At Watson Links, we believe the game of golf becomes something truly powerful when it’s shared across generations. Mentorship sits at the heart of that mission, which is why we’re proud to partner with LPGA–USGA Girls Golf to help more girls experience the confidence, community, and meaningful on-course connections that mentoring makes possible.
One young leader who embodies that shared mission is Caprina Yarosz—a standout Girls Golf alum and rising collegiate athlete whose journey reflects the transformative impact of mentorship at every stage. Her path has been shaped by the people who took the time to guide her, and today, we’re honored to celebrate her story and the mentors who ignited her lifelong love of the game.
Caprina’s golf story begins at age six, when her grandpa became her first mentor. Those early rounds weren’t about perfect scores or perfect swings. They were about joy.
She remembers the two of them spending hours together on the course, laughing through bad shots, celebrating the good ones, and learning patience, resilience, and sportsmanship along the way. Her grandpa taught her fundamentals, but even more importantly, he taught her to love the game.
Those memories became the foundation for everything that came next.
As Caprina grew, so did her involvement in youth golf programs. First Tee classes, PGA Jr. League, local junior teams – she was all in.
When LPGA-USGA Girls Golf Jersey Shore launched four years ago, Caprina was one of the first high school girls to join. From day one, she stepped into a leadership role. While balancing school and competitive golf, she also dedicated her time to mentoring younger girls – becoming the type of mentor she herself once relied on.
Two women in particular helped shape her development both on and off the course: Kim Brehm and Jen Nolan. Through Girls Golf and First Tee Jersey Shore, they taught Caprina what it means to lead with kindness, support others, and give back to the game she loves.
She recalls helping organize a junior clinic under Kim and Jen’s guidance—an experience that showed her just how much influence a single encouraging voice can have on a young golfer. Their mentorship sparked something in her: a desire not just to play golf, but to help others grow through it.
Another important figure in Caprina’s journey is Rylee Plitz, PGA/LPGA Head Professional at Eagle Ridge Golf Club in Lakewood, NJ. Rylee coached Caprina when she was younger, and today Caprina works and coaches alongside her.
Rylee’s impact extended far beyond technical skill. She showed Caprina what it means to be a strong, confident female leader in a sport that has long been male-dominated. During one lesson, Rylee challenged her to attempt a shot she doubted she could make. That push—combined with unwavering support—taught Caprina to trust her abilities and embrace challenges with confidence.
It’s a lesson that continues to guide her, both in golf and in life.
Mentorship not only helped Caprina find her footing—it also opened doors for her to lead on national platforms.
In 2023, she was named one of only 13 girls nationwide to serve on the LPGA Foundation eLeader National Board of Directors, representing Girls Golf Jersey Shore. That same year, she earned an LPGA Cognizant Cup internship at the Founders Cup at Upper Montclair Country Club, where she learned tournament operations and mentored younger golfers at the Girls Golf Clinic.
One of her most memorable moments came when she spoke on stage at the Champions Dinner alongside Nancy Lopez, Nancy Henderson, and Morgan Pressel—sharing how Girls Golf shaped her life and encouraging more girls to embrace the sport.
And just recently, Caprina was named one of two 2025 LPGA Chevron Championship – Dinah Shore Scholarship recipients, giving her behind-the-ropes access at the Chevron Championship and additional opportunities to learn, lead, and give back.
Now a freshman at Lynn University, Caprina continues to grow her game while mentoring others—just as her mentors once did for her.
She believes deeply in the value of juniors playing rounds with adult mentors. These rounds teach patience, focus, perseverance, and confidence while creating a supportive space where kids feel safe asking questions and taking risks. They also build lasting relationships—exactly what her grandfather, coaches, and role models gave her.
When asked whether Watson Links would have made a difference in her journey, she responded without hesitation:
“Yes—Watson Links would have added even more mentors and support along the way.”
Caprina embodies everything Watson Links strives to inspire:
Her journey is a testament to the difference mentors make—and to the potential unlocked when junior golfers are surrounded by people who believe in them.
We are inspired by Caprina, grateful for her contributions to Girls Golf and the youth golf community in New Jersey. We are proud to celebrate her incredible accomplishments and can’t wait to see where her journey leads next.
If you’d like to help more junior golfers like Caprina find belonging, confidence, and opportunity through the game, encourage and enroll them in opportunities with Girls Golf and Watson Links. Or consider becoming a Watson Links mentor yourself! One round can change a life—and sometimes, a whole future.
About Girls Golf
LPGA–USGA Girls Golf is a national junior golf program dedicated to empowering girls through fun, girl-friendly golf experiences. With more than 500 sites nationwide, Girls Golf helps young golfers build confidence, develop leadership skills, and form lasting friendships both on and off the course. Guided by its “Five E’s” philosophy—Empower, Enrich, Engage, Exercise, and Energize—Girls Golf inspires girls to dream big and discover how the game can shape their lives. Learn more at www.girlsgolf.org.
About Watson Links
Founded by Tom Watson in 2021, Watson Links is a national golf mentoring nonprofit dedicated to helping young people grow through meaningful on-course connections. The program pairs junior players with caring adult mentors for free nine-hole rounds that foster confidence, character development, and a sense of belonging within the golf community. Through shared play and supportive relationships, Watson Links creates opportunities for young golfers to learn life skills, build resilience, and experience the joy of the game in a welcoming environment. Learn more or become a mentor at www.watsonlinks.org.
