Caroline Basarab, director of retail for Reynolds Lake Oconee, has for the second time, been named 2021 national Merchandiser of the Year in the resort category by The PGA of America. She is the first woman to have won this award on two occasions.
Since 1978, The PGA of America has been recognizing those PGA Professionals who have excelled as businesspeople/merchandisers in the promotion of golf. The PGA honors professionals in three categories: public, private and resort.
“I was so honored to have received this award the first time – and now the second time – and I am humbled to be able to inspire other women PGA Professionals to pursue and achieve their life-long dreams in the golf industry,” Basarab said.
Since 2015 Basarab has overseen Reynolds Lake Oconee’s retail operations, which includes six golf shops, a tennis shop, golf distribution center, and numerous special events. She also assists with the professional development of all retail staff members. Outside of her 2021 accomplishment, Basarab and team have earned the Platinum Award the past five years, two of those years also being named Best of the Best.
Prior to joining Reynolds, Basarab led the retail operations at The Sea Pines Resort on Hilton Head Island, S.C. While at Sea Pines in 2009, she earned the top honors from the PGA of America when she was recognized as National Resort Merchandiser of the Year, deeming her as the first female to win this award.
Reynolds Lake Oconee is considered one of the most diverse golf experiences in the southeast with courses designed by legendary architects: the recently renovated Great Waters by Jack Nicklaus, The National by Tom Fazio, The Oconee by Rees Jones, The Landing and The Preserve by Bob Cupp, as well as the members-only Creek Club by Jim Engh.
