Team USA just got a whole lot more fun. Tiffany Joh, a former LPGA player who lifted the spirits of countless players during her 11-year stint on tour, has accepted a new role with the U.S. National Development Program as a coach. She’ll work alongside head coach Chris Zambri on both the men’s and women’s side to help identify and support American golf talent.
Joh, who currently works as an associate head coach at USC, will move from her native California to Pinehurst, North Carolina, following the completion of the Trojans’ spring season. A two-time U.S. Women’s Amateur Public Links champion, Joh is the first USGA champion to be hired by the USGA in the organization’s 130-year history.
Known for her music-making videos, her many onesies, and self-deprecating humor, Joh was the first four-time All-American at UCLA who joined the LPGA in 2011. The ultimate team player, Joh had a knack for bringing the tour together when it mattered most.
Last week, the USGA announced the inaugural U.S. National Junior Team, comprised of 10 girls and eight boys. Two of those players – Asterisk Talley and Gianna Clemente – are in the field at this week’s Augusta National Women’s Amateur.
The USGA plans to grow the National Junior Team to 30 boys and 30 girls over the next three years. The U.S. Amateur Team will be announced in 2025, with the Young Professional Team to follow in 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
What prompted Tiffany Joh to join the USGA as a coach?
A lot of it was just pure fascination and curiosity about it. Growing up, my parents didn’t really play golf, and the only reason we were able to navigate junior golf and getting recruited by colleges was just because we were able to make some really great relationships and got tons of advice along the way. I was really fortunate that way.
How did Tiffany Joh start her junior golf career?
Tiffany started with the First Tee of San Diego. Some of the instructors, some of her junior golf friends, and their parents introduced her to other golf associations and tournaments. She kept signing up for tournaments and built relationships with other kids and parents who guided her along the way.
How will the U.S. National Junior Team impact the development of U.S. golf?
Tiffany believes that the National Junior Team will significantly elevate the level of U.S. golf. By providing access through a grant system, more talented young players will have the opportunity to compete in tournaments. Additionally, the team will benefit from advanced data analysis, such as strokes gained statistics, to improve their performance.
What is Tiffany Joh’s role as a coach in the USGA’s National Development Program?
Tiffany’s role is focused on the development side. She will assist players in developing effective strategies for playing courses, including tee shot lines. She will also facilitate training camps and talent identification to support the growth of elite amateur golfers.
What is Tiffany Joh’s outlook on the future of U.S. golf?
Tiffany is optimistic about the upcoming generation of players. She believes that emerging talents like Amari Avery will become worldbeaters and contend at major tournaments. Although the U.S. currently faces challenges in the rankings, Tiffany sees great potential in the young players and expects them to turn the tide in favor of U.S. golf.
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