Watson Links is for junior golfers who are ready for on-course play. We are not an instructional program. We welcome golfers who have foundational golf skills.
Rounds of golf can vary based on player experience, course busyness, and the type of course. Most groups complete their rounds in 1.5 to 2.5 hours.
Nine-hole rounds are typical, but it’s a good idea to check your local program website for exceptions. Some offer alternative formats, such as a par 3 course or a 6-hole course.
Par 3 courses consist of shorter holes where junior golfers have only three shots to make par. They don’t include longer par 4 or par 5 holes and typically have fewer hazards.
Junior golfers generally need to play with their own golf clubs. If your junior golfer doesn’t have clubs, contact your local program manager as early as possible. In most cases, they can help.
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).
Generally, you should arrive at the clubhouse with your junior 20 minutes before their tee time to meet their golf mentor. Check your local program website for more information.
Please contact your local program manager as soon as possible, using the web app if available. In many cases, another golfer may have the opportunity to play in their place.
Program managers closely monitor the weather and will alert you if tee times are delayed or canceled. If you’re concerned and haven’t heard anything yet, contact your local program manager.
Feel free to simply coordinate with other parents/guardians and sign up for the same time.
Check with your local program manager.
Local programs determine how many tee times may be reserved by each junior golfer. Generally, when sufficient tee times are available, junior golfers may reserve more than one tee time each week.
All applicants must pass a background check and complete sport safety training. For specific details, check with your local program.
Yes, check with your local program manager or your local golf association for information on other worthwhile national programs including First Tee, Operation 36,PGA Jr. League, U.S. Kids Golf, Youth on Course, and other local programs.
Contact your local program manager.
Watson Links combines the fun of golf with the satisfaction of making a difference in a young person’s life. You get to share the golf course with appreciative and fun-loving kids who value the opportunity.
Local programs’ formats and schedules vary, but the premise is the same: pair junior golfers with adult golf mentors for 9 holes or fewer, alongside another golf mentor and junior golfer. Our Mentor Handbook is a great guide.
There are four steps: Register on the web app or through your local program. Complete a background screening. Participate in your local program’s sport safety requirements. Review Watson Links’ mentor orientation materials.
While junior golfers know the basics of grip, stance, and swing, it’s up to you to help them navigate the course, understand golf etiquette, maintain a reasonable pace of play, and have fun.
You are not expected to provide formal instruction, and you don’t have to have a low handicap to participate. You should be comfortable modeling golf etiquette, navigating the golf course and instilling pace of play expectations.
For each tee time, you will be at the golf course for ±3 hours. This includes arriving at the golf shop early, playing time, and returning the junior golfer to their parent/guardian.
No. Watson Links outings do not include range balls, so if golf mentors and junior golfers wish to use the driving range, it will be on their own time and at their own expense.
We encourage walking most courses. For various reasons, Watson Links outings do not include golf carts. If you have a medical reason that you must use a cart, please contact the local program manager.
Nine-hole rounds are typical, but it’s a good idea to check your local program website for exceptions. Some offer alternative formats, such as a par 3 course or a 6-hole course.
Generally, you should arrive in the golf shop of the clubhouse 20 minutes before tee time to meet the two junior golfers and the other golf mentor. Check your local program website for more information.
If an unexpected emergency occurs and you can’t make your tee time, contact your local program manager as soon as possible. They may be able to make last-minute arrangements for the junior golfer to play.
Local program managers closely monitor the weather and will alert you if your tee time will be delayed or canceled. If you’re concerned and haven’t heard anything yet, contact your local program manager.
Recruit your buddies to become golf mentors and then simply coordinate with them to sign up for the same time.
Contact your local program manager.
