CHARLESTON, W.V. (November 20, 2025) – The Team West Virginia Committee today announced the four boys and four girls who were named to the 2026 Team West Virginia roster as part of the USGA’s U.S. National Development Program (USNDP).
“The selection and announcement of the eight inaugural athletes of Team West Virginia signals a pivotal milestone for junior golf in the region” said Captain Lucas Ware of the West Virginia Golf Association. He added, “The benefits each player will receive will
enhance and solidify their place as West Virginia’s top rising golfers.”
The roster was selected by the Team West Virginia committee based on players’ performances throughout the 2025 season. The Team West Virginia committee includes representatives from the West Virginia Golf Association and Tri-State Section PGA.
Team West Virginia is one of 30 states in the USNDP’s State Junior Team program –
designed to expand, strengthen and diversify the American junior golf pipeline. The USGA announced 14 new states to the program in October of 2025, with goals to expand to all 50 states by 2033.
2026 Team West Virginia
Boys Roster Girls Roster
Tommy Evans, 16, Charles Town Audrey Kerr, 16, Bridgeport
Carson Higginbotham, 16, Clarksburg Madilyn Buttrey, 17, Williamstown
Isaac Hutchison, 16, Lewisburg Alexis Green, 17, Charleston
Isaac Hayes, 16, Hurricane Chastyn Viars, 14, South Charleston
Team West Virginia Committee
Lucas Ware, Team Captain – Director of Junior Golf & Core Services, WVGA Chris Slack – Executive Director, WVGA
Andrew Wood – Director of Operations, Tri-State Section PGA
All athletes named to a state team will receive at least two days of in-person athlete development per year, access to webinars led by the USNDP’s coaching and athlete development team, consideration for USNDP sponsored tournament exemptions and a streamlined grant application process for families demonstrating financial need, among other benefits.
Announced in 2023, the USNDP is designed to ensure that American golf is the global leader in the game by focusing on six key pillars: talent identification, access to
competition, national teams, athlete resources, player development and relations, and financial support.
The State Junior Team Program focuses on creating a developmentally appropriate,
aspirational pathway for athletes within each state to compete at higher levels of the game. The U.S. National Development Program is supported by philanthropic giving and secured resources to fulfill the USGA’s commitment to providing pathways to elite levels of the game, regardless of financial situations.
To be eligible, a player must be a U.S. citizen, cannot be enrolled in college, must be 13 years old by Jan. 1 and not reach his/her 19th birthday by July 19 of the year in which they would compete on a State Junior Team.
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About the West Virginia Golf Association
The mission of the West Virginia Golf Association is to preserve and advance throughout West Virginia the best interests and true spirit of the game of golf as embodied in its ancient and honorable traditions and lend its cooperation and assistance to the United States Golf Association.
About the Tri-State PGA
The Tri-State Section remains committed to promoting the growth and vitality of golf in the Tri-State area. Through the ongoing efforts of the Tri-State PGA and in collaboration with the entire golf industry, the TSPGA strives to lead efforts to continue growing the game of golf both now and in the future.
About The USNDP
The mission of the U.S. National Development Program is to foster future generations of American golf talent. The USNDP provides a pathway to success in golf by delivering competitive opportunities, support, and training that develops American golf talent and mitigates financial burdens. With our key strategic partners, host venues, and champions, we provide education, experiences, and mentorship that help athletes achieve success at each level. We are committed to fostering a positive and healthy pathway for American golfers to follow their dreams and reach the pinnacle of the sport. For more info, visit usga.org.