U.S. Hawaii State Team Program

Hawaii is launching a state junior golf team (Team Hawaii) that will expand the pipeline for elite local golfers into the recently created U.S. National Development Program (USNDP), a new initiative launched by the United States Golf Association. Hawaii is one of seven states that will participate in the initial phase of the state team pilot program in 2024.  Please note that for 2024, we are part of the initial pilot program so things may change as the committee reevaluates this program periodically as we work in partnership with other organizations and states. 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. Team Hawaii will focus on creating a developmentally appropriate, aspirational pathway for athletes in Hawaii to compete at higher levels of the game.

  *Age divisions must have a minimum of 15 player playing from the same tees to receive full points,
otherwise, 1/2 points will be given.  Points allocation to be finalized by committee. 

  *Age divisions must have a minimum of 15 player playing from the same tees to receive full points,
otherwise, 1/2 points will be given.  Points allocation to be finalized by committee.

Team Hawaii Committee

Hawaii State Golf Association: Paul Ogawa, PGA, Anna Umemura Murata
Aloha Section PGA: Wesley Wailehua
Hawaii State Junior Golf Association: Chris Noda, PGA 

USNDP Grant Program

The USNDP also offers a Grant Program for junior golfers, whether or not they are members of Team Hawaii.
Learn more from the USGA Website HERE.

Hawaii Team

*Note: Top 3 in points will qualify, 4th spot will be determined by committee pick based on performance over the time span of events. 
Special consideration for the 4th spot will be given based on a combination of points, attitude and special event performance. 
The Team Hawaii Committee reserves the right to accept or deny a Junior golfer a spot on the team for any controversial or negative demeanor on and off the course.

Team Hawaii FAQs
Who is on Team Hawaii?  The Team Hawaii Committee will name four boys and four girls to Team Hawaii in 2024. Athletes earn their way onto the team through outstanding competitive performance during the 2024 season. The Team Hawaii Points List as of 10/31/2024 will be used as a guide when inviting players to join the team. See “Team Hawaii Points List Criteria” section below.

Do you need to be a Hawaii resident to be part of Team Hawaii?
Yes. Only players who are Hawaii residents are eligible for Team Hawaii.

How old do you need to be to be part of Team Hawaii?
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.

Are there any other requirements to be on Team Hawaii?
Players must be a member of the Hawaii State Golf Association and have an established Handicap Index® and enter all eligible scores to be eligible for Team Hawaii.
Boys must have a Handicap Index® of 2.4 or better.
Girls must have a Handicap Index® of 5.4 or better. Read more about Handicap Index® HERE. 

When will Team Hawaii start?
Team Hawaii will be named in November of 2024. Team members will participate in Team Hawaii programming and benefits in 2025, TBD. Players must earn their way onto the team each year.

What are the benefits of being on Team Hawaii?
Once an athlete commits to Team Hawaii, they can expect to receive team gear, support & mentorship from special guest speakers to include past touring professionals, current college golfers and/or the Team Hawaii staff as well as special access to other resources.

If an athlete is part of Team Hawaii, are they automatically a part of the USNDP?
Yes! Once named to Team Hawaii, athletes are a part of the USNDP for the following calendar year. The USNDP will provide benefits and recognition to Team Hawaii 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 Hawaii, 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. Selection criteria and process for selection to the National Junior Team is currently being developed by the USGA.