Breaking barriers and empowering golfers: An Interview with Alice Davis

Alice Davis, Advanced PGA Professional at Parkstone Golf Club and Women & Golf coach, has been a driving force for change and progress in the sport. She’s a member of the Taylormade Women’s Advisory Board, Junior Club Liaison Officer, Junior Academy Administrator, and Junior Academy Coach for Dorset County Golf Union.

As part of Women & Girls Golf Week, Alice shares her journey, experiences and insights on empowering young golfers, fostering inclusivity, and breaking down barriers in the game she loves.

As an advocate for inclusivity and diversity, her coaching style inspires a love for the game while fostering the growth of future talent. With trailblazers like Alice, the future of women in golf looks brighter than ever.

As a female PGA coach, can you share your journey and experiences in breaking barriers in a traditionally male-dominated industry?

I’ve been fortunate to have a positive experience throughout my golfing journey, which I think is a reflection of the progress in gender equality within the sport.

In Dorset, there have always been equal opportunities for me to represent as an amateur and pursue coaching as a professional.

Interestingly, I now work for Dorset County Golf Union – after they approached me to be part of their team– which is the men’s golf union in Dorset.

How has your unique perspective influenced your coaching style and approach?

My coaching style has been influenced by the wide variety of coaches I worked with as an amateur.

I strive to make learning fun, relaxed, easy to understand, and enjoyable for my students. I emphasise these elements and never force things, allowing them to discover and develop their potential at their own pace.

Mentorship plays a crucial role in shaping young golfers' careers. Could you share a story about a talented golfer you've mentored and the impact your guidance had on their development on and off the course?

Although I've been qualified for five years, I’ve had the pleasure of teaching one young girl for a few years now. She’s recently won a county trophy – which I actually won in its inaugural year! Seeing her achieve success fills me with immense pride.

Off the course, I try to instil confidence, discipline, and a positive mindset in my students, which helps them excel not just in golf but also in their personal lives.

It’s still quite early in my career to have had juniors move from beginner through to elite level, but I definitely have some on the right path. What inspires me most is that I have juniors looking up to me now, as I previously represented the same teams and won the same trophies.

Empowerment is key to fostering growth and confidence in young golfers. How do you create an inclusive and supportive environment for your students, irrespective of their gender, to help them reach their full potential?

To create an inclusive environment, I run both mixed and girls' academies, allowing pupils to choose their preferred learning environment.

I’m also qualified in Golf Psychology Coaching, which helps me connect with my students on a deeper level.

I encourage them to share their thoughts and apprehensions, both on and off the golf course, enabling me to tailor my approach to suit their individual needs and help them reach their full potential.

In a sport where representation of female coaches is relatively low, how do you believe increased diversity in coaching can benefit the sport?

Increased diversity in coaching is crucial for the growth and progression of golf. Female coaches can be perceived as more approachable and empathetic, creating a safe space for juniors to confide in them.

By having more female coaches, the sport becomes more relatable and welcoming to young girls, inspiring them to take up golf and pursue it seriously.

Women have just as much experience and expertise as their male counterparts, so they are equally capable of fulfilling coaching roles and contributing to the sport's success.

As a trailblazer in the field, what advice would you give to aspiring female golf coaches?

My advice to aspiring female golf coaches would be to share the sport they love with future golfers passionately.

Increasing the number of female coaches will naturally lead to more female golfers entering the game. Focus on creating a supportive and enjoyable learning environment, and always prioritise the growth and development of your students.

Together, we can make a significant impact in the golfing world and break down barriers for generations to come.