Watson Challenge champions will get automatic entry to KC’s annual pro golf tournament

The winner of the Watson Challenge is getting more than just a trophy with a golf legend’s name on it.

The tournament’s annual champion will now receive an exemption into the KC Golf Classic, an annual stop on the Korn Ferry Tour, a minor league arm of the PGA Tour.

Under the partnership, last year’s Watson Challenge winner, Alex Springer, has been entered into this year’s KC Golf Classic, which is May 4-10 at Blue Hills Country Club.

“I am thrilled to receive this exemption into the KC Golf Classic. I want to thank the tournament staff, as well as The Watson Challenge, for this opportunity,” said Springer, a graduate of Olathe East High School and Central Missouri. “This new partnership is very exciting and will certainly be beneficial for both tournaments. I can’t wait to get back out there in May competing against my peers.”

Tom Watson, the eight-time major champion from Kansas City and World Golf Hall of Famer, started the challenge in 2007 and, according to a release, the event has raised more than $600,000 for the First Tee of Kansas City.

“My vision of the Watson Challenge remains to determine the best player in the Greater Kansas City golf community,” Watson said. “This partnership with the KC Golf Classic enhances that vision by providing the opportunity for the Watson Challenge champion to participate in Kansas City’s only professional golf tournament.”

Watson and 47 of Kansas City’s top pro and amateur golfers will compete in this year’s Watson Challenge on May 29-31 at the National Golf Club in Parkville. The winner will be entered into the 2021 KC Golf Classic.