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Alumni
Sp tlight:
Blake Hatfield
Q. You were able to become a head professional at an early stage in your career, what advice do you have for assistant professionals who are close to becoming head professionals themselves?
I would say the most important thing would be to expand their professional network by attending events within their section. I was given the opportunity at Fallen Oak because of relationships I had formed from attending meetings and tournaments. It can be a vital tool in growing young professionals careers.
Q. At what age did you become aware you wanted to pursue a career in the industry and why did you chose MSU?
After I had spent a couple years in college as a communications major I realized I did not have much of a passion for that career path. That led me to thinking about what I wanted to do that I knew I would love and be passionate about. Golf was an obvious choice for me. I had been a lifelong MSU fan growing up and I knew how great of a PGM program was there so for me it was a perfect fit.
Q. Who would be in your dream foursome and where would you play?
Me, my dad, Tiger Woods, and Jack Nicklaus, and we would definitely play at the fabulous Booneville Golf & Country Club. I would really enjoy watching two legends try to putt grainy, bumpy, and slow greens while my dad and I argued over who was the better golfer in their primes.
Q. What is the most memorable experience that your career in golf has provided you?
I was lucky enough to meet Jack Nicklaus a few weeks ago when we hosted the Champions Tour at Fallen Oak. He came into town to watch his son Gary play during the final round. I was blown away by how down to earth and nice he was to everyone he encountered.
Q. Describe your proudest moment as a PGA Professional.
My proudest moment so far has been winning Assistant Professional of the Year for the Mississippi Chapter a couple years ago. I think that one was special to me because my mentor Tim Basel, PGA was the one who got to inform me I won, and I was presented the award by Jeff Adkerson, PGA during the awards ceremony. I was fortunate to have been mentored by both of them and having them be a part of that award process made it very special to me.
Q. Is there a PGA Professional that you would like to say “THX“ to that impacted your career or life? How did they do so?
I would like to say thanks to Tim Basel, PGA. He taught me and showed me more about being a PGA Professional than he probably realizes. He took the time to mentor me and make sure that I was given everything I would need to be successful. I will always appreciate everything he did for me in the time I worked for him at Reunion and in the few months I’ve been at Fallen Oak.