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Introducing – Feature Course #1

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We’re really fortunate here in the Midwest. Some of the most aesthetically beautiful golf courses are right in our backyard — and even better, many of them are accessible to the public.

This May, Central Links Golf is starting a new segment. Each month, we’ll feature a course in our region that we think our members would enjoy. But it’s not just our opinion — we want to hear YOUR thoughts on where we should go next.

Firekeeper Golf Course in Mayetta, Kansas, is accessible from all parts of the state and open to the public. Located approximately 20 miles north of Topeka on Highway 75, this Potawatomi Prairie Band course can play as long as 7,500 yards from the championship tees or as short as 4,500 yards from the forward tees. The natural bentgrass, scenic fairways, and greens framed by fescue rough will test the ability of any golfer.

Which golf course should we feature next?

The Final Edition: 2027 Watson Challenge

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After two decades of unforgettable moments and a lasting impact on junior golf in Kansas City, the Watson Challenge will come to a close in 2027.

Since its inception in 2007, the Watson Challenge has raised more than $600,000 in support of the First Tee of Greater Kansas City, leaving a lasting impact on junior golf in our community. In 2027, this cherished championship will celebrate the 20th and final playing as players and fans gather one last time at Milburn Country Club, June 22–24, 2027.

“The Watson Challenge has had a great run over the last 20 years as the premier event in Kansas City for Professionals and Amateurs. Unfortunately, it’s time for that run to come to a close. I’m looking forward to a great event at Shoal Creek this year, and what should be a special finale at Milburn in 2027.” – Doug Habel, Executive Director of Central Links Golf.

Join us for the final chapter of this incredible event as we honor its legacy, celebrate its champions, and continue supporting the next generation through the game of golf.

If you’re interested in getting involved in the 2026 or 2027 Watson Challenge, please reach out to Rob Hughey – rob@clgolf.org

A Masters Story… from 1968

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If you’ve ever been interested in sports history in the Midwest, chances are you’ve come across publications by Jack Garvin. Jack is a Central Links Golf board member, author, and self-proclaimed history buff for all things golf.

In the spirit of Masters week, Jack takes us back with a personal recount of being at Augusta National by happenstance during one of the most trying times in American history. It’s personal, yet relatable at the same time. Enjoy.

What’s the Difference Between Course Slope & Rating?

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If you’ve ever looked at a scorecard and noticed “Course Rating” and “Slope Rating,” you might have wondered what they actually mean—and how they affect your round.

The Course Rating represents the expected score for a scratch golfer (someone with a Handicap Index of 0.0) under normal playing conditions. For example, a Course Rating of 73.0 suggests that a scratch golfer would, on average, be expected to shoot a score of 73 from that tee set.

The Slope Rating, on the other hand, measures the relative difficulty of a golf course for a bogey golfer (typically a player with a Handicap Index around 20.0 for men, 24.0 for women) compared to a scratch golfer. Slope ratings range from 55 to 155, with 113 considered average. The higher the Slope Rating, the more difficult the course is for the bogey golfer. 

Together, these numbers are used to calculate your Course Handicap, which levels the playing field by adjusting your handicap based on the difficulty of the course you’re playing. This ensures fair competition no matter where you tee it up.

In short, the Course Rating tells you how tough a course is for elite players, while the Slope Rating shows how much tougher it gets for the rest of us.

Kansas City Golf Show Returns February 27-March 1

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YOU’RE ON THE GREEN! AdventHealth welcomes the Kansas City Golf Show Feb. 27-March 1, 2026, at Overland Park Convention Center – 100-plus exhibits & experiences, top-level manufacturers, huge sales and zone await the golfer – amazing front door bonuses await. IT’S THE BIGGEST SHOW YET.

One of the signals that golf is booming and ready for spring is the Kansas City Golf Show each year, and 2026 show may be one of our best.

The show is highly interactive and brings lots of value to the show attendees. Here are some of the expo’s upcoming highlights:

Saturday is Women’s Day 11 a.m.-2 p.m. with stage sessions, contents, programs and fun. Women’s ticket Sat. is only $10 at box office only.

