The Watson Challenge Junior Qualifier
The Nicklaus Golf Club at Lionsgate | May 31
The Watson Challenge will be June 6-8 at Mission Hills Country Club
Staff Contact:
Taylor Maloney
taylor@clgolf.org
785.813.9286
Purpose
The Watson Challenge is the vision of Tom Watson with the purpose to determine the best player in the greater Kansas City golf community. The Watson Challenge has a field of 51 players, which is comprised of the best professionals and amateurs living in the greater Kansas City golf community.
This is a high-level, competitive event. All players will play from approximately 7,000 yards and under the Rules of Golf. This qualifier is meant for the most competitive juniors in Kansas City.
Beneficiary
The First Tee of Greater Kansas City is the beneficiary of the Watson Challenge, whose mission is to impact the lives of young people in the local community by providing learning facilities and educational programs that promote character development and life enhancing values through the game of golf. In its ninth year of competition, to date this event has raised over $500,000 for the chapter’s scholarship fund. www.thefirstteekc.org
Eligibility
Open to the first 21 amateur junior golfers who meet the registration requirements. If a junior golfer plays in the WC Qualifier at Sycamore Ridge on May 1st, they are not eligible to play in this qualifier. Golfers can play in one or the other.
Golfers must have a permanent residence in one of the following Kansas City metro counties:
Missouri: Platte, Clay, Jackson or Cass
Kansas: Leavenworth, Wyandotte, Johnson or Miami
Players must also be at least 14 years old as of May 30th and no older than 19. Players must not have started their fall Freshman year of college. Players must also have a handicap index better than 0.0 to register.
All players will be added to a pending registration list when they register. Requirements will be reviewed and if a player meets the registration requirements will be added to the field.
Priority registration will be given to the following:
2023 KC Junior Championship Runner Up
2023 KS Junior Amateur Champion and Runner Up
2023 KC Junior Match Play Champion
2023 KS Junior Match Play Champion
2023 Junior Four-Ball Champions
Other TBA Exemptions
Qualifying Spots
There are at least 2 qualifying spots available for The Watson Challenge. A final number will be decided closer to the tournament date. Additionally, two alternates will be identified.
Format
Stroke play qualifying will be played over 18 holes.
Ties
At the conclusion of the stroke play qualifying, if a tie for the final qualifying position occurs, a sudden death playoff will be conducted to determine the player(s) who will advance to The Watson Challenge.
Entries and Fees
The entry fee is $100 per player for the event. If the player qualifies, the full entry fee will be applied to the $275 Watson Challenge entry fee.
Rules of Golf, Competition is Final
Play will be governed by The Rules of Golf as approved by the USGA. Questions will be settled by the on-site Rules Committee, whose decision will be final. The competition is final when the winner has been awarded the Championship trophy.
Equipment
All golf balls and clubs must conform to USGA specifications. Any unusual equipment or devices such as gloves, unusual tees, alignment aids, braces and the like are prohibited by the Rules of Golf.
Dress Code
Proper golf attire is required. Jeans, halter tops, tank tops and athletic t-shirts are not permitted. Shoes with metal spikes are not permitted.
Caddies and Golf Carts
Caddies are not allowed for this event and players must walk.
Registration
On-site registration will not be required. Please arrive at your starting tee 10 minutes prior to your starting time to receive instructions.
Range
Complimentary range balls are provided for the event and will be open at 6:30 AM.
Terms of the Competition, Code of Conduct, Pace of Play
Visit https://centrallinksgolf.org/competitions/conditions-of-play/ for complete information on terms of the competition, code of conduct and pace of play guidelines.