USGA Expands Investment in Amateur Golf with New Elite Program and Increased Funding
USGA is on the come up and setting a precedent for the next generation of golfers. Last Thursday USGA reviled the first ever US. Elite Amateur Program Roster, and this years US National Development Program Funding.
The Junior Team features 11 boys and 11 girls, and 20 of the top 22 team members are in NIL top golf rankings. The new US Elite Ameatur program features a host of highly-ranked Golf NIL names, that include College Women's No. 2 and No. 4, Jasmine Koo and Anna Davis, College Men's No. 4 Jackson Koivun, and High School Girls No. 4 Gianna Clemente according to the article.
USNDP Chris Zambri said an interview according to the article,” 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.”
The USGA announced the 2025 USNDP Grant recipients in order to support Junior golfers with financial obstacles. One hundred athletes from 31 states, ages 13-18, will receive over $795k to cover expenses like practice fees, tournament costs, and equipment. It's the second of three teams under the USNDP, with the Young Professional Team launching in 2026 according to the article.
