Centrallinksgolf

Central Links Golf (CLG) operates as the merged regional association serving amateur golfers across Kansas and the Kansas City metropolitan area. The organization combines the legacies of three founding bodies: the Kansas Golf Association (established 1908), Kansas City Golf Association (founded 1912), and Kansas Women's Golf Association (established 1915).

Central Links Golf manages the competitive golf infrastructure for the region:

• •Handicap Management: Administers the World Handicap System™, processes score entries, and maintains GHIN/World Handicap Index records
• •Tournament Operations: Sanctions and manages championship events across multiple divisions
• •USGA Services: Functions as an Allied Golf Association providing official USGA qualifying tournaments and rules officiating
• •Membership Services: Handles membership applications, renewals, and member club resources

CLG operates sanctioned competitions year-round across three main divisions:

Men's Competitions - Kansas Cup - Men's KC Cup - Kansas Senior Series (FWA Tour)

Women's Competitions - Women's KC Cup - Women's Cloud Series

Junior Programs - Junior Tours - College Golf Prep - Girls Performance Initiative - Youth On Course

The Watson Challenge - The signature event named after Tom Watson, featuring the best amateur golfers in the region competing across multiple days. The 2026 Watson Challenge comes to Shoal Creek Golf Course.

Midwest Adaptive Open - Specialized competition for adaptive golfers

Central Links Golf maintains a Kansas City Golf Hall of Fame established in 1991, honoring distinguished amateur and professional golfers, teaching professionals, course superintendents, and golf pioneers. Inductions occur in even-numbered years, with classes of 2013, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2020, 2022, and 2024 already enshrined.

• •Headquarters: 8330 Melrose Drive, Lenexa, KS 66214
• •Phone: (913) 649-5242

The organization functions as a non-profit 501(c)(4) corporation governed by a volunteer board of directors and staff representing clubs across Kansas and Missouri. Board leadership includes representatives from Wichita, Lawrence, Council Grove, Leawood, Topeka, Ottawa, Overland Park, and Kansas City.

Central Links Golf's mission centers on serving, promoting, and growing the amateur golf community. Their approach emphasizes:

• •Service Integrity with clear, consistent standards for all members
• •Membership Diversity across cultural, gender, and social lines
• •Knowledge of the game and adherence to golf's traditions
• •Collaboration with allied associations and golf organizations
• •Professionalism in all staff and volunteer activities

CLG provides rules training, Rules Official certification programs, and course rating FAQs. They maintain a comprehensive World Handicap System™ Revision Hub and detailed Conditions of Play for all sanctioned events.

The organization actively recruits volunteers for tournaments, event management, and rules officiating. Staff and career positions available throughout the year—inquire at contact information above.