Rodney Booth has received a national award for his work, and described the ceremony as a “who’s who of Australian golf”. Photos: Catalina Club.
A South Coast golfer is settling back into his routine after taking home a national honour.
Catalina Club’s director of golf Rodney Booth said being named the Australian PGA Club Professional of the Year was a “surreal” outcome.
“You think, I’m a one-in-six chance [of winning]. I’ll try my luck and see how I go,” he told Region.
“It’s justification that what I’m doing in my career – what I’m doing in my role and how I deliver service – is on the right path.
“I do my job, I enjoy what I do; I love my profession and the role I play at Catalina.”
The national honour came mere days after he was named the PGA NSW/ACT Club Professional of the Year.
“It’s not that you expect these sorts of achievements, but it’s nice recognition that makes you think, ‘Maybe my work is appreciated’ or ‘I do a decent job’,” he said.
Catalina Club’s president Cathie Flynn said the win followed Mr Booth’s work in various areas of the club.
“Rodney’s dedication and professionalism have raised the golf experience at [Catalina] Club to a new level,” she said.
“It is fitting to see him recognised and revered at a national level.
“The cadet and junior programs, management of both social and competitive golf and engagement with his team and members are all testament to the fantastic job Rodney does.”
Mr Booth said attending the awards ceremony with his wife, Maggie, was a “pretty special” and “surreal” experience.
For Mr Booth, the award has brought with it a level of friendly celebrity at the club.
“Everyone that comes in [to Catalina Club] wants to have a quick chat,” he said.
“I’ve lost count of the amount of staff that’s walked into the office and said, ‘Congratulations’.
“When something happens to one of the team, they’re all happy about it, which is good.”
He said several people had also reached out over social media or text to congratulate him on the win.
“It’s always nice when the phone pings and it’s nice to reminisce on good times,” he said.
While the honour was “pretty special”, Mr Booth said he was keen on returning to his day job.
“This won’t change me, I’ll just go back to work,” he said.
“I’m not a big one for the accolades – I’m a quiet, reserved sort of person.
“It’s not like movies, where you can act in another movie and get nominated again. That’ll be it for the awards for me for a little while, I’ll just go back to work and my day-to-day life.”
Mr Booth said the national awards also brought attention to Club Catalina.
“It’s always hard to quantify what recognition or notoriety a person gains from winning an award,” he said.
“Above everything else, it’s probably nice recognition for the club and how the club wants to be perceived, the direction we’re heading as a club and with the senior leadership team.
“This is good proof that what we’re doing is actually working – and we’re doing a lot!”
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