The United Golfers Association proudly announces the launch of its first-ever UGA Junior National Team, a groundbreaking initiative designed to identify, develop, and elevate the next generation of elite African American junior golfers.
Six rising stars have been named to the inaugural class, representing the power, promise, and potential of Black youth in golf.
The launch of the UGA Junior National Team is a core component of UGA’s mission to build a sustainable pipeline for Black junior golfers—from grassroots to college to the professional ranks. It’s about more than just competition; it’s about cultivating well-rounded athletes, scholars, and leaders.
Ed Hills, Director of Player Development, will lead this transformative journey, helping to elevate the program through:
- Year-round national programming and elite tournament access
- Monthly coaching, mentoring, and performance tracking
- Scholarships and travel stipends to reduce financial barriers
- College recruitment exposure and support for juniors
- National team identity and branding for pride and visibility
- Access to strength training, nutrition, NIL education, and more.
- Family engagement programs and resources to support parents on the journey
Meet the First Six Trailblazers:
- California: Dré Whitfield and Siham Ibrahim
- Georgia: Duncan Reid and Vivian Lott
- Florida: Patrick Pinkney and Staci Pla
These student-athletes exemplify the hunger, talent, and discipline that define the next wave of Black golf excellence. With intentional support, they are positioned to break barriers, reshape narratives, and inspire generations to come.
“This is more than a roster. It’s a signal to the world that our youth are ready—and we’re ready to build the infrastructure to carry them to greatness,” said Tarek DeLavallade, Executive Director of UGA. “The UGA Junior National Team will become a family of champions, a symbol of what’s possible when access meets opportunity.”
“This is how we begin to close the gap,” Hills said. “By surrounding our juniors with the structure, support, and sense of belonging they’ve always deserved. When a community shows up for its youth, everything changes. These athletes won’t just play—they’ll lead, uplift, and carry that torch forward for others to follow.”
From public courses to collegiate fairways and pro tour aspirations, UGA is building the infrastructure to level the playing field, ensuring that young Black golfers have the visibility, mentorship, and investment needed to thrive.