Sept. 16, 2008

LEXINGTON, Ky. — Former Kentucky head golf coach and current director of golf operations Bettie Lou Evans has been named one of two inductees in the Kentucky Golf Hall of Fame, it was announced by the Kentucky Golf Association.

“I’m very excited and honored to be selected along with the elite inductees to the Kentucky Golf Hall of Fame,” Evans said. “I never thought I would be nominated so I am honored to be included among such a distinguished group. Being a native Kentuckian, this induction means a lot to me because I’m from here and have always lived here.”

The formal ceremony will take place in November. Evans and the late Ray Ottman will join Kentucky’s golf elite, which includes women’s golf coach Myra Blackwelder, who was inducted in 1999.

As a Kentucky native, Evans has dedicated her career to working for various golf programs in the Bluegrass. She coached the Wildcats for 23 years from 1978-2001 and during her tenure as a coach, Evans was named Mid-Atlantic Coach of the Year twice in 1986 and 1990 and Southeastern Conference Coach of the Year in 1992.

Under her direction, Kentucky advanced in NCAA post-season play 14 times finishing fifth in 1986, 10th in 1988 and 1991, 13th in 1990 and 17th in 1992. Evans also coached four players who competed in NCAA Championships as individuals, with six players earned All-SEC honors and two with All America accolades.

Evans also served as an advisory board member for the University Club of Kentucky. She was also a member of the USGA Regional Affairs Committee and the USGA Course Rating Team for Women. Evans served as president for both the Central Kentucky Golf Association and the Women’s Kentucky State Golf Association.

Evans was inducted into the Sports Hall of Fame of Transylvania University in 1993 and the National Golf Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 1997.