May 20, 2001

University of Kentucky women’s golf coach Bettie Lou Evans has been named to the newly created position of Director of Golf Operations, Athletics Director Larry Ivy announced Sunday. Evans, who has been head women’s coach at UK since 1980, will retain that position until July 1.

The Director of Golf Operations position is part of a restructuring of UK’s men’s and women’s golf programs. Steve Smitha recently announced his resignation after seven years as UK men’s golf coach. Ivy expects to fill both coaching positions by July 1. The men’s and women’s squads will begin competing on UK’s new home course, the University Club, next spring.

“I am very excited about the commitment from Larry Ivy and UKAA to upgrade our golf programs,” Evans said. “The University Club gives us something we’ve needed for a long time a home course.”

Evans will serve as UK’s liaison with the University Club, and her responsibilities include raising funds for both golf programs and the Athletics Department through golf functions.

“We are delighted that Bettie Lou has accepted our offer to fill this new position,” Ivy said. “We are very fortunate to have someone with her expertise and knowledge who is eager to help us move our programs to the next level.”

Evans, who has earned such honors as Southeastern Conference Coach of the Year and Mid-Atlantic Region Coach of the Year, was inducted into the National Golf Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 1997. She has guided UK to five NCAA tournaments and three top-10 finishes, including fifth place in 1986.

A graduate of Transylvania University, Evans is an inductee of the TU Sports Hall of Fame.