Team Florida

Team Florida is an awards program that identifies the top 40 junior golfers from around the state. These players have not only demonstrated exceptional playing ability in local, state and national tournaments, but also display sportsmanship and etiquette. 

The FSGA and its Foundation recognize the significant costs incurred by the families of junior golfers in pursuing a competitive schedule, and this program will help offset some of the costs incurred for entry fees, transportation, lodging, meals and equipment, that easily total into the thousands of dollars each year. 

Eligibility

• Team Florida members must be Florida residents. 
• Players should participate in FSGA, USGA and FJT competitions
• Players from all economic positions are eligible for selection
• Recipients must have a social security number or ITIN (individual taxpayer identification number)
• Players under 19 years of age that have NOT completed high school and started college full time (12 credit hours). Players who start college full time in the summer or fall are eligible members of Team Florida prior to starting classes 

The Team

Forty (40) players, from 13 to 18 years of age will be selected each year. Players will come from a variety of grad years, but not necessarily in equal numbers. Boys and girls will be selected in generally equal numbers and graduating seniors will also be eligible for selection and awards.

Team selections are made for the calendar year, but players may be chosen in subsequent years. 

Selection Criteria

• Performance in the prior year's FSGA and USGA competitions 
• Sportsmanship, etiquette, integrity and passion
• Performance in State and National Championships
• Participation in team competitions, including high school golf
• Demonstrated potential
• Diversity, equity and inclusion

Recognition & Support 

• Funding Provided - Recipients can receive up to $2,000 per year to be used to offset costs of competing in competitions, including travel, meals and entry fees
• Recipients will be announced and recognized on the FSGA website
• Players from highly affluent families may confidentially decline the economic support.

Support Amounts

Team Florida members are expected to participate in the FSGA's most prestigious championships to support the FSGA and build the strength of the competitive field. Below are the allotted amounts distributed to the specific events played by Team Florida members.

Junior Competitions

• Florida Junior Tour (Up to 4 Events) - $200 per event
• FJT Tour Championship - $300
• Boys' & Girls' Junior Championship - $500
• Junior Match Play Championship - $200
• Junior Florida Cup - $400

State Championships

• Men's & Women's State Amateur - $500
• Women's Amateur Stroke Play - $500
• Men's & Women's Florida Open - $500
• Men's State Match Play - $300

State Championship & USGA Championship Qualifiers - $100

Support from FSGA Partners

• Clippd - As part of Team Florida, each player will be receiving a free year-long subscription to Clippd's Data Analytics service.
• AP Stats Course Management Guides
• Florida Physio - Team Florida members have the option to access Florida Physio's golf centric training program. 
• ForeCollege Golf - Players are eligible to receive consultation from Mike Smith at ForeCollege Golf recruiting services.

Additional Support for National Championships

• Team Florida members and other players from the state of Florida may be provided additional assistance for competing in the US Amateur or US Junior Championships.

Other Program Details

• Total Support Provided - $80,000 per year
• 1099 Tax Form - A 1099 tax form will be mailed to Team Florida members in January of the following year. Recipients must have a social security number or ITIN (individual taxpayer indentification number) to receive funding.
• Amateur Status – This program has been reviewed by the United States Golf Association and is in compliance with the rules governing Amateur Status
• Additional Team Members – The committee reserves the right to name more than 10 players from any division. Additional players may be named when two or more players are very close to earning the final spots onto the team and all deserve to be named