Watson Links is proud to announce a new partnership with the National Golf Course Owners Association (NGCOA) to advance leadership, collaboration, and access to the game through meaningful golf mentorship. The partnership tees off with a Mentor Month initiative in January 2026, aligned with National Mentoring Month, highlighting golf’s power to connect generations and strengthen communities.
Through this collaboration, NGCOA becomes a new Watson Links Driving Access Partner, joining a growing list of golf industry leaders expanding access to the game by supporting the golf mentoring movement. Together, Watson Links and NGCOA aim to inspire facility operators, teaching professionals, and community leaders to work collaboratively in creating welcoming, relationship-driven experiences on the course.
“Tom has really hit on something. Golf mentoring could be the purist form of player engagement program. More adults taking juniors out on the course is what this game needs. Thanks to all courses willing to make room for this.” ~ Jay Karen, NGCOA CEO
“I’m excited that Pine Ridge golf course is partnering with Watson Links during National Mentoring Month. The Watson Links program is a fantastic way to reach out into the community and offer a fun, low pressure and memorable golf experience for those who might not otherwise have the opportunity.” ~ Cathy Harbin, PGA, Owner Pine Ridge Golf Course, NGCOA President.
What the Watson Links–NGCOA Partnership Delivers
Beginning with Mentor Month in January, the partnership will activate both organizations’ networks to bring golf mentoring to NGCOA member facilities nationwide.
A Joint Mentor Month Initiative (January 2026)
Watson Links is partnering with NGCOA courses to offer 9-hole golf mentoring rounds at select NGCOA member facilities, connecting local juniors with vetted adult mentors. Course operators provide tee times on three or more days in January, while Watson Links manages marketing, recruitment, app-based registrations, communications, and participant swag—making the initiative easy to implement for both public and private facilities. To receive information on participation, reach out to steph@watsonlinks.org.
Participating Facilities Include:
> Pine Ridge Golf Course (Paris, Texas)
> Rotonda Golf and County Club (Rotonda West, Florida)
Mentoring Grant Opportunities
PGA and LPGA Teaching Professionals at NGCOA member facilities are eligible to apply for Watson Links Mentoring Grant funding to support on-course mentoring experiences. Grant applications were due Friday, January 9, 2026.
Collective Story Telling
Watson Links and NGCOA will share co-branded stories highlighting mentors, juniors, facilities, and the positive ripple effects of golf mentoring in communities.
Expanded Collaboration Opportunities
The partnership will explore additional ways NGCOA member facilities can work with Watson Links to offer meaningful, in-person mentoring initiatives that strengthen connection, belonging, and community engagement.
A History of Shared Values and Industry Leadership
Watson Links and NGCOA share a strong foundation built on mutual respect and a commitment to growing the game responsibly and inclusively.
In 2025, Tom Watson was honored as a recipient of the NGCOA Award of Merit, recognizing his lasting impact on the game and his leadership beyond competitive golf. That same year, Tom addressed NGCOA members at the NGCOA Business Conference, speaking directly to leaders in golf operations and facility management about mentorship, access, and the future of the game.
This alignment is already reflected in existing partnerships. Through its national partners, Watson Links programs took place as 67 golf courses in 2025, and 34% of those facilities were NGCOA members. Through this new partnership, Watson Links and NGCOA aim to significantly expand this network—working directly with course operators on initiatives that drive connection, community, and long-term participation.
Why Golf Mentoring | Overcoming Barriers
Golf is booming – and it’s a powerful tool for youth development. Kids spend nearly 80% of their time outside the classroom, yet only 24% get the daily physical activity recommended by the CDC. As kids specialize earlier and feel more isolated, they have fewer chances to build supportive, cross-generational relationships. Sport sampling and mentoring matter more than ever. Golf helps young people develop physical skills, confidence, motivation, and life skills—especially when relationships are at the center. These experiences are as meaningful for the mentors as they are the juniors.
Through Mentoring and Free 9-Hole Rounds, Watson Links
> Removes barriers to access and understanding of golf, especially for youth with financial need. Juniors ages 10–18 build golf and social skills, discover a love of the game, and benefit from learning alongside trusted adult mentors.
> Creates purpose and connection for mentors, offering adults a meaningful way to give back through golf while forming new friendships and strengthening community ties.
> Supports facilities and program managers by helping overcome challenges such as course access, strategic planning, and administration. With the right tools, frameworks, and operational support, on-course mentoring rounds become a powerful source of community engagement.
By owning the logistics and administration, Watson Links enables local operators to focus on what matters most—relationships, impact, and connection—while working alongside NGCOA to grow the game through mentorship.
Founded by Tom Watson in 2021, Watson Links is a golf mentoring nonprofit dedicated to helping kids grow through golf mentoring. Learn more or become a mentor at www.watsonlinks.org.
About National Golf Course Owners Association
The NGCOA is the leading authority on the business of golf course ownership and management. The association represents and promotes the interests of golf courses as the principal businesses and economic assets of the game of golf. The not-for-profit organization is the only trade association dedicated exclusively to golf course owners and operators. Through advocacy, education and information resources, purchasing programs and networking opportunities, the NGCOA helps golf course owners and operators run more successful businesses. For more information or to join, visit ngcoa.org or call 800-933-4262.
Media Contact: Renée Flowers, Senior Director of Marketing and Communications, NGCOA, rflowers@ngcoa.org