We’re thrilled to have your junior golfer join us! To keep the good times rolling for everyone, we’ve put together some Fairway Guidelines—think of them as our playbook for fairness and fun! Oh, and if your kiddo wants to tee off with their friends, invite them to join the program too. The more, the merrier!
Watson Links is for players new to on-course play as well as seasoned players who have golf experience and are ready for on-course play. We do not provide golf lessons, but rather help junior players transition from the practice tee to the golf course and learn to love the game! Your child is welcome to invite their friends to register for the program, so they may play together.
Check out the skill levels below to determine your child’s ability and use the levels when registering for tee times.
OPEN: Junior is still newer to on course settings. He/she has played a golf course(s) AND/OR often scores a 9+ on most holes
LINKS: Junior is familiar with some golf etiquette and has played some on course rounds AND/OR often scores 6+ on most holes
MASTER: Junior is knowledgeable about golf etiquette and rules and has played many on course rounds AND/OR often scores less than 6 on a hole
If your child is a true beginner to the game, we suggest looking into lessons from your local First Tee, Operation 36, or a local golf instructor. Once they have the fundamentals and are ready for on-course play, they can participate in a Watson Links initiative.
There is no high-end gear required, but here are few tips to keep in mind:
● Your junior golfer should bring their own golf clubs, golf balls, tees, and water or a sport drink.
● Your junior golfer can 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 should wear a Watson Links hat if they have one.
● Please provide sunscreen for your junior golfer.
It’s go time! Make sure your junior is tee-time ready.
● Your junior golfer will check in and meet their mentor and fellow junior golfers in the golf shop at least 15 minutes before the tee time.
● Please be aware that joining the group late may not be possible based on course layout and congestion.
● Plan to meet your junior at the golf shop approximately two hours after the tee time. Par 3 courses may play faster.
● Cell phones are discouraged on the course, but juniors can text their parents on the last hole to ensure timely pick up.
Manage your Watson Links experience easily through our web app.
● Use the app for registration and tee time management (if your location uses this feature).
● The app allows you to add tee times to your personal calendar and will automatically send a reminder 1 day in advance (if your location uses this feature). Please confirm your junior golfer’s attendance via the app.
● If you need to cancel a tee time, please cancel through the app and notify your local program manager as soon as possible—ideally at least 48 hours in advance—so another junior golfer can take the spot.
● Parents and their junior golfers must review our Code of Conduct before participating. You can find it on the web app.
Our mentors are committed to creating a safe and fun experience for junior golfers. Here’s what you should know:
● Every mentor completes a background check and safety training – All mentors must complete both to participate.
● Mentors may not buy food or drinks for junior golfers.
● Appropriate Boundaries – Mentors are instructed not to:
– Contact with junior golfers outside of assigned rounds (including social media).
– Transport junior golfers anywhere
– Consume alcohol during mentoring rounds
Stay in the know. The resources below will help ensure success for you and your junior golfer.
● Parent Orientation Video: Words of wisdom from a Watson Links board member
● Parent/Junior Tee Sheet: Your go-to guide for everything you need to know.
● Golf Game Directory: A great tool for keeping play fun and engaging.
● Local Program Manager: Reach out anytime for questions or support!
● FAQs: Answers to your questions!
After rounds and initiatives, we’ll send surveys to gather feedback on your junior golfer’s experience. We appreciate your insights to help us celebrate successes and improve the program!Thank you for being a part of Watson Links! We’re excited to see your junior golfer enjoy the game, make friends, and grow on and off the course. See you on the fairway! ⛳
