Development Squad represents the verification stage of the JNJG Talent Pathway, where identified athletes transition from emerging talent into structured, performance-focused development environments.
This stage is designed to confirm an athlete’s readiness for high-performance progression, while continuing to develop their skills, behaviours, and competitive capabilities.
Program Overview
Program Window: June – November (annually)
Selection Period: May (following representative events)
The JNJG Development Squad operates as a statewide program delivered through a combination of camps, tournament engagement, and regional support, providing athletes with consistent and progressive development opportunities.
Selection into the Development Squad
Athletes are selected following completion of Level 1 Regional TID, with selection decisions informed by a combination of:
Performance-Based Indicators
- Results and trends from JNJG Junior Masters events and Regional Opens
- Performance in Regional Talent Camps
- Ability to perform under pressure in competitive environments
Representative Event Outcomes
- North v South Cup (regional athletes)
- Sydney East v West (metro athletes)
These events provide critical insights into:
- Matchplay performance
- Competitive mindset
- Team environment behaviours
Development & Behavioural Indicators
- Coachability and willingness to learn
- Engagement in training environments
- Commitment to improvement
- Training age and development trajectory
Program Goals
The Development Squad is designed to:
- Verify talent identified at Level 1
- Assess an athlete’s trainability and progression potential
- Develop consistent training and competition behaviours
- Prepare players for the demands of elite junior golf environments
- Establish a foundation for progression into Level 3 – Advanced and Elite Squads
Program Structure
The Development Squad delivers a blended program model consisting of camps, competition, and ongoing support.
1. Training Camps
- Two centrally delivered camps across the program period
- Focus on technical development, performance skills, and benchmarking
2. Tournament Blocks
- Targeted competition periods aligned with development goals
- Emphasis on:
- Applying skills under pressure
- Performance consistency
- Tournament preparation routines
3. Regional Support
- Ongoing support provided within players’ local environments
- Alignment between state program expectations and regional coaching delivery
Key Development Areas
Technical & Tactical Development
- Refinement of core skills (ball striking, short game, putting)
- Development of Golf IQ, including strategy and decision-making
- Performance tracking through scoring and statistical trends
Physical & Athletic Development
- Continued focus on movement quality and athletic progression
- Introduction to structured physical preparation principles
- Injury prevention and long-term athletic development
Psychological & Behavioural Development
- Building resilience and competitive mindset
- Developing self-management and independence
- Establishing consistent training and preparation habits
Performance Behaviours
A strong emphasis is placed on behaviours that underpin long-term success, including:
- Professionalism in training and competition
- Accountability and ownership of development
- Effective communication with coaches and support staff
City vs Country Match (Talent Verification Event)
Timing: October
The Development Squad culminates in the City vs Country Match, a key verification event within Level 2.
Purpose
- Assess readiness for progression to Level 3
- Evaluate performance in a high-pressure, team matchplay environment
Assessment Focus
- Competitive resilience and mindset
- Decision-making and Golf IQ under pressure
- Ability to contribute within a team structure
Outcomes of Level 2
At the conclusion of the Development Squad program, athletes are assessed for progression based on:
- Demonstrated performance improvement and consistency
- Measurable gains in technical and physical capabilities
- Commitment to training and development behaviours
- Readiness to meet the demands of elite-level programs
Progression Pathways
- Selection into Level 3 – Advanced Talent Squad
- Continued monitoring within the JNJG pathway system
Summary
Level 2 – Development Squad is a critical phase in the NSW/ACT pathway, ensuring that:
- Talent is not only identified, but validated
- Athletes are exposed to structured, high-quality development environments
- Players build the habits and skills required for elite performance progression
This stage bridges the gap between emerging potential and high-performance readiness, setting athletes up for success at state and national levels.
