The next generation of golf greatness is taking shape in the Bay State. With the launch of the inaugural state junior golf team in Massachusetts, Mass Golf is taking part in setting a new standard for developing elite talent. These young golfers are part of the pipeline to the U.S. National Development Program (USNDP), a new initiative by the USGA to elevate American golf to global prominence.
Mass Golf is among seven amateur golf associations selected to pilot a state team, along with Southern California, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Ohio, and Tennessee. In the first year, Team Massachusetts will be made up of 16 players (8 boys/8 girls). Team members will participate in Team Massachusetts programming and will receive select benefits during the 2025 season.
“We are incredibly excited to introduce our first roster for Team Massachusetts, in partnership with the USGA and the U.S. National Development Program,” said Jesse Menachem, Mass Golf Executive Director/CEO. “These young golfers embody exceptional talent and the dedication, sportsmanship, and passion that make golf such a remarkable game. By providing them with resources, guidance, and opportunities to excel, we are supporting their individual growth and contributing to the future success of American golf on the global stage. We can’t wait to see what these young players can achieve.”
| Name | Hometown | Graduating Class | Home Club/Affiliation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lillian Guleserian | Westwood | 2025 | Blue Hill CC |
| Madison Smith | Westford | 2026 | Vesper CC |
| Kaitlyn Doe | Newton | 2027 | Youth On Course |
| Abby Zhu | Andover | 2027 | Indian Ridge CC |
| Reva Machanavajhula | Billerica | 2028 | Youth On Course |
| Erika Redmond | Concord | 2025 | Student Member/MIAA |
| Champa Visetsin | Sudbury | 2026 | Student Member/MIAA |
| Sophie Redmond | Concord | 2025 | Student Member/MIAA |
| Name | Hometown | Graduating Class | Home Club/Affiliation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resse Jensen | Duxbury | 2025 | Duxbury Yacht Club |
| Savar Bhasin | Millbury | 2025 | Pleasant Valley CC |
| Max McColgan | Groton | 2025 | Nashawtuc CC |
| Drew Golden | Hingham | 2025 | Black Rock CC |
| Colin Gleason | Barnstable | 2026 | Barnstable Golf |
| Gavin Lane | Wayland | 2026 | Nashawtuc CC |
| Zachary Georgantas | Foxboro | 2026 | Foxboro Country Club/Bayberry Hills |
| Eli Hamelsky | Newton | 2026 | Belmont CC |
In order to make the team each year, players will earn their place through outstanding competitive performance during each season. Established and overseen by the Selection Committee, the selection criteria is made up of a points system and a consideration set. The remaining spots will be named exclusively by the Selection Committee using the points standings as a guide in decision making.
Mass Golf has also appointed Alison Walshe as Team Captain and Mace Foehl as Assistant Captain. Captains are responsible for fostering a collaborative, positive, and competitive team environment, attending team activities, and attending educational seminars to benefit the youth golfers in the program.
Walshe was a junior standout growing up in Westford, as she won the 2003 Massachusetts Girls’ Junior Amateur Championship and the 2003 MIAA Girls’ Golf state championship. Walshe went on to become a distinguished professional who has competed on the LPGA Tour, including the 2024 FM Championship at TPC Boston.
Foehl is a long-time Mass Golf Rules Official and coach for the Northfield Mount Hermon golf team. She also serves on the Mass Golf Board of Directors and the Team Massachusetts Selection Committee. Kevin Eldridge, Mass Golf’s Senior Director of Rules & Competitions, and Jamie Haufler, Mass Golf’s Championship Coordinator, will also oversee operations of Team Massachusetts.
“Growing up in Massachusetts and benefiting from amazing opportunities in junior golf, I’m truly honored to captain Team Massachusetts,” Walshe said. “This team represents more than just competition; it’s an opportunity to mentor the next generation of golfers and equip them with the tools and guidance they need to succeed at the next level. I’m excited to watch these talented players rise to the challenge and leave their mark on the game.”
Reese Jensen
