Rachel Howard – Head Professional , Golf Director & Pro Shop Owner
Lake Club Benoni
Benoni Lake Pro Shop
| What led you to becoming a PGA Professional?
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I fell in love with the game of golf, and developed a passion for the industry as a whole. What better way to live my dream than to enrol in this prestigious organisation and get a qualification in doing what I love! |
| How long have you been in your current position?
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3 years at Lake Club Benoni, and 2 years before that at Pollak Park Golf Club
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| What does your job entail?
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First and foremost, I take pride in providing all my members and guests with a memorable golfing experience. Right from checking them in for their game of golf, to answering any questions or queries they may have about the club and course, to kitting them out with golf apparel and equipment, and just generally making sure they have a great day at our Club, equipped with everything they need. I go about promoting my Club at every opportunity, be it at work, or in private/personal settings, at golf days etc. I represent my club proudly at all PGA pro-Ams and golf days, as well as at other club’s golf days & charity drives. I manage the caddies and issuing of golf carts. I ensure the smooth running of golf days and assist the organisers where I can. I am currently one of the COVID officers at our club. I am the general “go-to” when anyone has a question or complaint. I assist in recruiting members and I am always available to assist with coaching when our resident coach is not available.
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| Do you have any environmental or sustainability goals that you have met and would like to share?
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Not at this stage |
| Please give us a brief outline of the path you took to lead you to your current position
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I only started playing golf at the ripe old age of 20, and won various club competitions etc. I studied for and gained my Teaching diploma through South Africa Golf Teaching Federation (SAGTF) in 2003. I fell in love with the coaching side of golf, and continued to play as often as I could. I applied for and completed the PGA Diploma much later in life and qualified in 2014, of which I am very proud, and I have worked my way up within the PGA to a AAA rated member. The opportunity arose for me to apply for the Pro Shop at Pollak Park, which I did, and was awarded the contract. I grew to love the challenge of the retail world, and being such a “people person”, the daily interaction with all the members and visitors was right up my alley. 2 years later I was made aware that the Shop at Lake Club was up for tender, so I put in my proposal, and to my absolute joy, I was awarded the contract. I have been there 3 years now and absolutely love my club and will continue to serve Lake Club loyally as long as they will have me.
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| Why do you feel that you would be a good candidate to win this award?
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I give my all to my Club and my job, and I pride myself on knowing all my members and what their likes and dislikes are, and what they need from me and the club they belong to. I am loyal at all times to my club, and have worked really hard to build up the fully stocked shop that I run, and build lasting & constructive relationships with all at the club. I work long hours and want to see Lake Club Benoni grow and go from strength to strength, and to be involved in that growth at all levels. I am 200% committed to my job and my Club |
