The SDGA is excited to announce that South Dakota has been selected by the United States National Development Program (USNDP) to be among the next 16 states to begin a State Junior Team. Team South Dakota will create new opportunities for the development of elite junior golfers in our state and across the country.
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. For more information about the USNDP, click the links on right side of this page.
Team South Dakota is in the early stages of establishing a framework that will result in the first players (four boys and four girls), being named to the team in the late fall of 2026. Potential candidates will accumulate points by playing in State, Regional, and National competitions throughout the 2026 season. The top three boys and girls will be named to the team based upon the total point standings, leaving the final players to be selected as the Committee’s at-large choices.
A Team Coach and a Team Captain will also be selected by the Committee to lead Team South Dakota. That staff will provide training and competitive opportunities throughout the season with more details to come!
Team South Dakota FAQ’s
Overview and Purpose of the Team:
The goal of the U.S. National Development Program (USNDP) is to expand, strengthen and diversify the junior golf pipeline by creating critical development, competitive and talent identification opportunities within each state for elite athletes ages 13-18. Part of this goal includes establishing state junior programs across the United States, and South Dakota will join this USNDP initiative in 2026.
Who will play for Team South Dakota?
The Team South Dakota Committee will name 4 boys and 4 girls to Team South Dakota following the 2026 fall season. Athletes earn their way onto the team through outstanding competitive performance during the year. The Points List is now available HERE.
Do you need to be a South Dakota resident to be part of Team South Dakota?
Yes. Only players who are legal citizens of the United States and the state of South Dakota are eligible for Team South Dakota.
How old do you need to be to participate on Team South Dakota?
Players must be 13 years old by January 1, 2027, have not reached their 19th birthday by July 19, 2027, and must not be enrolled in college for the 2026-2027 school year.
Are there any other requirements to be on Team South Dakota?
Players must have an established Handicap Index® and have posted all eligible scores to be considered for Team South Dakota. The SDGA provides a FREE SDGA Youth Membership to all junior golfers under age 19, and that includes a Handicap Index®. If you don’t already have your FREE SDGA Youth Membership, click HERE.
When will Team South Dakota start?
Team South Dakota will be named in the late fall of 2026. Team members will participate in Team South Dakota programming beginning in 2027. Players must earn their way onto the team each year.
If an athlete is part of Team South Dakota, are they automatically a part of the U.S. National Development Program?
Yes. Once named to Team South Dakota, athletes are a part of the U.S. National Development Program (USNDP) for the following calendar year. The USNDP will provide benefits and recognition to Team South Dakota participants. These benefits may include recognition on the USGA/USNDP website and social media, streamlined USNDP grant applications, exemptions into local AJGA events, and access to the official USNDP statistical platform and athlete development resources. Read more about the USNDP HERE.
If an athlete is part of Team South Dakota, are they automatically a part of the National Junior Team?
No. The National Junior Team is determined by the USGA and will be a relatively small number of athletes compared to the cumulative number of athletes on the State Teams.
What are the benefits of being on Team South Dakota?
Team South Dakota athletes can expect to receive a State Team bag, clothing, other team items, playing opportunities, instruction, and access to the resources of the USNDP. More specific information will be available next year.
How can you support Team South Dakota?
Team South Dakota is looking for corporate and individual sponsors to help create a lasting and valuable experience for our players. Please reach out to the SDGA team at sdgainfo@sdga.org or 605-800-6709.
Who is on the Team South Dakota Committee for 2026?
The Team South Dakota Committee brings together stakeholders in Junior Golf from across the State.
Tom Jansa, Executive Director – SDGA
Ryan Trasamar, SDGA Director
Natalie Young, SDGA Director
Julie Jansa, CEO – SDGA Junior Golf Foundation & First Tee — South Dakota
Glen Herrick, SDGA Junior Golf Foundation Director
Jared Andersen, MN Section PGA & General Manager – The CC of Sioux Falls
Jesse Hansen, CO Section PGA & Director of Golf – Arrowhead, Rapid City
Jon Murdy, Head Professional & First Tee Coach – Lee Park GC, Aberdeen
Kris Tschetter, LPGA Tour