Nov. 14, 2008

LEXINGTON, Ky. – Head coach Myra Blackwelder announced the renaming of the University of Kentucky’s home tournament in honor of former women’s golf coach and newly inducted Kentucky Golf Hall of Famer Bettie Lou Evans, Thursday evening at the Lexington Country Club.

“I am very pleased that the UK Fall Invitational will be a lasting testament to Bettie Lou’s dedication and contribution made to UK Women’s Golf,” Blackwelder said. “Bettie Lou is synonymous with UK Women’s Golf; she positively impacted and touched the lives of several generations of young women.”

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 earning All-SEC honors and two with All America accolades.

Also on Thursday evening, Evans was inducted into the Kentucky Golf Hall of Fame along with the late Ray Ottman. They will join Kentucky’s golf elite, including currant Blackwelder, who was inducted in 1999.

The inaugural Bettie Lou Evans Fall Invitational is set for September 25-27, 2009.