The Tellico Village Ladies Golf Association 9-Hole League (TVLGA-9) is six weeks away from this year’s Opening Day.
One of four women-only leagues in the Village, TVLGA-9 meets Tuesdays and alternates between Tellico Village’s three courses. Membership is open to any female property owner with a handicap index of 46.0 or less.
“We’re a fun group,” League President Rose Howard said. “We are competitive and do follow the rules of golf … but we have a variety of events — something different each week and we’re just there to have fun and meet new ladies.
“So it’s a combination of both.”
The annual Welcome Coffee — which serves as a sign-up opportunity AND as a golden opportunity for prospective members to get more information — will be held Tuesday, Feb. 18, at 10 a.m. in the Yacht Club at Tellico Village. A Rules Orientation Review is scheduled for March 4 and a New Member Orientation is planned for March 18. Both of these meeting will be held at the Yacht Club at 10 a.m., as well. New Member Orientation provides the basic rules of proper etiquette on the course, and also provides League members with weekly play procedures and website information.
The TVLGA-9 starts play at 9:30 a.m. March 25 at Toqua Golf Course with an Opening Day Scramble followed by a luncheon in the Yacht Club at Tellico Village. The League runs through the first week in November with a variety of formats from week to week. Both individual and team events are played and the League puts on a number of special events such as Solheim Cup, Women Fore Women (our major fundraiser for an organization that supports women’s causes), Member-Member Tournament, and the League Championship in August.
Registration is $65 — with an additional $5 to enter the Hole-in-One Club. Participants who make a hole-in-one at any point from opening day and before the next season’s start can receive up to $500. The hole-in-one doesn’t necessarily have to occur during League play, but does need to happen on one of the Village’s three courses with at least one playing partner to serve as a witness. In addition to the cash payout, those making a hole-in-one will receive a special ball marker, certificate of recognition and join a list on the League’s website. Over the last few years, we have had multiple ladies get a hole-in-one. They are recognized at the end-of-season Fall Luncheon and are awarded their money at the following year’s Spring Luncheon.
In addition to weekly play in the Village, TVLGA-9 members get the chance to participate in Guest Days at other area courses such as Rarity Bay, Oak Ridge, Fox Den, Lakeside and Avalon.
It has been said that the purpose of the League is as much about meeting and spending time with like-minded women as it is playing golf. Though enrollment numbers fluctuate year to year, the League normally attracts more than 150 members.
“It’s a lot of fun,” a League officer shared with The Connection. “Every week you play with different people, so you get to meet a lot of ladies. It’s an opportunity to meet people and venture out to play in other small groups on other days, so everyone is encouraged to at least come out to the annual Welcome Coffee on February 18 and meet us.”
For more information on the League, visit online at tvlga9.org.
