My name is Olivia Whittle, 18 years old from Staffordshire. I found the love for golf as a child being brought up living on a golf course. When I was 6 years old Katrina White, the Professional at the time, introduced me to the game and from that moment on I loved it. I went to the kid camps through the school holidays and, Katrina also hosted weekly sessions that I was always welcome to join, and 12 years down the line I haven’t stopped playing!
From the day I started playing golf as a 6-year-old I remember my first club being a blue 7 iron and from this moment on I have just progressed from there; the golf club made me feel welcome every way possible from weekly lessons to club competitions and getting me involved in club matches. The sessions are arranged into ability so when you went to the session you felt like you weren’t the odd one out. The next stage of my golfing journey was when I joined Staffordshire County ladies golf association, which involved many matches against various counties. Here I met a great bunch of girls in the team that I became close friends with, and this not only improved my golf, but I also made some great friends from all over the country. This benefited my social life outside of golf as well!
The confidence and social skills golf taught me at a young age was amazing. I never thought at the age of 10 I’d play with new people each time, and love It. I have been part of the county for 10 years now, when I was younger, I always looked up at the older girls and though I want to become the captain and become the role model you are to me one day. I made this happen in 2024 when I was announced Junior County Captain, after winning the Ladies and Junior County Championships 2023. I also am a 2-time Runner-Up for the Ladies County Championships just narrowly missing out on the 18th hole to become defending champion. Without the support from my home club this would never have happened.
Leading on from county golf I have been able to fulfil my chances in applying for the England regional squad and getting accepted into the team at the age of 13. I have been in the squad 5 years now, becoming captain of the squad in 2022 and I was also able to complete a 2-year course with England golf as they work with Loughborough College. Therefore, it hasn’t just benefited my golfing ability it has also helped me academically.
All these experiences made me realise my talent for the game and now I am about to reach my goal of obtaining a scholarship at the University of North Alabama in the NCAA D1 league which is amazing! I have been able to do this because of the support I have had from the people around me; my friends and family, and my golf clubs. The motivation and the kindness from all the members are awesome.
I am a keen sports person who is always wanting to get involved. Therefore, I joined the Young Ambassadors Programme which is a 2-year voluntary programme that enables me to share my experiences within the game but also help the game grow and get more people playing. Being involved within this programme has allowed me to volunteer at the Open in Liverpool, British Masters, join live podcasts with amazing people such as Charley Hull. You can follow our progress as Young Ambassadors via our Instagram page @golfambassadors.
I have also been a Girls Golf rocks Ambassador at The Chase Golf and Country Club, a programme that helps introduce golf to more girls. For me to be a part of this was great as I got to share my experiences which inspired the girls to give it a go. My involved in these programmes led a nomination for the Hero’s Handshake award, I was happy to have won this trophy and be appreciated for all my hard work.
All of this has provided me with motivation and inspiration to keep going and become the best version of myself, despite any setbacks. I hope that my story will help inspire more people to follow their dreams and think about how they are going to achieve them.
My Top Tips for player progression are:
1. Be determined – golf isn’t an easy sport but with determination you can be the best version of yourself.
2. Be confident – this is important because you won’t perform as well as you can if you don’t give your all.
3. Practice like you mean it! – always make sure you are putting 100% effort in but also have fun while doing this!
4. Don’t stop believing – never think that you can’t do something, the people around you will help guide and support you. Anything is possible!
5. Have Fun! – always play with a smile on your face, then the work will never seem that hard.
