The United States National Development Program (USNDP) today announced the roster for the 2027 U.S. National Junior Team, a pillar of the USNDP, which was established in 2023 to create a unified pathway designed to nurture the potential of America’s top players.
Building on last year’s team of 24 athletes, the 2027 roster features 12 boys and 13 girls from 10 states, representing the country’s elite junior golf talent. Not surprisingly, three players--Asterisk Talley, Lily Peng and Kelly Zhang--hail from Northern California.
Eleven of the 25 players were members of the 2026 team, led by Talley, who returns for a fourth consecutive year.
Members of the team receive year-round support, including world-class coaching and analysis, sports psychology services, sports performance training and nutritional guidance.
Last year’s team members made 41 collective appearances in USGA championships, led by the U.S. Girls’ Junior (10), U.S. Amateur (8) and U.S. Junior Amateur (7).
“We’re very excited about this group and to announce the fourth roster of the U.S. National Junior Team,” said Chris Zambri, head coach of the USNDP. “It’s especially rewarding to see so many athletes earn this opportunity after being part of their state junior teams. That progression is exactly what we envisioned when creating a pathway that gives young players opportunities to develop, compete and ultimately reach the national level. We’re excited to welcome this group and continue building on the momentum of the program.”
Talley, 17 of Chowchilla, won the 2026 U.S. Women’s Amateur at The Honors Course, was a member of the victorious USA Curtis Cup team, won the Junior Invitational and the Hilton Grand Vacations ANNIKA Invitational, competed in the U.S. Women’s Open Presented by Ally, The Chevron Championship and the Amundi Evian Championship and finished T-4 at the Augusta National Women’s Amateur. She is currently the top-ranked junior in the WAGR at No. 4.
Peng, 17 of San Ramon, is the NCGA's 2025-26 NCGA Junior Girls' Player of the Year. She won the NCGA Amateur Women's Stroke Play Championship and later reached the semifinals of the U.S. Women's Amateur, where she lost to Talley.
Zhang, who is still just 14 and the youngest member of the team, won the AJGA Kathy Whitworth Invitational and T-17 at the U.S. Girls' Junior.