New Mexico is one of 20 states joining the USGA’s state junior team program in 2027, the round of additions that puts a team in all 50 states. Team New Mexico gives the state’s top junior golfers a pathway into the U.S. National Development Program (USNDP), which the USGA launched in 2023 for players ages 13 to 18. The Sun Country Amateur Golf Association (SCAGA) oversees and funds Team New Mexico. SCAGA leads the team committee alongside the Sun Country Section of the PGA of America, following guidelines set by the USNDP.

Who is eligible

• U.S. citizen.
• New Mexico resident. The USGA counts the state where the parent or guardian who claims the player as a dependent filed their most recent state tax return.
• 13 years old by Jan. 1, 2027.
• Not yet 19 on July 15, 2027.
• Not enrolled in college for the 2027–28 school year.
• Holds a Handicap Index®. Juniors without one can get one through SCAGA: suncountrygolf.com/membership.

How the team is picked

The SCAGA-led Team New Mexico Committee sets the selection criteria. It can use a points structure, rankings, other competitive results or a mix of them. The criteria and the list of counting events will be posted on this page before the entry deadline of the first counting event of the 2027 season.

The USGA sets each state’s roster size from the number of elite juniors in that state, with the same number of boys and girls. Rosters range from two boys and two girls up to 20 of each. New Mexico’s first team is expected to have eight players, four boys and four girls.

Points standings will appear here once the 2027 counting schedule is set.

What team members get

A player named to Team New Mexico becomes part of the USNDP for the following year. State team members receive:

• Recognition on USGA and USNDP websites and social media.
• Faster access to the USNDP Grant Program.
• Consideration for exemptions into local AJGA events.
• Invitations to USNDP camps.
• Access to the Accel statistics platform.

Questions

We live in El Paso. Which team is ours?

Team Texas. The Sun Country Junior Tour plays in El Paso County, but state teams go by state of residence, so Texas juniors fall under the Texas Golf Association’s program: txga.org/team-texas.

We have homes in two states. Can my player try for both teams?

No. A player is eligible for one state team only, based on where the parent or guardian who claims them as a dependent filed their most recent state tax return.

Does making Team New Mexico put a player on the National Junior Team?

No. The USGA picks the National Junior Team separately, and it is a far smaller group than the state teams.

Is there financial help for tournament costs?

Yes. The USNDP Grant reimburses families with financial need for tournament entry fees, travel, equipment, practice and coaching, up to $15,000. Players do not have to be on a state team to apply. Details and the application are at usga.org.

Where can I read more about the national program?

The USGA lists every state team on its State Junior Team Program page and answers general questions in its program FAQ.

Team New Mexico Committee

SCAGA provides the oversight and funding for Team New Mexico. The Sun Country Section of the PGA of America joins SCAGA on the committee.

Photos courtesy of the USGA.