Watson Links Triples Reach for 2025 Golf Season by Partnering with 11 Additional First Tee Chapters
Kansas City, MO – Eight-time Major Champion Tom Watson’s mentoring initiative, Watson Links, will expand significantly for the 2025 season by increasing its First Tee partnerships to include 11 new locations, tripling the program’s reach.
The Watson Links/First Tee partnership matches junior players with adult mentors to play up to nine holes at local golf courses at no cost to them. These social rounds take young players beyond the practice range by providing on-course play alongside adult golf mentors who share their passion for the game. Mentors – who are caring, vetted adults of all skill levels – foster a welcoming, learning-oriented environment that drives golf etiquette knowledge, new friendships, career exploration and much more.
“We’re so proud to bring this opportunity to more kids across the country by collaborating with the committed teams at each First Tee partner location,” said Watson. “Together we look forward to seeing more kids on golf courses as they begin what I hope will be a lifetime journey with a sport which has meant the world to me. I expect lots of life lessons, laughter and memories to be made among the new players and their mentors too.”
Joining the Watson Links program’s six existing locations in Kansas City, Indiana, Omaha, Sacramento, Savannah and Wichita are 11 new First Tee partners:
- Greater Austin
- Greater Philadelphia
- Lake Erie
- Minnesota
- Piney Woods
- South Puget Sound
- Syracuse
- Tallahassee
- Tampa Bay
- Upstate South Carolina
- West Texas
True to Watson’s intent, the program emulates his own childhood experience as a young player giving junior golfers, ages 10 to 18, free access to select golf courses, to play alongside an adult mentor who encourages them, helps them find the fun in a challenging sport and shares insights about etiquette and strategy. All mentors undergo a background check, orientation and safety training. Tee times are the primary cost for any initiative and are typically provided by the local partner organization.
Watson Links is eight-time Major Champion Tom Watson’s non-profit organization that champions on-course play and golf mentoring. Watson Links works with youth development organizations, businesses, events, and golf facilities to support the next generation of players. Through resources and guidance, Watson Links helps partners implement golf mentoring programs in their communities and online. Watson Links started and is headquartered in KC.
First Tee is a nonprofit youth development organization that uses golf to help young people build character and life skills. With 150 Chapters around the globe, First Tee serves more than 3.3 million kids with the help of more than 10,000 adults, including volunteers, staff members, coaches and board members.