From Grief to Purpose: Kathy McCleery’s Story of Mentorship and Hope

After the sudden loss of her husband, Michael, to COVID-19, Kathy McCleery found herself facing a difficult season of grief and isolation. Golf, a game they had enjoyed together for years, no longer felt the same. As a retired first-grade teacher and empty nester, she was searching for a renewed sense of purpose and connection. 

That changed when she discovered Watson Links, a youth golf mentoring organization, and volunteered to become a golf mentor. 

Research shows that regular physical activity, meaningful social connections, and helping others are among the most effective ways to support positive mental health. Through golf mentoring, Kathy found all three. Walking the course, building relationships, and investing in young people helped her rediscover joy while making a lasting difference in the lives of others.

“After my husband passed away, I felt like my whole life just stopped,” Kathy says. “Mentoring with Watson Links brought joy back into my life and gave me a purpose again.”

What began as a single volunteer opportunity quickly became a passion. Kathy completed 22 mentoring rounds in 2025 and has continued her commitment in 2026, even while recovering from back surgery. Turns out playing golf with Kathy is good for kids’ mental health too. It provides kids with a positive adult role model who’s in their corner, something young people need today more than ever. Getting out on the golf course with mentors like Kathy benefits kids’ mental health by providing hours away from screens, exposure to nature, physical activity, and meaningful face-to-face interactions. Whether playing or simply walking alongside juniors, she creates an environment where young people feel encouraged, valued, and confident. 

Kathy’s extraordinary dedication and impact were recognized in 2025 when she received the Watson Links Jan Craig Headcover Award, honoring outstanding commitment to golf mentoring and youth development. 

As a lifelong educator, Kathy understands that mentorship is about more than golf. It’s about connection. She listens, encourages, and helps juniors believe in themselves. By giving young people a supportive adult relationship and a place to belong, she helps them build confidence both on and off the course. 

Those qualities are consistently reflected in the experiences of the juniors she mentors. One junior golfer, Mia R., recalls immediately connecting with Kathy over their shared love of golf and documentaries.

“She is always positive and encouraging, and she helped me feel confident and relaxed on the course, even when I didn’t hit my best shots,” Mia shared. “Kathy made every round enjoyable, and she has been my favorite mentor. I’m excited to play with her again!”  

Another junior, Porter H., grew not only in his golf skills but also in his confidence. Kathy spent extra time helping him improve his putting and encouraged him through the frustrations of learning the game. What began as jokes about golf balls landing in a lake became celebrations each time Porter successfully cleared the challenge. When an injury forced him to miss their final round together, Kathy followed up to check on his recovery – demonstrating the genuine care she extends beyond the golf course. 

Kathy often says that golf mentoring isn’t really about the mechanics of golf. It’s about the connections we make along the way. That philosophy is evident in her ongoing relationship with junior golfer Isabel, whom she has remained connected with beyond their Watson Links rounds together. Kathy believes mentorship creates opportunities for conversation, confidence building, and meaningful relationships that benefit both juniors and mentors. Her story clearly captures the heart of the Watson Links experience. 

The impact of golf mentoring has been meaningful for everyone involved—including Kathy’s family. Her adult children noticed the change almost immediately, telling her that her voice sounded lighter and happier. 

“Whatever you’re doing, keep doing it,” they told her. 

Kathy often says that mentoring has helped her as much as it has helped the juniors she serves.

“It makes me feel like someone needs me,” she says. “I have a purpose again.”

Kathy’s journey is a powerful reminder that golf mentoring changes lives in ways that extend far beyond the scorecard. At Watson Links, every round creates an opportunity for connection, encouragement, and personal growth – for both the junior golfer and the mentor. Whether helping a young person build confidence, navigate life’s challenges, or simply experience the joy of belonging, these relationships reflect the heart of our mission: using golf to connect generations, strengthen communities, and inspire brighter futures. Kathy’s story is just one example of what happens when someone says “yes” to making a difference – one conversation, one round, and one relationship at a time.

Ready to Make a Difference?

Become a Watson Links Golf Mentor and discover how one round can create a lasting impact, for a junior golfer and for you. Get started by registering in our web app at my.watsonlinks.com.