ELLIE POTTS - OUT, PROUD & NEWLY QUALIFIED PGA GOLF PROFESSIONAL
in her own words
“no no, you’ll find a golf husband dear”
VISIBILITY MATTERS
“ As a young person I want to use my influence and power to show that I’m coming to make real changes and set a legacy for other young LGBT+ Professionals out there ”
- ELLIE POTTS - GIGS Brand Ambassador & GIGS Northern Hub co-ordinator
Hi my name is Ellie Potts, PGA Professional at Sandwell Park Golf Club, nr Birmingham and a recent Graduate in Applied Golf Management Studies at the University of Birmingham.
I’m a Level 2 PGA Coach which I obtained alongside my studies. I’ve been able to progress my golf further by playing in WPGA and PGA competitions as a Trainee. It was an amazing three years at Birmingham Uni, however the course is lacking females as there were only 4 on our course and 20 males. But my course mates were really good at supporting each other and we had a lot of fun playing competitive golf against each other.
I started playing golf when I was around 10 years old. I used to caddy for my Dad and then slowly started trying out clubs of my own. I started playing for my County (Shropshire) at Junior level and eventually became the County Captain in 2020.
I’m a lesbian and I came out in 2015 and my parents are very loving and accepting, along with all my friends who are very happy for me.
In terms of golf I didn’t really have anybody as a role model in the golf industry so now I want my legacy to be influencing and acting as that role model to others so that I could inspire and make changes in the golfing industry as a member of the LGBT+ community.
Golf clubs can be very strange places at times
Golf clubs can be very strange places at times and an uncomfortable place too. I had an experience myself just before starting my University degree. I was speaking to one of the female members at my club and one of them told me “oh you’ll find a nice golf husband on your course” and I said “wait no, I’m a lesbian, I’m into women" and they just sort of laughed it off and continued with “no, no, you’ll find a golf husband.”
Looking back on this sort of ignorance kind of makes me laugh, but on the other hand, it needs to change, because everybody has members at their Golf Club that may no agree with the community or don’t understand the community. I feel it’s important to call them out on it and potentially educate them and say. look we’re in 2024, we’re making changes. You can either accept that or you’re going to be left behind.
I do believe we are on the precipice of a big change in the golf industry. I feel that more women are speaking up to their Golf Club Committees and we are banging on the door for change whether this be gender neutral tees or being able to play in the men’s competitions on a Saturday or even just feeling like we can feel safe as LGBT+ golfers at our respected clubs. As a young person I want to use my influence and power to show that I’m coming to make real changes and set a legacy for other young LGBT+ PGA professionals out there.
It’s nice to see other golfers like me out and proud!
I joined GIGS after a friend of mine referred me to the Instagram page. It was so nice to see other golfers like myself out and proud! I’m keen to get involved and hopefully get to meet many of the GIGSTERs soon.
Future plans: I’ve recently started my first coaching position at Sandwell Park Golf Club in the West Midlands, as a full time Teaching Professional. If you’re in the area - contact me - and let’s get you started.
You can follow my journey on Instagram @elliepotts_golf
