The USGA has announced the roster for the 2026 Elite Amateur Program, a pillar of the U.S. National Development Program (USNDP) that was established in 2023 to create a unified pathway designed to nurture the potential of America’s top players.

Now in its second year, the Elite Amateur Program complements athletes’ college programs, providing tailored support that bridges gaps and enhances their competitive edge. In June of 2025, USNDP coaches traveled with athletes to The Women’s Amateur Championship at Nairn in Scotland, including Jasmine Koo, who earned stroke-play medalist honors, and Farah O’Keefe, who finished as the event’s runner-up. 

The Elite Amateur Program rosters are compiled and reevaluated annually by a selection committee of USNDP staff members, and eligibility criteria include nationality, age, amateur status, conduct, performance, education and graduation year.

Elite Amateur – Women 

Elite Amateur – Men 

*New to the team 

Reigning McCormack Medal recipient Kiara Romero will be a member of the Elite Amateur Program for a second consecutive year. The University of Oregon junior made history at the 2025 U.S. Women’s Open Presented by Ally at Erin Hills by shooting the lowest final-round score ever by an amateur (5-under 67). Romero became the first Oregon player to win both a conference (Big Ten) individual title and a NCAA regional individual title in the same season as a sophomore in 2024-25. She holds the record for most individual titles in program history with five. 

Max Herendeen, a junior at the University of Illinois, also is in the Elite Amateur Program for a second consecutive year. The Bellevue, Wash., native was a Golfweek and Golf Coaches Association of America PING Honorable Mention All-America selection in 2025. Herendeen advanced to the final round of the 2025 NCAA Golf Championship as one of the top nine individuals on a non-advancing team and finished 27th individually.