SHOW EXPERIENCES INCLUDE:

• Buy your ticket online and get a bonus offer to Old Kinderhook.

• AMAZING Front Door Bonuses (7 golf course offers, balls, multi-indoor golf/pickle ball offers, PGA Korn Ferry Ticket & restaurant credits, see website for details (while they last). Bonuses – Free Balls, ticket to the AdventHealth Championship, get a $25 round including cart to these four GreatLIFE courses: Blue Springs GC, Painted Hills GC, Royal Meadows GC, Shiloh Springs GC; and $30 round with cart to Drumm Farm. Also get a round golf to Mules National GC available while they last. Other offers include: Birdies Indoor Golf, Berry’s Golf & Groove, T-Shotz, Indoor Par Fore, All-Seasons Indoor Golf, Hereford House, Pierpont’s at Union Station,

Booth Creek Wagyu and more. Restrictions and amounts apply – see website for details).

• PLAYERS TOUR PASS VIP Ticket up to $700 in value for $79 – only 250 available.

• 100+ exhibits and zones – one of our best expos ever.

• Enjoy the AdventHealth Golf Wellness Zone and AdventHealth Championship Pavilion.

• Sat. Feb. 28 is Women’s Day with stage sessions, lessons and ladies’ skills games presented by: Elevated Home Team, AdventHealth, Surfside, Yuengling Flight.

• SUNDAY IS SURFSIDE SUNDAY AT THE SHOW: All the fun on our final day is supported by Surfside.

• Visit with Courses and Resorts from the Midwest and around the U.S.

• Plan your next great golf trip. Meet representatives from several great golf destinations including Las Vegas, Lake of the Ozarks, Gulf South, Oklahoma and more!

• GOLF MD Equipment Testing and Fitting Zone and Sale area. Try and buy the hot new clubs from the game’s biggest brands!

• Meet, get fitted and buy from: Cleveland, Srixon, Callaway, Cobra, Ping, TaylorMade and Mizuno and with GOLF MD.

• Imperial Golf Studio led by teaching guru Jon Snyder.

• Jump in the Orange Whip Trainer Zone and see all the benefits of their products and vision.

• Enjoy or onsite simulators and putting green by Xtreme Green powered by Evolve Putters.

• GENESIS of Kansas City KC Putting Championship: Grand Prize is a Shangri-la Golf Club Resort Dream Trip powered by Evolve Putters.

• GENESIS of Kansas City New Car Showroom.

• The GreatLIFE Golf Showcase.

• GOLF MADE IN KC Experience with eight KC golf companies, featuring Mulligan’s Country Club. Enjoy the Putt Around KC Experience.

• RMI Golf Carts Showcase.

• MGI Power Trolley Test Drive Area.

• Pro-Am Golf USA Super Sale and other sales zones.

• Short Game chipping challenge will have 100s of prizes presented by Elevated Home Team.

• Midwest Golf Innovations Simulator contests presented by Edward Jones, Old Kinderhook and Lake of the Ozarks – powered by Amateur Players Tour KC.

• Yuengling Flight Main Stage and 19th Hole presented by WHB. Also, Yuengling Flight Simulator.

• New golf wellness zones by: Pause Studio, Pvolve and Vital Stretch

• Orange Whip Training Zone with Putt Master and Chappie Golf.

• PGA Lessons Zone with Midwest PGA pros.

• First Tee Junior Area – kids under 12 are free at the show and Sat. is KIDS DAY.

• LIBATION SAMPLING STATIONS: Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Arnold Palmer Spiked, Surfside and Yuengling Flight. FOOD SAMPLING: Hereford House, Pierpont’s at Union Station and Booth Creek Wagyu.

VOLUNTEERS GET PERKS – SIGN UP TODAY

Stay informed by following Kansas Citygolfshow.com and socially via Facebook and Instagram. If you are interested in volunteering at the show, contact Tiffanie Neyens at tiffanie@varsitycommunications.com

The show is once again endorsed by regional governing bodies Central Links, PGA Midwest Section, Missouri Golf Association, Kansas Golf Foundation and First Tee. All are scheduled to be at the show.

