11-year old Paige Scott from Butler, Pennsylvania is a very talented and dedicated golfer coping with the challenges of Type 1 Diabetes. With November being Diabetes Awareness Month, it is the perfect time to catch up with Paige with our Girls Golf Q&A and find out what she loves about the game of golf.
Paige – How old were you when you first started to play and what inspired you?
When I was three years old, I used to watch my dad practice golf and I wondered if I could do it so Dad made me a club and I started to try to hit a tree in my yard with a ball. The next year I would practice and practice until I could finally hit it far enough to hit the tree. When I was 6 years old I started taking lessons from a gentleman named Rich Brady. He made it so much fun and he developed my love for the game. Unfortunately, Mr. Brady passed away last year and now I wear a blue ribbon on my hat in every tournament I play in his honor.
Where do you play and practice and what do you like about your course?
I play at Lake Arthur Golf Club and Hiland Golf Course. I like Lake Arthur because they have a nice short game practice area. We go there every Friday night starting in the spring till fall for “Family Fun Night.” I like Hiland also because it’s very close to my home and I can run over and practice a few holes in the evening before it gets dark. Also, people at both of these golf courses have been very supportive over the years.
We’ve seen your swing and it looks great. That comes from lots of practice and really good instruction. Who’s your coach?
I have two instructors who have helped me a lot! Elaine Carson at the “Perfect Swing” in Butler, PA has been a key part to my success on the course this year. She has been able to change any swing flaw that I may have in one session. Her father is also a diabetic so she understands the challenges that I face.
Missie Berteotti has also had great influence on my technical and mental abilities. Anytime I am having issues with my game, Missie is only a phone call away!
Elaine Carson
I have had the great privilege and enjoyment of working with Paige and watching her grow in every aspect of the game of golf. I have also watched her, very maturely, manage her diabetes during our lesson sessions. She is a very talented young lady who not only is contributing to the great game of golf but to other active young people who also are affected by diabetes by showing them that diabetes can be managed so they are not fearful to take part in activities they enjoy.
Elaine Carson The Perfect Swing Golf School
Butler Pa. phone: 724-283-6492 www.elainecarson.com
Missie Berteotti
Paige has been a great student of the game and a nice, kind, fun person! She takes things lightly – which is a great skill, she is determined, and she listens and stays with the plan. Those are great qualities in a person. Paige is a real person who has her ups and downs and that is why she is great to be with- she is not telling me what I want to hear. I admire her strength and courage in dealing with her health challenges.
Missie Berteotti
www.MissieBerteotti.com
www.BusinessGolfAcademy.com
1000 Nevillewood Dr, Presto, PA
Phone: 412-398-5030
What do you love most about golf?
I enjoy being able to make some really great friends and play at some courses my dad dreams of playing. I like to tease him about that. Plus, you have to conduct yourself in an appropriate manner while playing golf; this teaches some great life skills that will help me in my future! I also love that it’s more of an individual sport, you only have yourself to rely on, and that makes you want to work harder at succeeding!
Have you got a specialty or a favorite club or two?
My driver and putter. I love my driver because I can swing as hard as I can; it helps to calm my frustrations! While on vacation last year, we went to a golf store and I tried a few putters and fell in love with the Ping Serene Shea. This year, my dad took me to a golf store to get fitted for a putter. I tried a few more and kept going back to the Ping. I ended up getting it and was so excited! My putting has improved a lot!! I also love the look of it!
Paige’s Dad – Gene Scott
Paige was diagnosed last year with Type 1 diabetes and it has been very difficult for her to deal with sugar lows on the golf course. However, after receiving the best care in the world at the UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, Paige has improved her diabetic management on the golf course and has not let Type 1 diabetes keep her down. She competed on the U. S. Kids Pittsburgh tour winning Player of the Year in her age group for both the summer and fall tour. She also played in the 2015 U.S.Kids Pennsylvania State Championship where she placed 3rd shooting 74-75 on the Penn State blue course. In August, Paige had a great experience playing in the 2015 World Championship in Pinehurst, NC.
Paige’s strength and determination while playing the game she loves proves that children with Type 1 diabetes can still pursue their dreams! Our family is so proud of Paige’s accomplishments and excited about her future.
You share a favorite player with us! Rachel Rohanna. What’s your connection with Rachel?
Yes, my favorite player is Rachel Rohanna. She just finished in the top 10 on the Symetra tour this year which earned her an LPGA card, I was so excited for her! I know Rachel personally; we met a few years ago while I was practicing at the Robert Morris Dome during the winter. She has been a great friend and role model for me. She even asked me to caddy for her while she played a practice round for the US Women’s Open Qualifier, it was an awesome experience! Rachel won the Guardian Retirement Championship at Sara Bay on the Symetra Tour this year. She along with her husband’s business made a donation in my name to Type 1 Diabetes research foundation of my choice, which was one of the nicest things anyone has ever done for me. Rachel is an awesome person and a great golfer!
Paige, thank you for being a featured Girls Golfer and congratulations on your great recent play, especially in the State Championships. The way you are handling your diabetes diagnosis and treatment is an inspiration to us and a great example to other young people with the same condition. Good luck with your golf – we’ll be with you all the way.
