KANSAS CITY, Mo. (Dec. 3, 2025) — Watson Links is proud to announce the continuation of its national grant funding program for the 2026 calendar year, reaffirming founder and 8-time major champion Tom Watson’s vision of bringing the power of golf mentorship to more young people across the country.
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Watson Links continues to grow its impact by connecting junior golfers with caring adult mentors for free on-course opportunities. In 2025, the organization reached 1,075 participants across 21 markets, thanks to deep collaboration with individuals, coaches, teaching professionals, and community organizations that share a belief in the life-changing value of mentorship and golf.
These on-course golf mentoring opportunities are free for both juniors and mentors. They build confidence, community, and a foundation for long-term growth. Junior golfers are typically aged 10-18 and have at least a basic knowledge of golf. Mentors are adults of all ages and skill levels.
In 2026, Watson Links will again offer startup grants up to $5,000 for new programs and maintenance grants up to $2,500 for existing program expansion. Funding is available to support golf mentoring initiatives outside the Kansas City market, and will be considered for the following individuals and organizations:
Former recipients are welcome to apply for maintenance grants. Startup grants are reserved exclusively for new partners.
Initiatives that incorporate mentoring best practices, such as engaging community volunteers, targeting high-school-age juniors, offering pre- or post-round experiences, and providing four or more days of on-course rounds, will receive priority consideration.
To help partners deliver meaningful mentoring experiences, Watson Links provides three programming frameworks, including:
Grant recipients must implement one or more of these frameworks while working collaboratively with the Watson Links team to ensure quality delivery and participant success.
Grant awards will range from $1,500 to $5,000 and may be used from March through September 2026. Funding is designed to:
Essential allowable expenses include tee times (walking or pull cart rate), mentor background checks (facilitated by Watson Links if needed), and on-site program manager stipends. Additional optional uses, such as pre-round clinics, limited participant products, or small prizes, are also permitted when aligned with program goals.
A full list of allowable and non-allowable expenses is available in the application details and criteria.
Watson Links welcomes applicants with a passion for mentorship and creating opportunities for junior golfers and community connection. Programs typically serve junior players ages 10–18 who have a basic understanding of golf, and mentors may be adults of any age or skill level eager to give back.
Contact Steph Shogren at [email protected] for additional information or support during the application process.
About Watson Links
Founded by Tom Watson in 2021, Watson Links is a golf mentoring nonprofit dedicated to helping kids grow through golf. The program pairs junior players with adult mentors for free nine-hole rounds that build character, confidence, and community. Learn more or become a mentor at www.watsonlinks.org.
