IJGA Newsletter: The Oaks March 2018 | Page 7

IJGA STAFF PROFILE Patrick O’Toole Director of Recruitment Describe your role at IJGA. I promote and market instructional programs to potential students and their families. Since we are an international academy, I get to travel and meet people from all over the world. I enjoy talking to young athletes and explaining to them why they should choose us over our competitors. What’s your favorite part about working with international students and their families? I really like meeting new people and watching them achieve their goals. Each student is unique and brings new things to the table. What do you like to do in your free time? I don’t have a lot of free time, but my favorite thing to do is travel. I have been to Asia over twenty times and I love exploring new places and trying new things. What has been your favorite memory/ experience over the past nine years at IJGA? I’ve had so many extraordinary memories over the past nine years, but nothing beats graduation day. It’s so neat to see our students receive their diplomas and know all they have accomplished over the years. What is your favorite place you’ve ever traveled? In general, my favorite place I’ve ever been is Asia. I’ve been all over the world and Asia is just special and unique. The people are so friendly and welcoming. The food is incredible too. In your opinion, what makes IJGA unique compared to other golf academies? What is your favorite meal of all time? I can’t pick just one meal, but my favorite foods are cheese pizza and steak. Who is your favorite professional golfer? My favorite golfer of all time is Jack Nicklaus. My current favorite player is Rory McIlroy. What’s your favorite sport besides golf? I love American Football. I’m from Michigan so I always root for the Detroit Lions. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? Always do what makes you happy and pursue your passion, it will all work out in the end. I love seeing people who are passionate about what they do and that inspires me to do better! Three fun facts about me: 1 I used to play American football. I love watching Food Network. 2 I’m a self-proclaimed foodie. I rode elephants on one of my trips 3 to Asia! We do such a good job of personalizing the program to each player’s individual strengths. Everyone here has a certain level of care and support that is really unmatched. We are much more of a family compared to most other golf academies. 7