Innovative program pairs juniors with mentors for free golf to learn the game.
KC Junior Golf News
Fast-growing Watson Links
Now at 28 Kansas City Courses
Innovative program pairs juniors with mentors for free golf to learn the game.
by Alan Hoskins, feature writer
Arriving in May, one of the fastest-growing junior golf programs in the nation is kicking off another season here in the Kansas City Metro. Watson Links, the innovative junior program developed by PGA Hall of Famer Tom Watson, has announced nearly a dozen special series highlighting the program, which pairs junior golfers with adult mentors for 9-hole rounds to hone basic skills, introduce course etiquette, and reinforce valuable life skills— all for free!
the rules and etiquette of the game. So, I’ m not surprised to see the synergy between mentors and kids and seeing the benefit of mentorship. The First Tee taught kids how to swing the golf club, and Watson Links takes kids out on the golf course and shows them the game of golf. Kids learn lessons they’ ll never forget.”
Now in its fifth year, the program has grown by leaps and bounds, both in Kansas City and nationally. At last count, 28 golf courses in the Kansas City Metro area offer the program. Equally impressive, Watson Links is offered nationally in 51 cities across 23 states.
Juniors learn the game and more from golf mentors like Tom Watson seen in this photo( on right) during a walking 9-hole round of golf.
As the flagship of Watson Links, 708 juniors and 445 mentors in Kansas City teamed up to play 2,287 rounds of golf over more than 300 days on member courses during 2025.“ The response from both mentors and juniors has been so impressive,” says Executive Director Pauly Hart.
“ It’ s all due to Pauly Hart and Stephanie Shogren,” says Watson.“ I give full credit to them for the expansion of Watson Links.” Hart is in her third year as Executive Director; Shogren joined the program after being extremely active in the First Tee program in Austin, TX.
The rapid expansion of Watson Links has not come as a surprise to Watson.“ I’ m not. My golf mentor was my father, and when I was six years old, he not only taught me how to swing a golf club but also
“ Both kids and mentors learn so much from each other, not just about golf but life,” concurs Hart.“ Mentors are not golf pros. They are just a little farther along in their golf journey, and their presence, willingness to model confidence and positivity, paves the way for a passion for play while juniors learn golf protocol, respect for the game, sportsmanship, and gain confidence.”
The program is open to boys and girls ages 10-18 who have golfing experience( not beginners). Two mentors who have undergone background checks are typically paired alongside two juniors( of all skill levels) for a walking round of nine holes.“ It’ s a great way for competitive juniors to get in some practice rounds and for newer players to get more on-course play,” says Hart.
Registration is now open for both mentors and parents of juniors at www. watsonlinks. org. Once signed up, both juniors and mentors will be notified as soon as tee times become available.“ Spots fill up in a hurry,” warns Hart.
“ The Watson Links app really streamlines the process by helping kids and parents the opportunity to find times and courses to partner with mentors,” adds Watson.
20 May 2026 TEE TIMES GOLF GUIDE