The United States Golf Association has announced its 2026 Elite Amateur Program roster, showcasing 10 of America's most promising collegiate golfers as the organization continues its mission to develop the next generation of elite players.
Now in its second year, the Elite Amateur Program serves as a cornerstone of the U.S. National Development Program (USNDP), which was established in 2023 to create a unified pathway for nurturing America's top amateur talent. The program works alongside athletes' college programs, providing specialized support designed to bridge gaps and enhance competitive performance at the highest levels.
The 2026 roster features seven women and three men, representing some of the nation's top collegiate golf programs. Among the standout selections is Kiara Romero, the reigning McCormack Medal recipient who will participate in the program for a second consecutive year. The University of Oregon junior has already made her mark in golf history, shooting the lowest final-round score ever by an amateur at a U.S. Women's Open when she carded a 5-under 67 at Erin Hills in 2025.
Current Season
Current Season
Current Season
Romero's achievements extend well beyond that historic round. As a sophomore during the 2024-25 season, she became the first Oregon player to capture both a conference individual title in the Big Ten and an NCAA regional individual title in the same year. Her five individual titles represent a program record, cementing her status as one of collegiate golf's premier talents.
Race Results
Race Results
The men's side features Max Herendeen returning for his second year in the program. The University of Illinois junior from Bellevue, Washington, earned Golfweek and Golf Coaches Association of America PING Honorable Mention All-America recognition in 2025. His strong individual performance was highlighted at the 2025 NCAA Golf Championship, where he advanced to the final round as one of the top nine individuals from non-advancing teams, ultimately finishing 27th individually.
The women's roster showcases talent from coast to coast, with four new additions joining three returning members. Anna Davis of Spring Valley, California, brings her Auburn experience as a junior, while USC is well-represented with sophomore Jasmine Koo from Cerritos, California, and senior Catherine Park from Irvine, California.
Race Results
Koo made headlines during the program's international activities in 2025, earning stroke-play medalist honors at The Women's Amateur Championship at Nairn in Scotland. That same tournament saw another program member, Farah O'Keefe of Austin, Texas, finish as runner-up, demonstrating the caliber of talent the USNDP is cultivating.
O'Keefe, a junior at the University of Texas, joins Wake Forest sophomore Chloe Kovelesky of Boca Raton, Florida, and Miami freshman Scarlett Schremmer of Birmingham, Alabama, among the new additions to the women's program. Each brings unique strengths and achievements from their respective collegiate careers.
The men's program welcomes two fresh faces alongside Herendeen's return. Kihei Akina, a freshman at BYU from Alpine, Utah, represents the program's commitment to identifying and developing talent early in collegiate careers. Michael Riebe, a Vanderbilt freshman from Encinitas, California, rounds out the men's roster, bringing West Coast representation to the group.
The selection process for the Elite Amateur Program involves rigorous evaluation by a committee of USNDP staff members who assess candidates across multiple criteria. Nationality, age, amateur status, conduct, performance, education, and graduation year all factor into the selection process, ensuring that chosen athletes not only possess exceptional golf talent but also demonstrate the character and commitment necessary for success at elite levels.
The program's value was demonstrated during the 2025 season when USNDP coaches traveled with athletes to international competitions, including The Women's Amateur Championship in Scotland. This hands-on support and guidance in high-pressure competitive environments exemplifies how the program bridges the gap between collegiate and professional-level competition.
As the Elite Amateur Program enters its second year, the diverse geographic representation of selected athletes reflects the USNDP's national scope. From California to Florida, from Alabama to Utah, the roster represents the breadth of American golf talent and the organization's commitment to providing equal opportunities for development regardless of region.
The annual evaluation and roster compilation process ensures that the program remains dynamic and responsive to emerging talent. As these 10 athletes continue their collegiate careers while participating in the Elite Amateur Program, they represent the future of American golf and the success of the USNDP's systematic approach to player development.
With proven performers like Romero and Herendeen returning alongside promising newcomers, the 2026 Elite Amateur Program roster positions American golf for continued success on both amateur and, eventually, professional stages worldwide.
