More Ways for Junior Play
NCGA’s 2027 Junior Golf programming offers more ways for juniors to compete at the right level, including the new JTNC Pathway Tour for developing players.
Participation in NCGA JUNIORS and JTNC events requires an annual $30 NCGA membership through Youth on Course and an established Handicap Index. JTNC events also require membership fees.
Note if the junior player is already an NCGA member through another qualified club, such as a private course/club, they already have all of the NCGA and Youth On Course benefits and do not need to join again.
What Junior Event Is Right for Me?
NCGA JUNIORS One-Day Events
NCGA JUNIORS One-Day Events
Getting Started
JTNC Pathway Tour
Take the Next Step
JTNC Championship Tour
Compete at the Top
NCGA JUNIORS One-Day Events
NCGA JUNIORS One-Day Events
New for 2027, NCGA JUNIORS will offer 5 tournaments throughout the season, all featuring a single-day, 18-hole format.
NCGA JUNIORS is open to all 18 and under with an active Youth on Course membership, these events provide a welcoming environment to gain tournament experience and build confidence at courses across Northern California.
Best for: Junior golfers who are newer to competitive tournament golf or continuing to build their skills and experience.
JTNC Pathway Tour
JTNC Pathway Tour
The JTNC Pathway Tour gives intermediate junior golfers more competitive tournament experience through two-day events with official scoring, rules support, ranking opportunities and a clear path to the JTNC Championship Tour.
Eligibility:
Boys: Handicap Index® 4.1–18.4
Girls: Handicap Index® 6.1–18.4
Best for: Developing competitive golfers who want ranking opportunities and are working toward the highest level of JTNC competition.
JTNC Championship Tour
JTNC Championship Tour
Take your game to the next level through Northern California's premier junior competition. The JTNC Championship Tour is designed for accomplished junior golfers ready to compete at a high level.
Eligibility:
Boys: Handicap Index® 4.0 or lower
Girls: Handicap Index® 6.0 or lower
The program also connects players with opportunities to play on USNDP's Team Northern California.
Best for: Experienced competitive junior golfers who meet JTNC Championship Tour eligibility requirements and are ready to compete against Northern California's top junior players.
NCGA JUNIORS
New for 2027, NCGA JUNIORS will offer 5 tournaments throughout the season, all featuring a single-day, 18-hole format. These events provide a welcoming environment to gain tournament experience and build confidence at courses across Northern California.
To play in a NCGA JUNIORS Event you must meet the following requirements:- Have a current NCGA membership through Youth On Course
- Have an established Handicap Index® at the time of tournament entry. Boys & Girls Handicap Index 18.5 or higher.
- Be between 9-18 years old by tournament day – (players under 9 can request exemption)
- Have not started college
Junior Tour of Northern California
Founded in 2008, the Junior Tour of Northern California (JTNC) focuses on helping junior golfers ages 10 to 18 become the best competitive players they can be. Jointly created by the NCGA and the Northern California PGA chapter, JTNC hosts more than 50 events each year throughout Northern California. JTNC alumni include major winner Bryson DeChambeau, PGA Tour member Justin Suh and LPGA member Yealimi Noh.
JTNC is expanding in 2027 to offer more opportunities for junior golfers to compete at the level that best fits their game. With the introduction of the new JTNC Pathway Tour alongside the JTNC Championship Tour, players now have two competitive pathways designed to support different stages of their development.
Team Northern California
Beginning in Northern California, the NCGA is launching a golf team (Team Northern California) that will expand the pipeline for elite local golfers into the recently created U.S. National Development Program (USNDP), a new initiative launched by the United States Golf Association (USGA). Southern California started their program in 2024.
Join NCGA NEXT
We believe that being a young adult shouldn’t mean priced out of the game. That’s why we created NCGA NEXT—an exclusive, discounted membership designed specifically for golfers ages 19–25.
Keep your game sharp and your costs low. For just $48/year, you’ll enjoy:
- Official USGA Handicap Index®: Track your progress and compete fairly.
- Reduced Green Fees: Access special rates at participating NCGA NEXT facilities throughout Northern California.
- Full Member Benefits: Gain entry to NCGA tournaments, member-only events, and exclusive travel discounts.
Don't let your membership lapse just because you're growing up. Stay in the game with NCGA NEXT.
Have a Junior Golfer interested in getting into golf?
Check out our Get Into Golf Guide to learn how to overcome common golf challenges! From tackling intimidation to finding affordable options, we help demystify golf for beginners.
