At Watson Links, our partnership with the LPGA-Amateurs is rooted in a shared commitment: growing the game and empowering more girls and women to feel confident, welcome, and supported in golf. Together, we’re creating pathways for players of all ages to develop skills, build community, and discover a lifelong love of the sport through meaningful golf mentoring experiences.
Few individuals embody this mission more than Lauren Tenold—an avid golfer, LPGA-Amateur Kansas City Chapter member, and dedicated Watson Links Golf Mentor. We’re thrilled to highlight Lauren in this Watson Links Golf Mentor Story in conjunction with our celebration of National Mentoring Month this January.
For Lauren, golf has always been about more than hitting great shots. She loves the constant challenge the game provides and the chance to enjoy nature alongside people who share her passion. Although she was first introduced to golf through a few summer clinics growing up, it wasn’t until high school that she truly embraced the sport. The spark came from family—specifically her cousins, many of whom played in high school or even at the collegiate level. Their enthusiasm and encouragement helped her step confidently into the game.
Lauren credits her early mentors with teaching her more than mechanics. They helped her understand the mental side of golf: staying calm under pressure, focusing on one shot at a time, and – most importantly – remembering to have fun. Those principles now guide how she supports the young golfers she mentors today.
Lauren recalls learning etiquette, patience, and resilience – skills she believes are essential both in the sport and in life. It’s the kind of guidance she wishes more kids had access to when she was growing up.
Lauren believes that Watson Links fills a gap she would have benefited from as a young player. “Watson Links is a real game changer,” she shared, reflecting on the difference between short, structured clinics and the opportunity Watson Links provides for juniors to play full holes with guidance along the way. “From learning not to step on a putting line to staying quiet during another player’s shot, the program blends real-course experience with meaningful mentorship.”
Lauren became a Golf Mentor because she’s passionate about helping young people grow, both on and off the course. For Lauren, it’s incredibly rewarding to watch junior golfers experience breakthrough moments, whether it’s sinking a long putt or celebrating their very first par. “Seeing the smile on their face makes it all worth it,” she says.
Lauren has seen firsthand how rounds shared between juniors and mentors create space for personal growth and connection. She believes these experiences help kids build confidence, focus, patience, and even a deeper appreciation for nature. And as a member of the LPGA-Amateurs, she continues to advocate for the positive impact golf can have on young athletes, especially girls who may be discovering the game for the first time.
As Watson Links joins organizations nationwide in recognizing National Mentoring Month, Lauren’s story shines a light on the powerful role mentors play in shaping young lives—on and off the course. Her commitment reflects the heart of Watson Links: connecting juniors with caring adults who offer guidance, encouragement, and access to meaningful experiences through golf. By raising awareness of mentorship this month, we celebrate individuals like Lauren and our partners at LPGA-Amateurs who help ensure the game of golf—and the lessons it teaches—continue to inspire confidence, connection, and opportunity for the next generation.
About LPGA-Amateurs
The LPGA Amateur Golf Association® is a passionate, inclusive group of women made up of over 18,500 members of all golf abilities throughout 130+ global chapters. This vibrant community connects women to learn, play and enjoy golf. LPGA-A provides organized playing and learning opportunities for adults of all ages and abilities through a variety of local and national events. Chapter members are connected to thousands of other members globally and can get it all through LPGA Amateurs!
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.
