Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Evan Booth

There was more to celebrate for Sarasota boys' golf at the South Florida PGA West Coast High School Championship than just a second-place team finish.

Evan Booth had a career day at the TwinEagles Club in Naples, carding a five-under-par to place third individually among all golfers at the 16-team tournament. His 67 on the first day alone was the best score of anyone.

When all was said and done, the senior's 139 total was the best finish of any Sailor. He was also one stroke better than Benjamin junior Charlie Woods, the son of golfing legend Tiger Woods.

Booth is the Sarasota Athlete of the Week.

When and why did you start playing golf?

I started playing competitively in seventh grade, but before that, I got into golf because of my grandma and my grandpa. I would play with them monthly. And then I just started playing more, and then I got into it and wanted to play competitively. And now, I'm getting to the point where I'm starting to win stuff.

What do you enjoy most about hitting the links on any given day?

I like to just go out there and set my own goals, and try and meet those. Then, if you do that, then you can go in a tournament and then those goals will be easier to meet. Then you can start winning.

What's been the highlight of your season so far and why was it memorable?

Last week (Sept. 26-27) was great because we had that tournament in Naples (the South Florida PGA West Coast High School Championship) and I was leading after the first day, which was great. And then we had another tournament against Parrish (Community) and George Steinbrenner, and I shot four-under-par there through nine (holes), which was great as well.

What's been the most humbling moment of your golfing career?

There have been tournaments where I've gone in and been really confident, even over this summer, and I was trying to win, and it was just not that time. I just had some bad golf, had to go out there the next weekend and just learn from it.

What are your goals for your senior season with Sarasota?

Our rankings are improving recently, which is nice. We're trying to win states, basically, so to do that, we're just trying to get first in the state, Class 3A, and we're getting there.

What's one quote, if any, that you live your life by?

My grandpa used to tell me, "Hit the ball, but not too often."

If you could meet any professional athlete, who would you meet and why?

It's got to be Tiger (Woods), just to know how his mentality worked and how he won all those tournaments.

If you could go anywhere in the world right now, where would you go and why?

I want to go to Europe, very badly. I also want to go with my grandma too, because she's getting old. I just want to travel a lot in my young years.

If you were stuck on a desert island with only one item, what would you bring and why?

It's probably just got to be a knife.

What's your favorite movie?

I liked Happy Gilmore for a while — that's got to be it. The second one came out, and it's good, but it's not the same.

What's your favorite meal?

I like lobster tails. Recently, I started getting into them, and I love them.

What's your go-to, pre-match hype music?

Just motivation music. Something to get me going, get ready for the match.

Finish this sentence. Evan Booth is...

2025 state champion.