Golf: Making the Turn – John Guilbeau final day at Acadian Hills is Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2011

Dan McDonald, Daily Advertiser, Nov. 16, 2011

John Guilbeau’s family has been involved with Acadian Hills for so many years, it will be difficult to imagine him not being around the golf course. And he will be from time to time, but not as the club’s general manager.

Guilbeau informed the membership and other friends over the weekend that today would be his final day at Acadian Hills, retiring from his GM post after almost six years.

He had spent the previous 34 working for the Louisiana Department of Education in Baton Rouge, but because of the family ties with the ownership of the property Guilbeau was never that far away.

"It’s time to move on, after about 40 years behind a desk, plus two years active service in the Navy and six years of college studies," Guilbeau said.

"It’s time to rest and maybe travel a little."

Guilbeau said he had promised the club staff and members he would give three to five years to the club after he left the Department of Education. His time there actually turned out to be just less than six, and his impact was noticeable.

"The biggest thing was that he cared about the place and wanted to see it succeed," said Chad Massie, the club’s PGA professional and director of golf. "It was important to him. He was here as an assistant before he left to go to work in Baton Rouge, and he’s the family member that’s been the most involved."

"We certainly didn’t meet all our goals," Guilbeau said, "but a number of them we did reach. The challenges right now in the golf industry are certainly great, but I think we can look with pride on some of the things we’ve been able to accomplish over the past few years.

Guilbeau was quick to talk about the Acadian Hills staff, most of them like Massie being longtime parts of the club.

"I would put this staff up against any other club staff in the area," he said. "I’m so proud of them. They’re very professional and knowledgeable, but more important is their dedication to the place. They’re very focused and hard-working, and that’s the biggest reason that I’m sad to leave."

With golf participation numbers down in almost every part of the country, Guilbeau said Acadian Hills has held its own in the industry’s difficult times.

"We have a terrific membership," he said, "and it’s not just on the course. I always looked forward to sharing greetings and sharing stories with them every day. I’m going to truly miss that part."

Retiring as the club’s GM doesn’t mean Guilbeau is going away.

"I’m going to take my time with any decision," he said, "but I still have a lot of energy to release. I’m looking forward to bringing my energies and knowledge to other ventures in the near future."

"Making the Turn" appears each Wednesday. Clubs, courses and individuals with information about local golf events may e-mail Dan McDonald, editorial director at Golfballs.com, at danmcdonald@cox.net , FAX to (337) 857-8763 or call (337) 857-8754. Listen to the "Making the Turn" radio show each Wednesday from 8-9 a.m. on ESPN SportsRadio 1420.