Laval, October 7, 2024 – The suspense held until the very end at the Ernie-Findlay and Pro-Assistant Tournament, the last competition of the summer season for the PGA of Québec, held at the Islesmere Golf Club in Laval.
Even-par after ten holes, notably after a double-bogey at the 10th, Christophe Vandette (Beaconsfield) was fantastic in his last eight holes to outrun the competition and complete the day in first place with a total of -4 (68).
“It was my second tournament with the PGA of Québec, and it was a great day. I haven’t played much recently, so I didn’t really have any expectations. I found myself in a zone that I love. I made a mistake on the 10th, then stayed in my bubble and everything went well! I’m happy to walk away with the trophy,” said the winner.
Vandette probably had extra motivation at the event, as his father Jim was also registered for the tournament.
“My dad only entered a few days ago, it’s his first competition in 20 years and I wanted to make sure I beat him. It wasn’t close and I’m really pleased,” he added with a laugh.
Simon Millette of Le Blainvillier finished second at -3 (69), while William Blanchard (Rosemère Fontainebleau) and Yohann Benson (Le Mirage) tied for third at -1 (71).
William Blanchard was able to celebrate, as he triumphed with teammate Yves Larivière at the Accès Physio Pro-Assistant Championship, played under the best ball format in a team consisting of a class A professional not eligible for the Ernie-Findlay Trophy and a professional eligible for the Trophy.
“It was a really incredible day, the course was in perfect condition here. A big thank you to my partner William who was excellent, especially in the last three holes”, commented Yves Larivière.
Blanchard and Larivière finished the day at -7 (65), just ahead of Phillip Consadine and Christopher Vandette, and Simon Forest and Billy Houle (Le Portage, Joliette), tied at -6 (66).
There was also a tie at the top in the Pro-am category, as the team of Éric Laporte, Jérémie Emond, Pascal Piché and Marc-Étienne Boudreau and the team of Phillip Consadine, Christopher Vandette, Benoit Fournier and Kevin Roach both finished tied at -9 (63).
Many Winners at the Awards Ceremony
The Ernie-Findlay and Pro-Assistant Tournament was also the occasion for the PGA of Québec to hold its annual awards evening, where the work and involvement of many were recognized.
It was also the perfect time to present the awards for Golfer of the Year in the various categories.
Jean-Charles Côté-Sauvé (Le Blainvillier) was the first to receive an award, having finished at the top of the PGA of Québec TOP-25. This ranking takes into account the involvement, dedication and contribution of PGA of Québec members to the golf industry.
“TOP-25 is an extremely important program for me, and I’m very honoured to win this award today. I want to take this opportunity to thank my mentor Steven Brosseau, who is an important person not only for the PGA of Québec, but also for me personally,” said Jean-Charles Côté-Sauvé.
Anne Rogerson (Le Champêtre) finished second and Steve Deschênes (Royal Montréal) third.
As for the male and female Golfer of the Year titles, Sylvie Schetagne (Golf-Tonus PTMT) won the ladies’ title, having won the Vidéotron Affaires PGA of Québec Championship.
For his part, Gregg Cuthill (Whitlock) won the Senior award for the third year running. He was also victorious at the Vidéotron Affaires PGA of Québec Championship.
Club de Golf Montcalm’s Éric Laporte took the honors on the Head Professional side, while Sonny Michaud (La Tempête) was the best player on tour this year being named Player of the Year for both the overall and Assistants’ categories.
Nine other members of the PGA of Québec won awards in various categories during the evening.
Brett Ellis (Laval-sur-le-Lac) won Apprentice Professional of the Year, an award that recognizes outstanding leadership, professional development, learning and ambition.
For his professionalism, collaboration, availability and performance, Sean Michaud of Footjoy was named Representative of the Year.
Louis Bourgeois (Le Blainvillier) and Pierre Lalonde (Pinegrove) won the titles of Coach and Teacher of the Year respectively, awards based on a professional’s overall performance in coaching and teaching, notably thanks to their innovative and special programs.
“In my career, I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve shown a student how to place their hands correctly on their club, it’s the basics, but it’s what’s most important. Teachers often don’t get the recognition they deserve, and I’m very honoured to receive this award tonight,” said Pierre Lalonde.
After Louis Bourgeois, another member of Club de Golf Le Blainvillier, Alexandre Ouellette, took home the title of Junior Leader of the Year, an award that recognizes the PGA of Canada professional who is a leader in junior golf and reflects the ideals of those who work with young people.
Alexandra Pelletier (Country Club) was named Class A Professional, while Dennis Firth (Royal Montreal) was awarded the title of Head Professional.
“I’m so blessed to be able to share my passion for golf with not only 4-year-olds, but also 84-year-olds. It’s a privilege to receive this award and to be able to make a living from my passion for the sport,” said Alexandra Pelletier.
Scott Dickson (Royal Montréal) was named Executive Professional of the Year. His hard work over the past two seasons was recognized, as he played a crucial role in the success of the club’s 150th anniversary festivities in 2023 and, of course, the hosting of the international event, the Presidents’ Cup in 2024.
The final award of the evening was Retailer of the Year, presented to Club de Golf Le Blainvillier with their boutique Sur le Green.
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Information:
Eric Couture
Executive Director – PGA du Québec
514 269-3054
eric@pgaquebec.com