The Watson Challenge Qualifier

Sycamore Ridge Golf Club | May 9

The Watson Challenge will be June 1-3, Nicklaus GC at Lionsgate

 

 

 

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. 

 

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 professional and amateur golfers with a permanent residence in one of the following Kansas City metro counties:

Missouri:  Platte, Clay, Jackson or Cass

Kansas:  Leavenworth, Wyandotte, Johnson or Miami

 

Qualifying Spots

There are 3 qualifying spots available for The Watson Challenge.  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

Players may enter the event by registering online at Watson Challenge Qualifier.  Entries open March 2, 2023 at 10:00 AM.  The entry fee is $125 per player for the event. If the player qualifies, the full entry fee will be applied to the $275 Watson Challenge entry fee.

 

The entry fee includes Golf, Cart and Range Fees.  Players must walk at The Watson Challenge in June.

 

Schedule 

Tuesday, May 9:  Stroke Play Qualifying - 7:30 Tee times every 10 minutes in groups of 3.

 

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.

 

Transportation

Golf carts are included in the entry fee.  Cart rules during the competition are subject to the discretion of the golf course superintendent at the host facility based on course conditions and may change at any time without notice during the competition.  ADA requests for special exceptions to this rule are handled on a case-by-case basis and will be granted provided they would not alter the fundamental fairness of the competition by providing a player with an advantage over other players.  Transportation requests are subject to change based on evolving conditions.

 

Caddies and Golf Carts

Caddies are allowed for this event and the actions of the caddie during the round are the responsibility of the player (Rule 10.3c).  This is the default position for caddies for Central Links events, but availability may vary from event to event or any other factors affecting this policy.  Caddies are allowed to ride on and operate the golf cart, provided space is available.  Central Links Golf has a strict 2 carts per group policy and the carts are reserved for the players first.  If a group has more than one caddie, arrangements must be made within the group to accommodate the cart policy.  

 

Spectators

Spectators are allowed and may walk along to watch the event. Golf carts may be rented by spectators if they are available, but carts for an event must be reserved for players, Rules officials and Central Links staff first. Spectators (riding or walking) are asked to remain on the cart path during the play of a hole.  Spectators may help search for golf balls but must not function as a caddie. 

 

Registration

On-site registration will not be required.  Please arrive at your starting tee 10 minutes prior to your starting time to receive instructions.

 

Practice Round & Practice Privileges

Practice round information will be available through the Sycamore Ridge Golf Shop at (913) 592-5292.

 

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.