EVER-welcoming Darlene Wojcicki quietly dismisses being called “the face of the Rosewood Golf Club”.
She would much rather work enthusiastically behind the counter than chat about her valuable club role.
However, it’s people like Darlene that make sporting clubs successful and enjoyable places to play.
Her main roles since starting as “golf club attendant” just over three years ago include scheduling events, looking after the club’s 300 plus members, ordering merchandise and handling retail requirements.
She works up to 38 hours a week and has her own section in the clubhouse to keep everything running smoothly.
“I love people,” Darlene said. “Talking to people.
“Everybody loves golf, so the common interest is golf.
“It’s just a sense of belonging.
“Seeing who is here on Saturday, especially the members, it’s just social connections.
“It’s a great club and it’s just growing all the time.
“We get visitors from other clubs and talking to them is great.”
Darlene took on the golfing job having grown up in Ipswich with a background in retail and administration.
The involvement of her golfing husband, David and son, Jack made the decision easier.
“You can’t beat them, so you join them right,” she said.
“My husband and son were right into golf.
“Jack started when he was five, so we always had that bit of a connection and I thought when this position came up, it was a way to get involved in what they are doing.”
Jack, who turns 22 in May, is the defending Rosewood Golf Club Division 1 champion and pennants player demonstrating plenty of skill around the 18-hole course.
Darlene, who lives at Willowbank, also plays for fun.
“Now I’m a golfer too. Not a great one but I play golf,” she said.
Darlene attended St Mary’s College.
David and Jack are former St Edmund’s College students.
Darlene said the most challenging aspect of her job was “trying to get everything done”.
“It just gets busier and busier all the time but it’s a good busy,” she said.
“There’s never a dull moment here.
“There’s always something different to do.”
However, with growing club membership comes more opportunities to help other people enjoy golf at a popular country venue.
“It’s a walkable golf course,” she said, happy with the position of the clubhouse at the entrance to the greens.
“We’re friendly.”
Darlene said one of the strengths of the Rosewood club was having “lots of volunteers who do amazing jobs”.
Among those most helpful is the club’s latest life member Mary Gibson, who was honoured at last year’s 70th anniversary function.
“That was well deserved because she contributes a hell of a lot,” Darlene said.
Away from golf, the Wojcicki family enjoy camping and time at the beach with favourite spots like Bribie Island and Stanthorpe.
Darlene also enjoys cake decorating when she has time.
Among upcoming events are this weekend’s 27 hole matchplay – an honour board competition staged each year.
Darlene said the ladies field was looking stronger than in past years.
