Golf Australia is pleased to announce the players selected for the 2011 National Squad. Tier 1: Ryan McCarthy (TAS) Tier 2: Jessica Speechley (WA), Ashley Ona (QLD), Breanna Elliott (VIC) and Julia Boland (NSW). Junior Squad: Cameron Smith (QLD), Jake Higginbottom (NSW), Minjee Lee (WA). The difference between Tier 1 and Tier 2 selected athletes is based on selection benchmarks and criteria met by each athlete. Athletes will receive higher funding at the Tier 1 level for international competition. All other resources and opportunities will be equal at both levels. Golf Australia High Performance Director Brad James said the changes to the squad structure will give a greater number of players access to a range of services to help their development. The benefit of introducing Junior and tiered level National Squads is that not only will players be sent to various camps and events nationally and internationally to gain elite competition experience; they will also have access to the full array of sports sciences that until now have generally been limited to the top amateurs and professionals, James said. A new structure has been put in place to assist Australia s elite player development, with a greater emphasis on development rather than solely at the top of the pyramid. These are new initiatives that will assist players to become more aware of the tools needed to compete and have success at the international amateur level and professionally, James added. The new squad takes effect from January 1, 2011.