CGA announces first Team Colorado for young players

USGA wants to focus on and develop more top U.S. players

By Jim Bebbington

A new team of Colorado youth golfers has been assembled by the Colorado Golf Association to take part in a national USGA initiative meant to identify, promote and help the best young, competitive players in the nation.

Hadley Ashton of Erie is one of Colorado’s first 16 youth players on ‘Team Colorado’ – a new initiative by the USGA meant to improve development of the top U.S. players

Dubbed “Team Colorado” the eight girls and eight boys named to the first team will receive access to additional coaching and training, equipment, and mentorship while they remain on the team.

The team was selected by a CGA committee based upon performance already in youth tournaments.

“The USGA’s goal is to strengthen the bench of U.S. players,” said Ed Mate, president of the CGA.

Brenna Higgins celebrate with her parents after a 2023 round. Photo by Steve Abeyta

On a state level, the goal is to help a Colorado athlete to make it to the USGA’s national team and compete in the Junior America’s Cup tournaments.

“They are going to be given the opportunity to come together to be incubated to their full potential,” Mate said.

The first members of Team Colorado are:

Boys:

 High School Class of 2025

  • Charlie Doyle, Colorado Springs
  • Jesse Hand, Littleton
  • Tyler Long, Evergreen

High School Class of 2026

  • Gavin Amella, Castle Rock
  • Brayden Forte, Aurora
  • Landon Houska, Fort Collins
  • Austin Hunt, Highlands Ranch
  • Miles Kuhl, Boulder

Girls:

High School Class of 2025

  • Hadley Ashton, Erie
  • Brenna Higgins, Centennial
  • Ashleigh Wilson, Highlands Ranch

High School Class of 2026

  • Zoe Bar-Or, Greenwood Village
  • Ashley Chang, Lone Tree
  • Addison Hines, Arvada

High School Class of 2027

  • Isabella Scott, Castle Rock

High School Class of 2028

  • Sophia Lee, 2028, Columbine Valley

In future years new players will be added as team members graduate high school and move on to college or turn 19.

“We are confident that Team Colorado will enhance the development of each athlete as they aspire to compete at the next level,” said Ashley Harrell, CGA’s chief operating officer. “Supporting the individual needs of each athlete, creating a team mentality, and representing our home state is what this is all about.”

 

Jim Bebbington is the Director of Content at Colorado AvidGolfer and can be reached at [email protected]

Colorado AvidGolfer Magazine is the state’s leading resource for golf and the lifestyle that surrounds it, publishing eight issues annually and proudly delivering daily content via coloradoavidgolfer.com.

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