The 2025 application was scheduled to open late July 2024 through October 31, 2024. However, when this publication made inquiry to the USGA on August 1 as to why the application is not yet being made available, we were told by a source close to the administrators that “the release is delayed. But a public notification should go out late next week.”
The U.S. National Development Program Grant is exceeding sought after by applicants who are in need of resources to cover athletic-related golf expenses. The grant is designed to mitigate barriers of cost to promising junior golfers who demonstrate both financial need and the potential to progress through the U.S. National Development Program (USNDP) pathway.
Athletes applying for the USNDP Grant must meet specific criteria. Eligible athletes should be between 13-18 years old with a projected high school graduation date no earlier than 2025. They must maintain amateur status and be U.S. citizens residing in the country without receiving support from another nation.
The USNDP Grant offers reimbursement-based funding for golf and athlete development expenses, such as practice and green fees, tournament fees, travel, coach fees, and equipment. In 2024, the USNDP allocated nearly $650,000 to support approximately 70 young golfers from 24 states, with an average age of 15. Recipients received a median grant award of $10,000, with more than half being female or players of color.
Additionally, the athlete’s Handicap Index® should meet the requirements for the U.S. Junior Amateur (2.4 or better) or U.S. Girls’ Junior Championship (5.4 or better), with at least 20 scores in their record, including eight competitive scores posted within the last 12 months. Also, the athlete’s family must meet the financial need parameters set by the USGA.
in 2023, one of the first recipients of the grant, 14-year-old Ayden Febres from St. Cloud, Fla., expressed gratitude for the program, stating, “With the support of the USNDP Grant program, I’m grateful for the chance to compete in more tournaments. I love to compete so I’m really excited to get more opportunity to do what I love.” Ayden is one of the top golfers in the country at his age, winning tournaments at some of the highest levels of junior golf.
Applications must be submitted through the USNDP Grant Management Center. New applicants need to complete a pre-screening survey to determine eligibility. Eligible families will then receive a link to the secure application portal. Returning applicants should use their existing login. Families applying for multiple athletes can manage all applications under one account.
Applicants need to provide several documents: a Handicap ID, U.S. Residency Verification, all filed 2023 U.S. Federal Tax documentation, and a link to videos showcasing the athlete’s golf skills. These videos should include full swing shots with a driver and 6-iron from two angles, as well as short game shots (putt, chip, bunker) from down the target line.
A recommendation letter from a coach, school counselor, teacher, instructor, tournament organizer, or PGA representative, excluding family members and friends, is required. This letter should attest to the athlete’s character, work ethic, sportsmanship, and golf ability, including the reference’s contact information. Additionally, a family statement of intent must be written by the parent/guardian or the athlete, outlining the intended use of the grant, their motivation for applying, reasons for wanting to join the U.S. National Development Program, and the athlete’s post-high school golf aspirations.
Applications are evaluated through a financial needs assessment, performance assessment, and Grant Committee evaluation. The number of grants awarded depends on the number of qualified athletes and the availability of funds.
For more information and to stay updated on the U.S. National Development Program Grant and the application open date visit https://www.usga.org/content/usga/home-page/articles/2024/06/2025-u-s–national-development-program-grant-application-overvie.html
