2025-2026 NHSGA Team Qualifying Standards*

• Teams must win their respective state championship in order to be eligible.

• Boys Teams must have an average stroke differential of 30.0 per round according to the NHSGA State Rankings in order to be eligible. 

• Girls Teams must have an average stroke differential of 45.0 per round according to the NHSGA State Rankings in order to be eligible. 

*States with multiple teams eligible for the National Invitational, a bid will be extended first to the highest ranking team from that state (across all divisions). In the event the highest ranking team does not accept their bid, the next state champion will be invited provided the above qualifying standards are met.

Teams competing in the Invitational will compete representing their state, NOT their high school. For example, if East Longmeadow High School wins the Massachusetts Division 1 State Championship, they will compete as Massachusetts (ELH) at the Invitational versus playing as ELHS Spartans. Since some teams are unable to get sponsorship from their state or their school, this system allows any team to compete without restriction.

State Championship Team Application

Teams who win their state championship may fill out an official application (Girls Team, Boys Team) into the 2026 PGA HS National Invitational or contact Mike McDonald (team@highschoolgolf.org) via email for more information.

All applications will be reviewed state-by-state and teams will be invited based on the qualifying standards.  All teams are encouraged to fill out their applications asap so that they get full consideration for representing their state.

An email will be sent recognizing all state champions by the PGA NHSGA team directly to their High School Golf Coach.  Parents, players or athletic directors are encouraged to work directly with their High School Golf Coach for more information about their particular application.

The state championship medalists (1st place individuals) may receive an invitation provided they meet the NHSGA qualifying standards based on field availability.

2025-2026 NHSGA Individual Qualifying Standards

• An individual must win their respective state championship in order to be eligible.

• An individual boy must have an average stroke differential of 1.0 per round according to the NHSGA State Rankings in order to be eligible.

• An individual girl must have an average stroke differential of 6.0 per round according to the NHSGA State Rankings in order to be eligible.

State Championship Medalist Application

Individuals who win their state championship may fill out an official application (Girls Individual, Boys Individual) into the 2026 PGA HS National Invitational or contact Mike McDonald (team@highschoolgolf.org) via email for more information.

All applications will be reviewed state-by-state and medalists will be invited based on the qualifying standards.  All medalists are encouraged to fill out their applications asap so that they get full consideration for representing their state.

An email will be sent recognizing all state champion medalists by the PGA NHSGA team directly to their High School Golf Coach. Parents, players or athletic directors are encouraged to work directly with their High School Golf Coach for more information about their particular application.

Any teams or individuals who did not win their state championship, but feel like they deserve an opportunity to compete in the National Invitational are invited to submit a Merit Application for consideration.  Merit Applications will be considered after all the championships have been completed for their respective state.

Additional bids may be awarded to the top-ranked teams and individuals in the NHSGA rankings based on merit & field availability. The Selection Committee has the authority to award invites to specific states, regions, or non-US territories based on internal criteria and merit.