2026 Watson Challenge Coming to Shoal Creek Golf Course

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Central Links Golf proudly announces that Shoal Creek Golf Course in Kansas City, Missouri, will serve as the host venue for the 2026 Watson Challenge Championship. Known for its championship-caliber layout and strong ties to the regional golf community, Shoal Creek provides an outstanding stage for one of the premier pro-am events in the Midwest.

The 2026 Watson Challenge will bring top competitors from across the Kansas City region, continuing the tournament’s tradition of competitive excellence, sportsmanship, and community engagement.

“On behalf of the Watson Challenge, we extend our appreciation to Shoal Creek Golf Course for stepping forward to host the 2026 championship,” said Doug Habel. “We look forward to hosting the event on one of Kansas City’s best public golf courses.”

The championship is set for June 24-26. Additional details regarding field size and event programming will be announced at a later time. For updates and information on the 2026 Watson Challenge, visit the official tournament page and social media channels.

A Man on a Mission

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Salina’s Greg Goode has been stalking Player-of-the-Year honors for the past three years. Having won that title among Kansas Seniors three times (2018, ‘19 and ‘21), he set his sights on national ranking points a few years ago.

In 2023 and 2024 he was the “Top Gun” in the Society of Seniors (a prestigious independent national organization) Super Senior Division. This year he emphasized tournaments and venues he hadn’t played before. That meant hop-scotching around the country, battling time zones, course conditions and cancelled flights in pursuit of his goal.

His 2025 campaign resulted in championships in three national events: the Moot-Thomas Super Senior (Florida), the National Hall of Fame Classic (No. Carolina) and the Sunnehanna Super Senior (Pennsylvania).

He was runner-up in four other events on the national stage: the Florida Azalea, the Golfweek (Super) Senior Amateur, the Society of Seniors (Super) Senior Masters and the Golfweek (Super) Senior National.

Of the 16 events he played around the country, he had eleven top five finishes. He was also invited to play in the Canadian Senior Amateur in which he finished 51st of 154 players and was 11th among the field’s Super Seniors.

The results? As of this writing, he has an unassailable lead in the Golfweek.com and the Amateur Golf.com rankings for 2025. Despite only playing in four Society events this year, he stands in fourth place. He is also number ten on the World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) points list for players 65 and over.

Not bad for a guy who has had to alter his schedule (and his swing!) since late September because of a nagging hip problem which will result in surgery in early December.

Goode credits his success this year to three things: PGA Professionals Randy Syring and Dan Winters of Salina for their instructional leadership; changing his ball flight from a draw to a controlled fade; and the foundation laid by Central Links Golf and the excellent, competitive tournaments they run.

“I have been very fortunate to have built a foundation of competitive golf here, in Kansas. Playing in CLG tournaments, from the Senior Series to the state Amateur, has not only made me more competitive, but it lit a fire that nudged me into these national events,” he said. “And being able to rely on Randy and Dan when I needed a little ‘tune-up’ has meant a lot, too.”

For the record, Goode has won 9 times on that national stage; won a total of 18 state events (13 in CLG and 5 in Colorado) and has racked up 31 top-5 finishes in national tournaments.

– Article written by Don Kuehn

Celebrating Excellence: Central Links Golf Announces the 2025 Players of the Year

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Each season brings its own storylines—breakthrough moments, clutch performances, and the kind of competitive spirit that defines the culture of Central Links Golf. As we close the 2025 tournament season, we proudly recognize the players whose consistency, composure, and commitment elevated them to the next level.

Today, we celebrate our 2025 Players of the Year across Men’s, Women’s, and Junior divisions—individuals whose accomplishments reflect not only personal excellence but the strength and tradition of the game in our region.

Men’s Player of the Year – Will King

The senior at the University of Kansas broke through with a statement victory at the 115th Kansas Amateur Match Play Championship after finishing as the runner-up in 2024. King’s win earned him an exemption into the U.S. Amateur at The Olympic Club. Earlier in the summer, King was in contention at The Watson Challenge, where he ultimately finished solo fourth at six-under par.

