Lady Links celebrating 25 years of promoting women's golf in Tallahassee

Back in 1994, Becky Sauers saw a need in Tallahassee.

The golf scene was buzzing, but something was missing.

"I had all of these ladies that would come and do golf clinics, but they never would play golf so I said, 'I'm either not a good teacher or these women are intimidated by the environment,'" Sauers told the Democrat.

"I decided to start an organization called Lady Links where I bring women together to learn how to play golf in a non-threatening environment where we have the whole golf course, no men behind us or in front of us and it doesn't matter how you play, the idea is to come out, have fun and learn how to play."

This weekend, Sauers and the Lady Links Golf Association are celebrating 25 years of promoting women's golf in Tallahassee.

Alumni of the program -- which total in the thousands -- will reunite for a 90's-themed kickoff party Saturday from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Capital City Country Club in Tallahassee to celebrate.

Anyone interested in potentially joining is invited to the party as well. A free membership to Lady Links will be given away as part of the festivities.

Big beginnings

From the first prospective meeting of Lady Links, Sauers knew the demand was there.

"I had this big reception at Killearn. I had so many women come that it was standing-room only. They couldn't even park at Killearn there were so many ladies," Sauers said.

"Right there, I said the interest is there so I had to go to Plan B and how am I going to take care of all these people?"

Sauers' wealth of experience as a golf professional -- she celebrated 40 years in 2018 -- helped identify how Lady Links would need to approach the game differently than coaching men.

"Men like private, one-on-one lessons, but the women don't like private, one-on-one, they like groups. So I started groups," Sauers said.

"I teach them the rules of golf, how to keep up the pace of play. When we started off, they were all beginners, but now, we have different levels. We have the more advanced players, the intermediate and the beginners. It's the best of both worlds."

More than just golf

Sauers' efforts with Lady Links have also put her on the forefront of the worldwide rise of women's golf.

She's seen the added benefits the game has brought to her members over the organization's quarter-century of existance.

"When I became a professional in 1978, women didn't play a lot of golf. It was not the thing to do. Now, it's kind of the thing to do and network. It's important in business, in the corporate world," Sauers said.

"A lot of women now come to me because they want to fit in in the corporate world so that when they go to a cocktail party and everybody's talking about golf, they can talk golf too. 25 years ago, nobody talked golf to the women. It's definitely changed."

With the $225 membership to Lady Links, Sauers provides regular group clinics, up to two private lessons, a pair of annual out-of-town trips and discounted rounds of golf at four area courses.

"Becky is a very good golf teacher and is willing to take her time to be able to help other women improve," longtime Lady Links member Gwenn Thomas told the Democrat.

"It does not matter what level of skill anybody is, she is completely patient and able to work with beginners, intermediate and advanced players. She doesn't ever make you feel like you're doing anything except working on your game when she's there and she's very encouraging."

Sauers has had Lady Links members like Robin Wilson and Lisa Spooner go on to win local tournaments.

For others, though, it's more of an escape that provides the chance for socialization and fun in a low-key environment.

"Nobody calls the rules on you, they don't pressure you. If you don't want to play a hole, don't play. If you want to play 18, play 18. If you want to have a bloody mary, have a bloody mary. It's fun," Sauers said.

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"There are ladies with Lady Links that are serious and want to get better and that's great. But there are a lot of women that are just out there having a good time, enjoying the golf course, nature and the sunshine. It's a healthy environment. For me, it's a dream come true with ladies golf."

Thomas was one of the many women there for the very first meeting. She remains one of approximately 25 women that have been Lady Linkers for the entire 25 years.

"My friends that I basically do just about everything with are all Lady Linkers or I met them through Lady Links. We have been involved in each others' lives much more than just being on the golf course," Thomas said.

"We actually participate in each others' families, weddings, special occasions, births of their grandchildren, it used to be children but now it's grandchildren. Over 25 years, you can imagine how many events each one of us has had.

"It's just so much more than golf. It really is."

Sauers' career resume is an impressive one. She was named the LPGA Golf Professional of the Year in 1987 and has served as the President of the Southeast Section of the LPGA for six years, among a long list of other honors.

Of all that, Lady Links stands out among the things she's proudest of from her career.

"It's been a good ride, it really has," Sauers said.

"Probably the No. 1 accomplishment of my career."

Sauers' Lady Links blueprint was used as a model by the National Golf Foundation for creating similar women's golf groups across the country.

She's set her aim now on improving her aim to the younger population, looking to improve Lady Links involvement from the college and junior girl age groups.

In spite of all she's accomplished in her 40-plus years as a golf pro in Tallahassee, is Sauers showing any signs of slowing down?

Far from it.

Said Sauers, with an infectious smile, "I'll be (teaching golf) in a wheelchair."