I couldn’t be more pleased that you are playing golf. The game has given me a great deal, and I’m sure you will find that it gives you a lifetime of enjoyment and friendship. If you’re looking to polish some part of your game, take a look at these time-tested tips. I hope you play well and hit your shots long and straight.
Tom Watson
WATSON LINKS FOUNDER + CHAIRMAN
I really enjoyed mentoring the kids. They were very focused and fun to play with. I loved seeing how their game improved.
Tom Leonard
GOLF MENTOR
Contact your local program administrator.
Nine-hole rounds are typical, but it’s a good idea to check your local program website for exceptions. Some offer alternative formats, such as a par 3 course or a 6-hole course.
Recruit your buddies to become Golf Mentors and then simply coordinate with them to sign up for the same time.
Local program administrators closely monitor the weather and will alert you if your tee time will be delayed or canceled. If you’re concerned and haven’t heard anything yet, contact your local program administrator.
If an unexpected emergency occurs and you can’t make your tee time, contact your local program administrator as soon as possible. They may be able to make last-minute arrangements for the Junior Golfer to play.
Generally, you should arrive in the golf shop of the clubhouse 20 minutes before tee time to meet the two Junior Golfers and the other Golf Mentor. Check your local program website for more information.
No. For various reasons, Watson Links outings do not involve golf carts. If you have a medical reason that you must use a cart, please contact the local program administrator.
No. Watson Links outings do not include range balls, so if Golf Mentors and Junior Golfers wish to use the driving range, it will be on their own time and at their own expense.
For each tee time, you will be at the golf course for ±3 hours. This includes arriving at the golf shop early, playing time, and returning the Junior Golfer to their parent/guardian.
You are not expected to provide formal instruction. You should be comfortable playing golf on a public course and have a basic understanding of golf etiquette and pace of play expectations.
While Junior Golfers know the basics of grip, stance, and swing, it’s up to you to help them navigate the course, understand golf etiquette, maintain a reasonable pace of play, and have fun.
Onboarding is quick and simple. Just complete the registration form, order a background check, and complete a 90-minute SafeSport online training and Watson Links orientation.
After onboarding, sign up for tee times that fit your schedule. You’ll be paired with a Junior Golfer for a free outing of nine holes or fewer, alongside another Golf Mentor and Junior Golfer.
Watson Links combines the joy of golf with the satisfaction of making a difference in a young person’s life. You get to share the golf course with appreciative and fun-loving kids who value the opportunity.
Contact your local program administrator.
Yes, check with your local program administrator or your local golf association for information on other worthwhile national programs including First Tee, Youth on Course, PGA Jr. League, U.S. Kids Golf, and other local programs.
All applicants must pass a background check and complete SafeSport training. For specific details, check with your local program.
Your local program determines how many tee times may be reserved by each Junior Golfer. Generally, when sufficient tee times are available, Junior Golfers may reserve more than one tee time each week.
Check with your local program administrator.
Feel free to simply coordinate with the parent / guardian of your child’s friend and sign up for the same time.
Local program administrators closely monitor the weather and will alert you if your child’s tee time will be delayed or canceled. If you’re concerned and haven’t heard anything yet, contact your local program administrator.
If your child can’t make their tee time, you must contact your local program administrator as soon as possible. In many cases, another child may have the opportunity to play in their place.
Generally, you should arrive in the golf shop of the clubhouse with your child 20 minutes before their tee time to meet their Golf Mentor. Check your local program website for more information.
Your child should dress in casual golf attire: comfortable shirt (preferably collared), shorts/pants or skort (avoid jeans, athletic shorts or cargo pants), socks and golf/athletic shoes without cleats (no flip flops).
Junior Golfers generally need to play with their own golf clubs. If your child doesn’t have clubs to use, contact your local program administrator as early as possible. In most cases, they can help.
Par 3 courses consist of shorter holes where Junior Golfers have only three shots to make par. They don’t include any of the longer par 4 or par 5 holes and typically have fewer hazards.
Nine-hole rounds are typical, but it’s a good idea to check your local program website for exceptions. Some offer alternative formats, such as a par 3 course or a 6-hole course.
The duration of a round of golf can vary based on player experience, course busyness, and the type of course. Most groups complete their rounds in 1.5 to 2.5 hours.
Watson Links is for beginners and experienced players alike. We welcome golfers with an understanding of how to swing a golf club in practice settings and driving ranges.
Parents and guardians begin by registering their children with the local program through the local program website or the Watson Links app. Registration includes completing a waiver and providing details about the child’s age, experience level and course preference.
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You’ll notice there’s nothing about improving a player’s grip, stance, or swing because you’re not a golf instructor! You’re a role model that sets standards for discipline, sportsmanship, integrity, and respect. Just help them navigate the course, understand golf etiquette, and maintain a reasonable pace of play – in other words, help them have fun!
You can even invite your golfing buddies to join you! Learn more about how it works and explore some of our most frequently asked questions.
Learning just a few simple fundamentals can transform your golf experience. It’s all about getting the basics right and having a relaxed, fun approach to the game.
Learning just a few simple fundamentals can transform your golf experience. It’s all about getting the basics right and having a relaxed, fun approach to the game.
Learning just a few simple fundamentals can transform your golf experience. It’s all about getting the basics right and having a relaxed, fun approach to the game.
