Among the three women’s golf associations in Tellico Village, the Lady Linksters separates itself in a simple way.

“Both of them (the Ladies Golf Association 18-hole and 9-hole leagues) keep track of their scores and keep a handicap,” Lisa Batton, Linksters co-chairwoman, said. “We don’t.”

The Linksters are focused on having fun, and while Batton said that is true for each golf league in Tellico Village, having a pleasurable time on the links is the one and only goal for the Lady Linksters.


“We’re a pretty loosey, goosey group of girls,” Batton said.

The 2016 season for the Linksters is fast approaching, with an informational meeting scheduled for 10 a.m. March 8 at the Yacht Club. The season’s first official match is set for 9 a.m. April 5 at Kahite.

March’s informational meeting will bring the group together with golf professional Adam Jacob to go over what each member needs to know about the league and help anyone new to the group get on their feet.

Batton said that meeting is the best time for prospective new members to see if they would be interested in joining.

The league currently consists of about 80 members, with anywhere from 20-45 playing weekly depending on the weather.

Batton said the league can be attractive for those who travel for the majority of the summer but want to play regularly when they are in the Village.

“If you do a lot of traveling and don’t want to be in a league per se, this is a nice way to get out, play nine holes and just enjoy other people,” she said.

In her own experience, the league was a way to get out and meet new people when she first moved to Tellico Village, Batton said.

“I’m very new to the Village,” she said. “We’ve only been here two years. Last year was my first year with the Lady Linksters, and I loved it. That’s why I said I would co-chair.”

Batton also stressed that golf ability is not an important part of playing with the Linksters.

“I’m not good,” she said. “I’m the first one who would tell you. I like to get out in the fresh air and socialize.”

On some holes, if a Linkster member hits eight or more strokes, rather than let frustration take hold, they can pick up the ball and move on since the score isn’t an important part of the league, Batton added.

“It’s not competitive, and that’s what I like about,” she said.

League dues are $15, and Batton said players typically stick around to have lunch and socialize after play.