The USGA recently announced the 2025 roster for the U.S. National Junior Team and the inaugural roster for the Elite Amateur Program, both of which are part of the U.S. National Development Program. This program was founded with the goal of identifying, training, developing, funding, and supporting promising young American golfers, regardless of their background. The 2025 U.S. National Junior Team roster includes 11 boys and 11 girls, with 14 returners from the previous year and eight newcomers. The Elite Amateur Program will complement the golfers’ college programs and provide additional support during their college years.
This new initiative by the USGA aims to nurture top talent, provide individualized support, and prepare young American golfers for success on the world stage. The growth and success of the U.S. National Junior Team in 2024 have led to the launch of the U.S. Elite Amateur Program in 2025. The program is part of a larger plan to develop a pipeline of talent in American golf and shape the future of the sport. In addition to the national rosters, the USGA also announced grant funding to help promising junior golfers cover athlete development-related expenses. This year, $795,000 will be granted to 100 golfers from 31 states.
The 2025 U.S. National Junior Team roster includes talented young golfers from across the country, with both returning players and newcomers. The boys’ roster features players like Kihei Akina, Ronin Banerjee, and Michael Riebe, while the girls’ roster includes players such as Shyla Brown, Mia Hammond, and Angela Zhang. The U.S. Elite Amateur Program roster includes players like Max Herendeen, Gianna Clemente, and Farah O’Keefe. These elite young golfers will receive additional support to further their development and enhance their college golf experience.
The U.S. National Development Program aims to provide a platform for talented young American golfers to showcase their skills and receive support to reach their full potential in the sport. The USGA’s commitment to developing the next generation of elite American golfers is evident in the creation of programs like the U.S. National Junior Team and the Elite Amateur Program. By identifying and supporting young talent early in their careers, the USGA hopes to strengthen American golf at all levels and produce future stars on the world stage.
The USGA’s focus on providing opportunities and resources for young golfers, regardless of their background, is a key aspect of the U.S. National Development Program. By offering grant funding to cover development-related expenses, the USGA is helping to remove barriers and ensure that promising junior golfers have the support they need to succeed. The launch of the Elite Amateur Program is another step in the USGA’s efforts to nurture and develop top talent in American golf, providing additional support to young players as they navigate their college golf careers. This comprehensive approach to talent development is integral to shaping the future of American golf.
