Team South Dakota will create new opportunities for the development of elite junior golfers in our state and across the country. The USNDP focuses on six key pillars: talent identification, access to competition, national teams, athlete resources, player development and relations, and athlete financial support.
The first players — four boys and four girls — will be named in late fall 2026. Candidates accumulate points in State, Regional and National competitions throughout the 2026 season. The top three boys and girls are named on points; the final players are the Committee’s at-large choices. A Team Coach and Team Captain will lead the team, providing training and competitive opportunities.
FAQs
Team South Dakota FAQs
The USNDP aims to expand, strengthen and diversify the junior golf pipeline by creating development, competitive and talent-identification opportunities within each state for elite athletes ages 13–18. South Dakota joins this initiative in 2026.
The Committee will name four boys and four girls following the 2026 fall season. Athletes earn their way on through outstanding competitive performance during the year.
Yes. Only legal citizens of the United States and the state of South Dakota are eligible.
Players must be 13 by January 1, 2027, must not reach their 19th birthday by July 19, 2027, and must not be enrolled in college for the 2026–2027 school year.
Players must have an established Handicap Index® and have posted all eligible scores. The SDGA provides a FREE Youth Membership — including a Handicap Index — to all junior golfers under 19.
The team will be named in late fall 2026, with programming beginning in 2027. Players must earn their way onto the team each year.
Yes. Team members join the USNDP for the following calendar year, with benefits that may include USGA/USNDP recognition, streamlined grant applications, exemptions into local AJGA events, and access to the USNDP statistical platform and development resources.
No. The National Junior Team is determined by the USGA and is a much smaller group than the combined State Teams.
A State Team bag, clothing and other team items, playing opportunities, instruction, and access to USNDP resources. More details to come.
Team South Dakota is seeking corporate and individual sponsors. Contact sdgainfo@sdga.org or 605-800-6709.
