Team Georgia: 2025 Highlights

In 2024, Georgia joined the pilot phase for the USGA’s recently created U.S. National Development Program (USNDP)  which includes a state junior golf team (Team Georgia) to recognize top-performing junior golfers statewide annually. This program and Team Georgia expand the pipeline for elite local golfers into the USNDP which was designed to ensure that American golf is the global leader in the game.

In 2025, the inaugural Team Georgia was selected and included 24 players (12 boys, 12 girls) that were selected based on various criteria, including their performance in select events in 2024. 

The team met in May for a retreat at beautiful Sea Island Golf Club to not only build team camaraderie, but enhance several parts of their golf games. Led by Ryan Smith, PGA, Tom Hemmings and Dr. Morris Pickens, Team Georgia learned more about how to structure their practice, the mental side of golf, fitness and wellness and more. Past Georgia Amateur champion and PGA TOUR winner Harris English also took time to speak with the group to share knowledge he has gained during his golf journey.

We cannot thank Ryan, Tom, Morris, Harris and Sea Island for all their efforts the retreat and providing a memorable experience for Team Georgia. We also want to send special thanks to Turtleson, Imperial and Vortex for providing apparel, hats and a rangefinder to the team. 

We are proud of the 24 players who represented the Peach State during the first year of this program and wanted to highlight some of the top accomplishments from the group from their 2025 seasons!

Mason Howell | Thomasville, Ga.

* 125th U.S. Amateur Champion at Olympic Club in San Francisco
* Qualified for the U.S. Open at Oakmont (63-63 in final qualifying)
* Medalist at 77th U.S. Junior Amateur
* Made PGA TOUR debut at RSM Classic in November
* Signed with University of Georgia

Hamilton Coleman | Martinez, Ga.

* 77th U.S. Junior Amateur Champion at Trinity Forest Golf Club in Dallas
* Represented victorious Team USA at Junior Ryder Cup
* Participated in U.S. Amateur
* Signed with University of Georgia

Trace Carter | Blackshear, Ga.

* GSGA Junior Boys' Player of the Year
* Advanced to Rd. of 32 at U.S. Junior
* 3rd place at Georgia Junior Championship
* Advanced to final qualifying for U.S. Open
* Signed with Georgia Southern University

Grace Lee | Suwanee, Ga.

* Won Georgia Girls' Championship in a playoff
* Participated in U.S. Girls' Junior Championship
* Runner-up at Georgia PGA Junior Girls'
* Participated in inaugural Kiltie Cup (Georgia vs. Scotland)

Addison Peeples | Gainesville, Ga.

* AJGA Babygrande Atlanta Classic Champion
* AJGA Russell Henley Junior Championship Champion

Kylie Chung | Cumming, Ga.

* Finished 3rd at Georgia Women's Amateur
* Tied previous scoring record at Georgia Women's Amateur (205)
* Finished top 10 in both Georgia Girls' and Georgia PGA Junior Girls' Championships
* Participated in inaugural Kiltie Cup (Georgia vs. Scotland)

Inaugural Kiltie Cup

Congratulations to these Team Georgia members who represented the Peach State and GSGA in the inaugural Kiltie Cup against Scotland at East Lake Golf Club this past July! All five Team Georgia members are showing in front row from left to right: Bear Dollander, MacKinnley Yarbrough, Kylie Chung, Molly Spector and Grace Lee.

High School State Champions