Should have bought a Lotto ticket. That was Sheena James’s response to the day her husband Derek had last week.
To start at the end, Derek, who is the golf director and pro at Southbroom Golf Club, won the prestigious South African PGA Professional of the Year award.
This was presented at the SA PGA’s annual awards dinner, presented by The Courier Guy, and held at Serengeti Estates last week.
That was the cherry on top.
Earlier, he was named Club Pro of the Year; this after nominations through the province and then on to national.
Other category winners were Gavin Groves (High-Performance Coach), John Dickson (Game Development Coach), Darrin Hedley (PGA Management), and Murray Smit (International Award).
As it was the PGA’s big day, a golf day alliance was held before the awards evening, and, you guessed it, Derek’s team won that as well.
It was a long day, with Derek and Sheena getting up early to drive in the rain through the airport, then flew through to Joburg.
His award came towards the end, so he hardly ate anything, knowing he’d have to give a speech if he won.
When he received his first award, the words flowed as smoothly as his swing. Anyone who has ever heard DJ on the mic knows he’s an accomplished orator.
However, when his name was called out for the second main award, words failed him. Momentarily anyway.
“First time I’ve seen DJ speechless,” was one chirp.
Derek is no stranger to awards and trophies, but this was still very special, having won both previously.
He also really enjoyed reconnecting with golf stars of yesteryear and golfing personalities in Dale Hayes and Denis Hutchison.
It was a wonderful recognition, and always good to keep Southbroom on the map.
Part of the prize includes a trip to the PGA Show with the team that represents the SA PGA in Orlando, Florida, in January next year.
While Derek, nicknamed DJ, may look forward to a few days off after the usual busy December season, taking them on another continent may not have been part of the plan.
And one more thing, it’s DJ’s birthday this Saturday, enjoy.
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