Jan. 22, 2007

As the spring season approaches, USCsports.com begins to feature members of the South Carolina men’s golf team. Today’s subject is Patrick Rada, a freshman from Anderson, S.C. To find what what drives Patrick, what his favorite Columbia-area restaurant is and the advice he would offer to young people, read on . . .

TEEING OFF WITH Patrick Rada

Major: Business

Teammate Survey

Teammate Who Will Be Most Successful 10 Years From Now: Patrick Cunning

Fiercest Competitor: George Bryan IV

Sweetest Swing: Florian Fritsch

Best Off The Tee: Baker Elmore

Best Short Game: Allen Koon

What Is The Best Part Of Your Golf Game: Short Game

Your Favorite Columbia Area Restaurant: California Dreaming

Best Food That You Make: Eggo Waffles

What Drives You: The passion to win. Once you’ve experienced it once, you want victory everytime you tee it up. I also have all the support in the world. My family is unbelievable. Anytime I am feeling down or not sure about myself, they are always there to remind me of successes and encourage me.

Your most memorable sports moment: Winning the 2005 South Carolina Junior Championship with my Mom being able to watch every hole.

My main goal for the season is: Be an All-American

The TV show you never miss if you can help it: Desperate Housewives

Advice You’d Give To Young People: Don’t ever let people tell you that you can’t do something, because with hard work and determination you can accomplish anything.

If You Could Pick Three Celebrities To Play A Round Of Golf With, Who Would You Choose And What Would You Talk About: I would choose Lance Armstrong, Rudy and Jack Nicklaus. I would talk to Lance about overcoming cancer and dominating a sport like no athlete ever has. I would talk to Rudy about how he stayed so determined and how much heart he had to stick it out at Notre Dame when no one said he could play. I would just like to hear all of Jack’s insight on the game of golf and listen to all the stories he has to tell.