When golf pro Phil ‘Boltz’ Boulton and his wife, Narelle, decided it was time for a tree change, they were looking for one thing: somewhere where the sun shines.
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After years at Cape Schanck, where Phil jokes it could be “very cold and very windy”, regular golf trips to Barooga became increasingly appealing.
They loved the weather, enjoyed the welcoming atmosphere of the golf club and quickly felt at home.
One day, Phil learned the club captain was considering selling his home.
“I told Narelle, just give me a tap on the ankle if you approve,” he said.
“She nearly broke my leg, and the deal was sealed.”
A self-described people person, Phil is exactly that: friendly, engaging and ready for a chat.
His story, far too long for one article, is one of passion, adventure and helping others succeed.
Born and raised in Melbourne, Phil was just seven years old when his father, a tram driver working night shift, failed to wake one morning. He was only 33.
Phil’s mother was left to raise three boys before later marrying the local postman, a man Phil says loved and cared for the family.
It was during those early years that golf entered his life, when his mother arranged for him to caddy at Royal Park Golf Course.
Phil struggled with a stutter and the role suited him perfectly.
“I didn’t need to talk,” he said.
“I just pulled the buggy along, cleaned the clubs and went home with my two bob.”
At 18, he began a golfing apprenticeship, and, during his second year, seized an opportunity to work in New Zealand.
Before leaving, he married Narelle, and together they embarked on the first of many adventures.
"My mistake was I never asked how much I was going to be paid," he said with a smile.
The wage didn’t cover the rent, so Narelle also worked, and each week they were left with only a few dollars.
The sacrifice paid off.
Phil won Apprentice of the Year in New Zealand before returning to Australia to build an impressive career spanning coaching, business and golf administration.
One memorable highlight came when he invited cricket legend Sir Garfield Sobers to officially open one of Australia’s first indoor golf facilities.
“Philip, I would be delighted,” Sir Garfield said.
The launch attracted media attention and even led to an appearance on the popular Don Lane Show.
Phil still laughs about a rehearsal.
Don was very tall, the club too short, and a loud bang left an unimpressed international performer with a taped-up drum.
For all his many achievements, it’s coaching people that Phil speaks about most passionately.
“The secret in coaching is awareness,” he said.
“It’s never about teaching everyone the same way.”
Phil prefers to understand the person and to help them find their “own pathway to improvement”.
Over the years he has mixed with the golfing elite, and coached countless golfers, from beginners through to aspiring professionals, earning a reputation as both mentor and friend.
One conversation with a young golfer remains particularly memorable to Phil.
The player dreamed of turning professional, but also had a wife and young family.
“You may achieve it,” Phil told him.
“But make sure you don’t lose what you already have.”
His advice was to become the best golfer possible, while also being the best husband and father; doing that, you lose nothing.
Life has also delivered its challenges.
A serious health scare saw Phil spend 10 days in intensive care, followed by a lengthy rehabilitation.
"Narelle told me later I said goodbye to her,” Phil said.
Together, they then entered the motel industry, operating two in Geelong.
One of Phil’s proudest achievements was mentoring a young employee who lacked confidence.
“He wouldn’t even look at me,” Phil said.
After stressing the importance of eye contact, the young man instantly locked eyes.
Phil later handed him the keys, saying, “You’re in charge.”
Years later, he owned an award-winning motel.
“I was so proud of him,” Phil said.
Later, Phil was instrumental in expanding the On Course Golf network nationally, transforming a small Victorian buying group into a recognised brand of more than 150 stores, utilising the franchise model he learnt through his motel experiences.
He said his favourite place to play would have to be on the National Golf Club Old Course, Cape Schanck, known for its spectacular views and challenging layout.
A strong community supporter, he spent 10 years with the Lions club in Rosebud, including two as president, helping families and youth in need.
Phil joined the Cobram Rotary Club after seeing the positive impact the organisation was making in the community through its Facebook page.
“They’re a great bunch of interesting and caring people,” he said.
“You feel better when you’re helping others.”
Today, Phil and Narelle enjoy travelling Australia in their motorhome, sharing campfires with friends, and of course, playing golf.
Between a beautiful garden, treasured artworks from their travels and a life rich with memories, retirement is proving anything but quiet.