Building Momentum: Watson Links Q1 Highlights & What’s Ahead
From first swings to lasting connections, the 2026 season is already off to a powerful start.
Across the country, Watson Links Playing Partners brought mentorship to life in Q1—creating meaningful experiences for juniors and mentors alike. Whether it was navigating a new on-course experience or taking that next step in growing a skill, each round helped strengthen confidence, connection, and community through the game of golf.
Q1 Highlights: A Strong Start Nationwide
The first quarter showcased the breadth and energy of the Watson Links network, with activations spanning local communities, schools, and partner organizations.
From Kansas City to South Carolina, Texas to New York, our 2026 Playing Partners hosted impactful Days of Play and mentoring experiences, including:
- Mentor-junior focused programming with First Tee chapters across the country
- High school-based initiatives like the Cavalier Links Up and Wildcat Swing Series
- Youth development partnerships with organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters
- Regional activations through golf associations and industry partners
Each initiative created space for adult golf mentors and junior golfers to connect in a welcoming, supportive environment—reinforcing that golf is more than a game; it’s a vehicle for opportunity.
Q1 brought strong early momentum, with 12 initiatives launched to create more opportunities for connection through golf. Across those programs, 83 mentors stepped up to support and guide young participants, helping reach 110 juniors through meaningful on-course experiences. Together, those connections translated into 63 tee times and 170 rounds played—each one representing moments of encouragement, growth, and community building.
Behind every number is a story: a junior golfer building confidence, a mentor making a lasting impact, and a community growing stronger through shared experience.
Thank You to Our Playing Partners
This strong start wouldn’t be possible without the dedication of our Playing Partners who stepped up to activate Q1 programming. Your leadership is setting the tone for an incredible year ahead.
Next on the Tee: Q2 Initiatives
As the season continues, the momentum builds. In Q2, Watson Links Playing Partners are set to host 37 initiatives across the country—expanding access to mentorship and creating even more opportunities for connection on the course.
From corporate Days of Play and community-based Swing Series to Mentor Months and junior-focused leagues, the upcoming calendar reflects the growing reach and impact of the Watson Links model.
Highlights include:
- Expanded programming out of our HQ in Kansas City, including the KC Swing Series and new Corporate Days of Play in May, plus Women’s Golf Day in June
- National initiatives like the American Century Investments Swing Series
- Days of Play experiences offered in connection with Bank of America’s Golf with Us initiative.
- Continued partnerships with The First Tee and Girls Golf chapters, along with PGA and LPGA teaching pros nationwide
- High school and junior league programming creating structured pathways for youth development
- New and returning Playing Partners bringing fresh energy to the season
Several Q1 initiatives will also continue into Q2, building consistency and deeper relationships between mentors and juniors.
Keep the Momentum Going
Every Round Matters. As Q2 unfolds, we look forward to sharing more stories from the course—moments of mentorship, growth, and connection that define the Watson Links experience.
Follow Watson Links on social media (Instagram, Facebook, and Linked In) to see photos, highlights, and behind-the-scenes moments from Playing Partners bringing Q2 initiatives to life across the country.
Together, we’re not just growing the game—we’re growing the people who play it.