Ellie Potts - Out and Proud PGA Professional - in her own words ....
Ellie Potts - GIGS new Brand Ambassador and GIGS Northern Hub co-ordinator
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
Abbey Hill Golf Centre flies the Rainbow Flag to Welcome GIGS
Abbey Hill flies the Rainbow Flag to welcome GIGS
ABBEY HILL GC flies the Rainbow Flag to Welcome the Girls in Golf Society
A fun day was had by all at Abbey Hill Golf Centre, Milton Keynes. Abbey Hill was buzzing with lots of people enjoying the Driving Range, Adventure Golf, Foot Golf and the main 18 which we played. Everyone we encountered were friendly, welcoming, polite and seemed to be enjoying themselves. The General Manager, Russell Heady came and introduced himself to our group and informed us that the ENGLAND GOLF RAINBOW FLAGs had been put out on both the 10th and 18th Greens to welcome GIGS. It was a fantastic gesture by a progressive and welcoming club and The GIGSTERS really appreciated it. The food was very tasty and the clubhouse was vibrant. The course was a good track, with a nice mixture of challenging holes with some fab views. The GM said he would put the Rainbow Flags out every 3-4 weeks to demonstrate that the club is a welcoming space for all. THAT’S PROGRESS !!
“We will continue to fly the Rainbow Flag every 3 or 4 weeks, to demonstrate that Abbey Hill Golf Centre is a welcoming space for all”
VISIBILITY MATTERS
“ You just don't know who sees it (the flag) living in the area and takes heart and might be encouraged to choose golf as a sport to take up”
- GIGS Member Anna
Visibility in golf really does matter to our community, so well done to England Golf for the initiative and to the clubs who participated last year. Hopefully the 2022 campaign will enjoy continued support and growth.
GIGS has actively been contacting many of the clubs who participated in the England Golf / Stonewall Rainbow Laces campaign at the end of last year and will try to support as many of those clubs as possible by booking our monthly meet-ups at these progressive and inclusive golf facilities. It is important to acknowledge their efforts and demonstrate our appreciation by hosting our golf events with them over the coming months. GIGS will also encourage other clubs to participate in the initiative and some have already said they too would love to fly the flag and are keen to get involved and be more visibly inclusive.
NOTE TO GIGS MEMBERS - LOG IN TO READ RESULTS & SEE MORE PICS !!
If you are a Club, or Member of a Club who would like to add a Rainbow Flag to their course - you can read more below and get in touch with Jamie Blair at England Golf.
Opinion: Thoughts and inclusion in golf for LGBT+ Women
We thank Women & Golf for continuing to provide the platform to
AMPLIFY OUR VOICES
It’s an interesting and thought-provoking read | Women & Golf - feature Girls In Golf Society (GIGS)
For the 2nd week in a row, Women and Golf are raising our voices to their readers
Read the full feature via the button below
Let’s make golf a safe space for LGBT+ Women to participate
