The introduction of two new Squads highlights the forthcoming selection of players in the Australian National Squads. 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. Australian Rookie Professional Squad Australian National Squad (Open age) Australian Development Squad (Open age) Australian Junior Squad (Age 13-17) Players will be selected in the following Squads based on the following criteria. Ranking (National and International) Results (National and International) Participation (National and International) The Junior and Development Squads 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. All four programs will not have a minimum of maximum number of participants. The program will look for the best individuals who are striving to reach their full potential on and off the golf course. The benefit of introducing Junior and Development 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. This will allow Australian golf to streamline its pathway and give players exposure to a vast array of knowledge and coaching well before they once did. The mission of the Golf Australia National Program is to create and implement elite athlete preparation environments and structures which provide the best possible coaching, support service, daily training environment, sports science services and competition opportunities for our Australian National Squad Members. The three amateur Squads will be announced in early December after the Australian Open with an induction and camp to follow. The Rookie Professional Squad will be selected early in 2011 following the completion of all international qualifying schools. For questions about the program please contact program Director Brad James at bradj@golfaustralia.org.au