BRASELTON, GA — The American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) and the United States National Development Program (USNDP) have announced a five‑year extension of their strategic partnership, continuing a long‑standing partnership that supports junior golf development and the advancement of future American players. The renewed agreement runs through 2031.
The partnership aligns the AJGA with the USGA’s flagship development program, reinforcing a shared mission to foster future generations of golfers through competitive opportunities, education and long‑term athlete development. Together, the organizations will continue to collaborate on initiatives that support junior players, families and the broader golf community.
“For many years, our partnership with the USGA has played a meaningful role in shaping the competitive and developmental landscape of junior golf in the United States,” said Stephen Hamblin, Executive Director of the AJGA. “Extending this partnership allows us to build on a proven foundation, strengthen the pathway for young players and continue delivering opportunities that help prepare them for the highest levels of the game.”
Since the inception of the relationship, the AJGA and USNDP have worked closely to identify emerging talent, provide educational resources and promote a healthy, progressive pathway for junior golfers. The extension affirms a shared commitment to developing players both on and off the course while strengthening the future of the game.
Another enduring element of the collaboration is the USGA‑AJGA Presidents’ Leadership Award, which annually recognizes a boy and a girl junior golfer who demonstrate leadership, character and a commitment to academics and community service. The award reflects the shared values of both organizations and their belief in developing well‑rounded young athletes.
“The AJGA has been an essential partner in our mission to foster future generations of American golf talent by providing competitive opportunities at the local level for athletes in our USNDP program,” said Heather Daly-Donofrio, Managing Director of Player Relations and Development at the USGA. “Our continued collaboration reflects a shared belief in the importance of meaningful competitive experiences, ongoing athlete development education, and a clear pathway to help young athletes reach their potential.”
The extended partnership will continue to emphasize cooperation across athlete development programming, talent identification and education for players and parents, while also encouraging collaboration between the staff and leadership of both organizations.
As junior golf continues to evolve, the AJGA and USGA remain aligned in their commitment to ensuring that young players have access to opportunities and guidance that support long‑term success in the game.
For more information about the agreement and partnership between the AJGA and the USGA please contact, Tim Jackman (tjackman@ajga.org), Vice President of Communications at the American Junior Golf Association and Will Redmond (wredmond@usga.org), Senior Manager, Championship Communications at the United States Golf Association.
About the USNDP
The mission of the U.S. National Development Program is to foster future generations of American golf talent. The USNDP, developed and managed by the USGA, provides a pathway to success in golf by delivering competitive opportunities, support and training that develops American golf talent and mitigates financial burdens. With our key strategic partners, host venues and champions, we provide education, experiences and mentorship that help athletes achieve success at each level. We are committed to fostering a positive and healthy pathway for American golfers to follow their dreams and reach the pinnacle of the sport.