Athlete of the Week: Eddie Rodriguez

Eddie Rodriguez is the new head golf pro at the Longboat Key Club and Resort. The 40-year-old is originally from West Palm Beach but moved in 1993 to Sarasota. He received his PGA membership in 2005. In 2003 and 2008 he was Assistant of the Year for the Southwest Chapter of PGA, and in 2008 he was Assistant of the Year for the North Florida Section of PGA.

What got you into playing golf?
I hated the sport until age 11. Then, two year later, my friends wanted to play, and I decided to go with them. I’ve been hooked ever since.

What’s the most difficult hole you’ve ever played?
No. 1 of Legacy Golf Club at Lakewood Ranch in Bradenton. It is tight: There is water on the right, woods on the left and it’s a narrow fairway.

What is the club you favor most?
The sand wedge. You have the opportunity to get it close to get a putt.

Can you give the readers any golf tips?
Use less body movement and keep your head down. Use more turn; always finish your swing.

If you could have a celebrity play you in a movie about your life, whom would you want it to be?
Joe Pesci. He’s short, and he plays golf. But he has more hair than me.