Backspin Volume 3, Issue 3 | Page 30

pro-files Tad and his wife Terri with Sadie, the pup. Tad Kivett Private Teacher Blaine C. Patin The Country Club of Louisiana Year elected to membership: 1998 When did you know you wanted to have a career in the golf industry? During school at the Golf Academy of the South, I had my first lesson. From the moment on I have always wanted to help people and enjoy the greatest game in the world. Who introduced you to the game? Best friend Dwayne David and his family. Who are your mentors? Mannie Jewell gave me my first job, and Mike Johnson was always there for me. Mr. Lloyd Moniotte shared his love for the game with me as well. How old were you when you began playing golf? 12-13. Seriously at 20 What is your best golf memory? Having Arnold Palmer speak and cut the ribbon for the First Tee of Augusta. Having the opportunity to sit down and talk with Mr. Palmer and see the respect that other golfers in the room like David Toms, Stewart Cink, Jim Furyk and Steve Jones had for him when he walked in was a great moment and helped me to realize how much he has done for the game. Having a picture with the King is one of my prized possessions. Did you play golf in college? I really picked up golf after college even though I played during the summers. I was not very good but was athletic and was determined to get better. Golf did not come naturally to me like other sports led to my love and respect for the game. 30 Year elected to membership: 1995 When did you know you wanted to have a career in the golf industry? After graduating from LSU and weighing my options, I knew golf was in my blood and pursued the path to PGA membership. Who introduced you to the game? My dad Who are your mentors? Frank Gumpert (present) and Byron Gautreau (past) How old were you when you began playing golf? 6 What is your best golf memory? Hitting the first tee shot at the grand opening of a golf course I designed and developed. What are your professional goals in 2016? My goal is to continue teaching golf and to bring my students to the next level.