US Kids Golf Certified Coach – Evie Carter

This week our Q&A features Evie Carter.  We spoke with Evie recently to learn more about the upcoming US Kids Golf Tour coming to the East Midlands in 2021.

The exciting series of events will be assembled by Evie who will be the Tournament Director.  We just had to learn more about this exciting development for junior golf in 2021.

Tell us about yourself!
Hey, I’m Evie and I am a PGA Golf Professional. I started playing golf at the age of 12 after my Mum went to book my Dad a golf lesson.  She got talking to the Pro there who invited me to the weekly junior group.  I then went along with my Dad to the group sessions and loved it.  Golf helped me so much with my confidence and really brought me out of my shell.

As I progressed with my golf, I then went on to play at junior county level and also the ladies county squad.  From then, I then did an advanced apprenticeship in association with England Golf in golf alongside my a-level studies, which I loved and met some lifelong friends.  After completing my a-level studies I then went on to study Applied Golf Management Studies at the University of Birmingham.  I found University a really difficult step for me, but I was adamant I was going to complete my degree.  I was the only girl on my course and I found this a drastic change as I went to Uni after attending an all girls’ school.  This again was a huge confidence boost as I pushed myself to succeed.

“Looking back this was such a turning point for me as it definitely prepared me for my coaching career and allsorts of different scenarios I have been faced with.”

When I graduated from Uni I started my career as assistant pro at a Derbyshire Golf Club, after 11 months I then decided to set up my own business- Evie Carter Golf.  This was a huge step for me but honestly; it’s been the best decision I have ever made.  It enabled me to really focus on what was important to me, which is developing golf at grass roots level and helping people achieve their goals.

“Have fun!  That is the main thing!  If you show that you are having an amazing time the kids will just dote off that and play freely.”

What’s your first golfing memory?
I have so many memories but I fondly remember spending loads of time at the practice ground at my local golf course with my Dad.  We spent hours up there, hitting hundreds of golf balls.  We took a picnic up with us and played lots of games.  I remember when we used to try and hit the sheds (a bit naughty) when we hit the golf balls back to our station (this was when there was no-one else there, so young juniors reading this don’t try this hehe)!

How did you first get into golf?
I have to give credit to my Mum (a non-golfer).  She went to buy my Dad a voucher for a lesson and she said that I used to go to the driving range with my Dad and his mates and I really enjoyed it. I then did weekly classes, which then progressed into an academy type programme, which was called YMG (Young Masters Golf).  It was a fab programme and taught me so much about the game. I also played in some of the competitions – which I was quite successful in – this really spurred me on to progress my golf, even though I was absolutely terrified and an emotional wreck during some of the competitions.  It taught me so much about myself at a young age.

How have you adapted with lockdown and golf in the last 12 months?
It has been really difficult, but also has made me think how to adapt to the circumstances.  One major thing I did was complete the US Kids Coach programme.  I had wanted to do this course for ages and couldn’t attend the one the year before.  I completed the programme last April and it’s been the best thing ever.  When we got back to teaching in June I started running the US Kids player pathway programmes and it’s improved my teaching so much.  It covers 5 areas and makes sure that the kids cover all aspects of the game.  I love that fact that the programme also rewards the kids with each step in the levels when they pass their skills test.  The joy on the kids faces when they pass a level is amazing!  I get just as excited as them when they pass.

“I am so so excited about this new tour!”

We were excited to learn about your involvement in the US Kids Golf Tour events for 2021.  Tell us more!

I am so so excited about this new tour!

From this US Kids programme I have had the opportunity to now become a tournament director and will be running an East Midlands Spring Tour for juniors.  It’s only the second tour in England.  This tournament format allows all kids from beginners to low handicap players play in proper tournaments.  The juniors will also play from their designed tee areas and there will be no handicaps in play so it’s a strokeplay tournament.  I wish I had the opportunity to play in these competitions.

How and when can children register for the events?
Registration will be open soon and it will be on the US Kids website

What advice would you give to parents to whose children have yet to play in competitions?
Have fun!  That is the main thing!  If you show that you are having an amazing time the kids will just dote off that and play freely.  If they don’t play well, it really doesn’t matter.  I’ve had times when my Dad caddied for me and I played so bad but just to see him smile helped so much.

HAVE FUN!  Always try your best and laugh at bad shots.  If you do the latter you will never have a bad round of golf!

Can a parent be a caddy for their little one?
Yes, parents can caddy and need to caddy for children under the age of 8, but can have a caddy over the age of 9.  I love this rule as it can be such a good support for the child.  I know from experience I wanted one of my parents to caddy just as additional support.

Before a child sees a coach, what three tips would you give?
HAVE FUN!  Always try your best and laugh at bad shots.  If you do the latter you will never have a bad round of golf!

Working with children presents a unique challenge.  How do you approach coaching with different ages and ability levels?
Adapt to each person, everyone learns in different ways and you can’t teach the same lesson to different people.  I always try to get the know the child.  If you find out which sports they like, what interest them then you as a coach can adapt each junior sessions to their interest, this is where you will see them grow.

What’s the best thing about coaching juniors?
Everything!  Seeing their faces when they come to a golf lesson full of excitement is just the best thing. I always try to let them have the best lesson each time so they go away feeling fab about themselves!

Who would be your dream Four-ball?
Rory Mcilroy, Tiger Woods and Annika Sorenstam

Where can we find you?
I’m on all forms of social media, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram via Evie Carter Golf

You can contact me via email too with any questions using eviecarterpga@gmail.com