18 Holes With: The Fun Golfer interview with Country Music Icon - DEANA CARTER
In my latest Fun Golfer 18 Holes with Interview, I got the absolute privilege of talking golf with a true American music icon...DEANA CARTER. With her unmistakable voice, heartfelt songwriting, and the kind of storytelling that shaped an entire era of country music, Deana has spent decades carving out a legacy that crosses generations. Her breakout album Did I Shave My Legs for This didn’t just introduce her to the world, it cemented her as a force, delivering timeless hits like the now-classic “Strawberry Wine,” a song that still stops people in their tracks the moment the first notes hit. This album alone went 5x multi-platinum with sales of over 5 million, included three straight #1 hits and helped her win the CMA single of the year in 1997. Wow!!
Myself and my whole family are genuine fan's of Deana, and the respect I have for her career and craft runs deep. So to hear her stories about her love of golf feels like hitting a once-in-a-lifetime fairway shot. I’m super lucky, very grateful, and honestly still a little starstruck.
Let’s dive in and talk all about golf with country music superstar DEANA CARTER!!
18 HOLES WITH…COUNTRY MUSIC ICON DEANA CARTER
Thank you Deana. As a lifelong fan of yours I appreciate you taking the time to talk golf with me, I am so excited! Let’s go right back to the beginning! When and how did you get involved in golf?
Your very welcome! Jimmy Bowen, Hank Williams and Willie Nelson took me & let me start (golfing) with them in the early 90's
2. Wow, that's an amazing foursome!! You obviously travel a lot as a country singer, do you ever take your golf clubs with you and play any golf on the road?
I used to on the bus, and I still play in Celebrity Tournaments when I can.
3. You have had some amazing milestones in your singing career - winning single of the year, performing at the Grand Ole Opry...but what is your greatest golf memory so far?
Meeting some amazing golfers like John Daly, Vince Gill & others. Also playing at the Greenbriar and other elite, historical links.
4. You have collaborated with some of the greatest in your career - Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, George Jones...who is the best singer you have ever golfed with?
Vince Gill.
5. You are also a very talented song writer and multiple book author! So what is harder...writing a song, writing a book or writing an 8 on your scorecard?
The "8" is probably the most elusive (laughs).
6. Do you ever find songwriting inspiration on the course, or is golf your escape from music entirely?
Mainly just trusting your instincts with your clubs and in the least strokes possible.
7. Finish this sentence for me…One thing I especially love about golf is…?
(Getting) good results when you focus and follow thru.
8. Now the flipside…the most frustrating thing about golf is…?
Never had a hole in one...YET!!
9. This question gets asked a lot, but it’s a fun question – what three people, anyone you want, would form your dream foursome?
My dad, Vince (Gill), Willie (Nelson) and (president) Trump.
Half way done already. Now we make the turn, eat a snack of your choice, restock the bevvies and hit the:
BACK 9 - PAR 3 - RAPID FIRE ROUND:
10. Your favorite city to play golf in? ........Anywhere with mild weather.
11. What is the closest you have come to a hole-in-one ........a birdie.
12. Are you a golf cart driver or golf cart passenger........both
13. Music playing while golfing, yes or no?........Either way, just something inspiring
14. Pick one golf super power – Your ball never goes in the sand, your ball never goes in the water, or your ball never goes in the rough? ........pretty consistent driver in the fairway
15. Early morning, mid-day or twilight golf? ........Morning
16. Do you prefer a white golf ball, colored golf ball, or the new patterned golf balls? ........white, but the one that goes the farthest (laughs)
17. Do you have a special ball marker that you use, or do you mark your ball in any special way? ........My glove button
18. Would you rather...sing with Tiger Woods, or play a round of golf with Dolly Parton ......…DOLLY PARTON!!
This has been an absolute pleasure to chat golf with you Deana, I truly appreciate you taking the time.
Parts of this interview have been condensed and/or edited for space and clarity