Women’s Player of the Year – Lyla Louderbaugh

The University of Kansas junior repeated her Women’s Player of the Year honor after receiving the award in 2024. Louderbaugh produced an impressive tournament season. After posting scores of 66–63–70 at Mission Hills Country Club, which also set a new women’s course record in the club’s 100-plus-year history, Lyla walked away with the Kansas Women’s Amateur Championship, earning her an exemption into the U.S. Women’s Amateur at Bandon Dunes. While at Bandon Dunes, Louderbaugh made a historic run in match play, advancing to the semifinals.

Junior Players of the Year

The future of golf has rarely looked brighter than it does in 2025. Our junior divisions showcased extraordinary skill and maturity, and this year’s honorees demonstrated talent well beyond their age.

Junior Boys Player of the Year – Stuart Boulware

Boulware posted an impressive tournament season. After qualifying for The Watson Challenge, Stuart went on to qualify for the U.S. Junior Amateur at Trinity Forest in Dallas, Texas, where he advanced to the Round of 32 in match play after finishing T-3 in stroke-play qualifying.

Additionally, Boulware finished solo fourth at the Kansas Junior Amateur Championship at Mariah Hills. The University of Oklahoma commit is in his junior year at Shawnee Mission East.

Junior Girls Player of the Year – Lynn Powell

Lynn Powell distinguished herself with a season defined by consistency and clutch play. She excelled across different formats and events, showcasing both versatility and confidence. Powell’s season included appearances at the Kansas Junior Amateur Championship, The Prairie Invitational, and a victory at the Junior Match Play Championship.

A Season Worth Celebrating

The Central Links Golf Players of the Year awards are more than accolades. They represent months of dedication, late-round resilience, and the pursuit of excellence that defines the competitive spirit of golf.

To our 2025 honorees: congratulations. You exemplify the best of Central Links Golf, and we are proud to celebrate your achievements.

Below is the full list of 2025 honorees:

Kansas & Kansas City Men’s Player of the Year – Will King

Kansas City Men’s Mid-Amateur – Ben Pearson

Kansas Men’s Mid-Amateur – Brian Fehr

Kansas & Kansas City Men’s Senior – Ben Kimminau

Kansas City Super Senior – Bryan Norton

Kansas City Senior Legends – Sam VanLandingham

Kansas Super Senior – Tracy Chamberlin

Kansas Senior Legends – Daniel Lindberg

Boys Junior – Stuart Boulware

Girls Junior – Lynn Powell

Women’s Player of the Year – Lyla Louderbaugh

Women’s Mid-Am – Katy Winters

Women’s Senior – Martha Linscott

Women’s Super Senior – Denise Desilet

Women’s Legends – Denise Desilet

Delp, Sedlak Victorious at Inaugural Midwest Adaptive Open

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NEWTON, Kansas – After months of planning with multiple Golf Associations, the Inaugural Midwest Adaptive Open took place at Sand Creek Station on September 10 & 11th. Sand Creek Station hosted thirty adaptive golfers from around the country with various disabilities such as arm and leg impairments, amputations, blind golfers and those with neurological and intellectual impairments.

Tied for the lead after round one, Justin Delp, Owasso, and Parker VanCampen, Mission, were set to battle it out for the Men’s Overall Champion. Both Delp and VanCampen got off to slow starts on the front nine of their final rounds, carding four-over, 39’s.

Carter Arey, Columbia, who started the final round two strokes back began making a charge after carding a one-under front nine of 35. The three men battled on the back nine in a close race to claim the title. Delp made 8 pars and a closing birdie on 18 to secure his Men’s Overall Champion victory with a one-over, two-day tournament score of 145 (71, 74). Arey finished in solo second and two shots behind Delp at 147 (73, 74) and VanCampen finished solo third at 150 (71, 79).

In the Women’s Overall, Mandi Sedlak, Kearney, and Chris Oviatt, Milwaukie, sat atop the leaderboard after round one, separated by three strokes. Sedlak’s first round 74 that carded four bogeys and two birdies, gave her confidence heading in to Thursday’s final round. Sedlak and Oviatt remained close through the front nine of the final round with Sedlak carding an even par 36 and Oviatt close behind with a two-over, 38. Sedlak separated herself from the pack in her final 9 holes of competition, carding two bogeys and two birdies to finish at even par, 72, and two over for the tournament (146).

