The PGA of America is dedicated to setting a standard of excellence in youth sports, aspiring to make a meaningful and lasting difference in the lives of young athletes.

Guided by the American Development Model (ADM), we strive to offer an enriching and inclusive environment that prioritizes the comprehensive development of each participant. By nurturing well-rounded individuals, we aim to inspire a lifelong love of the game while also fostering personal growth both on and off the course.

PGA Jr. League is committed to aligning with golf’s ADM to provide developmentally appropriate experiences in a fun, engaging, and progressively challenging way that sets our players up for lifelong sport participation. Through a welcoming format, age-appropriate yardages, All-Star player age minimums and more, the ADM is implemented throughout our entire program from start to finish.
​

The following resource has been created for golfers and their families to better understand golf's ADM, its five key principles and the seven stages.

Competitors at the highest level are emphasizing the importance of multi-sport participation and avoiding early specialization. Hear what Jordan Spieth has to say:

The following criteria for All-Star player eligibility are in effect and in alignment with ADM:

PGA Jr. League is a community-based program designed to bring friends and families together to play golf under the leadership of PGA of America Golf Professionals. This values-based policy ensures that teams and leagues, including All-Star teams, are locally focused to include players from within the community—which is also in alignment with Golf's ADM.

In order to be eligible for All-Star Season participation as All-Star players,

participants must play in a local PGA Jr. League program that is within 75 miles of either their residence or school in which they are enrolled. Residency shall be determined based upon the street address, city, state and zip of a parent(s) or court-appointed guardian(s) or school. Residency must be held within the calendar year in which the player is participating.

13u All-Star players must be no younger than 10 years of age and no older than 13 years of age as of July 31, 2025, and 17u All-Star players must be no younger than 14 years of age and no older than 17 years of age as of July 31, 2025.

Golf's ADM is a proven and transformational long-term athlete development philosophy created to ensure the well-being of our children and the future of of our sport. While some young athletes may possess the physical literacy to compete in the All-Star Season, ADM considers the whole athlete, including emotional and mental well-being. A key factor is the pressure that children might face if advancing to a National Championship with a live broadcast component.