Watson Links celebrated a record-breaking third quarter in 2026, connecting 1,064 junior golfers with 661 adult mentors for 3,273 mentoring rounds. Through the collaboration of 38 Playing Partners, a diverse lineup of golf mentoring initiatives expanded opportunities for young golfers to build confidence, develop life skills and form lasting connections on and off the course.
Watson Links announces a new Strategic Alliance with Positive Athlete, a free national recognition, scholarship, and development program celebrating high school-age student-athletes for the character, leadership, resilience, service and positive impact they demonstrate beyond athletic performance. Through this new Strategic Alliance, Watson Links mentors and other adults can nominate high school student-athletes for recognition, scholarship opportunities and resources. Nominations for the 2026/27 program are open now through mid-April.
Watson Links was honored to nominate Golf Mentor Kathy McCleery for the Grayson Murray – Be Kind to One Another Legacy Award, presented at the AdventHealth Championship awards ceremony. While Kathy was not selected as this year’s recipient, her story embodies the spirit of the award, demonstrating how kindness, connection and golf can positively impact mental health and change lives, including her own. Discover Kathy’s inspiring journey and the impact she continues to make through golf mentoring.
Watson Links’ momentum continued to build in Q2 with 46 mentoring initiatives connecting junior golfers and mentors across the country. With 1,482 rounds played year-to-date and even more opportunities on the horizon, discover how our growing network of Playing Partners is expanding access to golf, mentorship, and meaningful connections—one round at a time.
The 2026 Watson Links season is off to a strong start, with 12 Q1 initiatives connecting 83 mentors and 110 junior golfers across the country. From community partnerships to school-based programs, each round is building confidence, connection, and opportunity through golf. With 37 initiatives ahead in Q2, momentum is only growing. See how Watson Links is expanding its impact—and how you can get involved.
During the week of the 90th Annual Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club, Tom Watson sat down with the Golf Channel’s Steve Sands, along with Brad Faxon and Eamon Lynch to reflect on the moments—and mentors—that shaped his journey. In this feature, he shares the inspiration behind Watson Links and why mentorship remains at the heart of growing the game for the next generation.
