Press Release

Team Tennessee FAQs

Who will make up Team Tennessee?

The Team Tennessee Committee will select 8 boys and 8 girls to Team Tennessee in 2024. Athletes earn their way onto the team through outstanding competitive performance during the 2024 season. See the “Team Tennessee Points List” section below. The committee will have final say on which players make up the roster.

What are the requirements to be on Team Tennessee?

Players need to be Tennessee residents and members of the Tennessee Golf Association to be eligible. In addition, players must be 13 years old by January 1, 2025, have not reached their 19th birthday by July 19, 2025, and must not be enrolled in college for the 2024-2025 school year. Players will need to have and maintain an active USGA/GHIN Handicap through the TGA. Players must participate in a TGA event, TNPGA Junior Championship or a Sneds Tour Elite event.

When will Team Tennessee be announced?

Team Tennessee will be named in late 2024. Team members will participate in Team Tennessee programming and benefits in 2025. Players must earn their way onto the team each year.

If an athlete is part of Team Tennessee, are they automatically a part of the USNDP?

Yes! Once named to Team Tennessee, athletes are a part of the USNDP for the following calendar year. The USNDP will provide benefits and recognition to Team Tennessee participants. These benefits may include recognition on the USGA/USNDP website and social media, expedited USNDP grant program access, exemptions to local AJGA events, invites to future USNDP camps, and access to the official USNDP statistical platform. Read more about the USNDP HERE.

If an athlete is part of Team Tennessee, are they automatically a part of 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. The USGA is currently developing selection criteria and process for selection to the National Junior Team.

Who makes up the Team Tennessee committee?

Team Tennessee will be overseen by two members from each Golf House Tennessee entity.

TGA: Allison Brown, Executive Director, and Ryan Greer, TGA Board Member.

PGA: Clayton Hromadka, Executive Director, and Joe Hallett, PGA.

TGF: Whit Turnbow, President, and Scott Stallings, PGA Tour Player.

“Team Tennessee Points List Section”

Click for a more detailed view.

USNDP Grant Program

THE USNDP offers a Grant Program for junior golfers with financial need, whether or not they are members of Team Tennessee. The USNDP Grant is designed to mitigate barriers of cost to promising junior golfers who demonstrate both the financial need and the potential to progress through the U.S. National Development Program (USNDP) pathway.

Grants up to $10,000 will be awarded and will reimburse costs associated with: practice fees, competitive tournament fees, tournament travel, instructional fees, and equipment up to a limit that the USGA deems as appropriate for each area.