Watson Links Celebrates a Year of Growth and Impact in 2025
Kansas City, MO – Watson Links, the youth golf mentoring nonprofit founded by golf legend Tom Watson in 2021, is celebrating a year of remarkable growth and community impact. Dedicated to removing barriers to the game and helping kids grow through golf, the organization connected more than 1,075 participants across 104 golf courses during 316 days of programs in 2025 year-to-date.
Watson Links pairs junior golfers with caring adult mentors for free nine-hole rounds that build confidence, connection, and community. The program blends golf’s timeless lessons in patience, resilience, and strategy with the lasting influence of mentorship.
“Golf and the mentors in my life shaped who I am. Watson Links is about passing those lessons on and creating opportunities to give back in a meaningful way. Seeing so many young players and mentors come together this year shows that the spirit of the game, and the good it can do, is alive and growing.”
-Tom Watson, Watson Links Founder
Growing indeed! Over the past year, youth and mentor participation in Watson Links programs has increased two to three times compared to last year. The snapshot below highlights our impact so far—both nationally and here at our home base in Kansas City. With more rounds and initiatives still in motion, we anticipate these numbers will continue to rise by year-end.
2025 National Impact
- 1,075 participants
- 2,204 rounds played
- 668 tee times
- 316 days of programming
2025 Kansas City Region
- 318 participants
- 640 rounds played
- 180 tee times
- 60 days of programming
“Golf mirrors life in so many ways—with its ups and downs, challenges, and moments of success—and it’s fulfilling to help juniors not only learn the game, but also develop the confidence to engage face-to-face, beyond the screens they’re used to. I truly enjoyed being a part of the program and hope to contribute again in the next session.” Jay L., Watson Links Mentor.
Why it Matters
Today’s young people face unprecedented pressures, from anxiety to isolation and screen fatigue. With 80% of waking hours spent outside of school, Watson Links provides structured, positive, outdoor experiences that foster growth and resilience.
“The mentors made it fun,” said junior golfer Connor H. “I liked listening to the mentors’ personal golf stories and their tips for my game. It was nice to meet and play rounds with other golfers who were close to my age, too.”
Golf, an intergenerational and character-building sport, offers a uniquely supportive setting. By securing partnerships with local courses, Watson Links ensures cost is never a barrier to participation.
“We’re not just creating future golfers, we’re building community,” said Pauly Hart, Executive Director of Watson Links. “Watson Links provides young people the opportunity to grow in the game. At the same time, our golf mentors are connecting with the next generation in a meaningful way.”
Give the Gift of Golf
This season, Watson Links invites supporters to make a lasting difference through its year-end Gift of Golf Campaign. The campaign goal is to fund 200 junior-mentor rounds in 2026 that will help even more kids experience the joy and mentorship of the game.
Join the effort to grow the game and empower the next generation through golf mentorship at www.watsonlinks.org/gift-of-golf.
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.