Mike Whan (CEO, USGA) is the mind behind the initiative
The USGA has launched the U.S. National Development Program, starting in competitive junior golf and progressing to the pinnacle of the sport. This type of vision and program will be a great model for Indian golf to try and emulate.
The U.S. National Development Program will identify, train, develop, fund and support the nation’s most promising junior players – regardless of cultural, geographical or financial background – to ensure that American golf is the global leader in the game. The program’s elite juniors, amateurs and young professionals will be invited to join one of three national teams with dedicated staff and resources and compete internationally under the U.S. flag. There will also be a demonstrated commitment to reach players from underrepresented communities and ensure they have the resources to progress within the sport’s strongest competitive and developmental opportunities.
The program will create a sustainable grant program to financially assist identified talent with entry fees, travel, coaching costs, golf course access, equipment and more. Starting in 2023, the program will fund 50 juniors. That number will grow each year and by 2027 the program aims to fund 1,000 juniors across the country and impact thousands more.
Through strategic alliances with several leading golf organisations, the program will work within the current golf ecosystem to provide supplemental support and fill in gaps within the industry. The program will utilise existing American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) events as part of a pathway for players to progress from state- and regional-level competition to USGA championships, including the introduction of more automatic exemptions into AJGA events at appropriate levels. The program will also bring player development and parent education to the AJGA.
In addition, the USGA has received commitments from both the PGA of America and LPGA Professionals to support the program through coaching and player development and has utilised the Golf Coaches Association of America and Women’s Golf Coaches Association as key resources as the program takes shape.
Credits:-
Photo – USGA