Oviatt finished in solo second with a two day tournament score of 156 (77, 79) and Amanda Stanley finished in solo third in the Women’s Overall competition.

On top of a Men’s and Women’s Overall Champion, players competed in their own impairment categories as well. Over ten individual champions were crowned. The event was able to highlight and showcase golfers of all abilities and personalities. We appreciate everyone who took part in this Inaugural event and hope to see familiar faces and new ones next year.

Central Links Golf, in partnership with other Allied Golf Associations, are proud to be a part of this new adaptive Championship. Our goal is to continue to grow adaptive golf opportunities in our local community as well as throughout the Midwest. Central Links Golf and its partners are committing to growing the game and are excited about the future of the Midwest Adaptive Open.

The 2026 Midwest Adaptive Open has been scheduled for September 21-23 and will return to Sand Creek Station.

Tournament Field Spotlight:

Jerry Hazell, G10 (Seated Player): Jerry Hazell is a Wichita native who returned to the course as a bilateral lower limb amputee and has played golf since he was 11 years old.

Sam Paugh, G8 (Neurological): Sam is a retired Air Force Veteran with 27 years of active/reserve service, retired civil service (9 years) and now living in Denton, Texas.

Justin Delp, G3 (Double Leg Impairment): After graduating high school, Justin went to work as a caddie at Pebble Beach Golf Links. Shortly after, he suffered a spinal cord injury from a snowboarding accident and was paralyzed from the waist down. After years of therapy, was able to gain enough strength to walk and picked back up the game with the assistance of leg braces and a cane. 2025 Inaugural Midwest Adaptive Open Men’s Champion

Jeremy “J-Dawg” Marti, G15 (Intellectual): J-Dawg made waves by joining his high school golf team and winning the Palmetto State Adaptive Open in 2023. He is a hardworking, spirited Christian athlete and cheers for the Missouri Tigers.

Jack Hansen, G11 (Visual Impairment): Jack began losing his sight in his teens due to a form of retinitis pigmentosa called Usher syndrome. A lifelong golfer, Jack credits discovering blind golf as greatly enriching his life, new friends and a great source of hope. His father, Russ, serves as his caddie and Jack has competed in numerous American Blind Golf tournaments in the United States and Canada.

Mandi Sedlak, G2 (Lower Limb Impairment): Mandi was diagnosed with a rare aggressive form of Plantar Fibromatosis when she 12. 13 surgeries later and she made the tough decision to have her right leg amputated below the knee to prevent it from spreading. She has had the honor of playing in the first 4 United States Adaptive Opens. 2025 Inaugural Midwest Adaptive Open Women’s Champion

Amanda Stanley, G1 (Low Limb Impairment): Amanda is a busy lawyer, avid golfer and a hemipelvectomy amputee who lost her leg due to a chondrosarcoma in 2010. Inspired by her women’s golf league, the Midwest Adaptive Open was her first adaptive golf tournament.

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From Hong Kong to Kansas: The Enduring Impact of Sadie Park

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The 2025 edition of the Sadie Park Sunflower Girls Championship saw Addie McKenna take home the title with rounds of 67-69 – 136 (-8). Betsy Mitchell finished runner-up after a second-round charge, posting scores of 74-64 – 138 (-6).

In memory of Sadie Park, mother of Martin Park, we celebrate a life defined by warmth, determination, and an unwavering love for golf. Sadie began her journey with the game in her late 30s while living in Hong Kong. Though she never carried a handicap below 24, her passion was unmatched, and her joy for the sport was infectious.

While in Hong Kong, she became a tireless advocate for junior golf, introducing her son to the game and encouraging countless young players. A familiar face at the Royal Hong Kong Golf Club—now host to the Hong Kong Open and LIV events—Sadie played nearly every weekend with friends. Her leadership and dedication earned her the honor of serving twice as Club Captain.

Remarkably, she achieved six hole-in-ones. Today, her legacy continues in Kansas through the Sadie Park Sunflower Girls Championship—a fitting tribute to a true champion of community and the game she loved.