Golf Québec is pleased to announce the composition of its brand-new coaching team, aimed at ensuring the development of Québec’s golfing elite. The group will be made up of a Development of Coaches Coordinator (DCC) and three coaches who will be responsible for the Québec team, among other things, and who will each take charge of a specific file.
Daniel Langevin, who has been with Golf Québec for 20 years, remains as Head Coach of the Sport-études golf program, a vital role in supporting the development of young talent. Brian Smith (DCC), Louis Bourgeois (Regional Junior Development), and Gabriel Massé-Barbeau (Teaching Programs) are the three coaches joining the federation this year.
Brian Smith, Development of Coaches Coordinator
Brian Smith had the opportunity to take part in the Pyeongchang and Beijing Olympic Games as a snowboard coach. In the spring of 2024, he coached students in the Sport-études program at Les Estacades and helped out with the Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières program at the provincial university championships.
His new role as Development of Coaches Coordinator will encourage coaches to evolve and learn in a non-academic context. He will be organizing activities to enable coaches to interact and learn from each other’s experiences, while stimulating the exchange and sharing of knowledge.
“I’d like to be able to contribute to the growth of the coaching community in Québec. As a snowboard coach myself, I sometimes felt isolated in my corner, and I would have appreciated a support network outside conventional training. I’d like to create that environment for our coaches,” explained Brian Smith.
Louis Bourgeois, Regional Junior Development
A member of the PGA of Canada for 26 years, a trainer for the organization’s education programs and a certified development coach, Louis Bourgeois was honoured as the 2024 Coach of the Year by the PGA of Québec. It is with this wealth of experience that he joins the Golf Québec coaching team.
“My early years as a professional revolved around competition, and the experience I’d gained as a player prompted me to share it with golfers. I discovered a great passion for teaching, which has since become my main occupation in golf,” says Louis Bourgeois.
His role as Regional Junior Development Coordinator will be to support the regional coaches, with whom he will ensure succession through junior events and tournaments.
“I want to help find solutions and succeed, with Golf Québec, in building a delegation. I’d like to help more young people achieve their goals and reach the highest levels of golf.”
Gabriel Massé-Barbeau, Teaching Programs
Having played several sports in his youth, Gabriel Massé-Barbeau made a more serious commitment to golf at the age of 16, when he joined the Sport-études golf program in Boucherville. He went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in health and physical education, and a master’s degree in physical activity sciences focusing on research on proprioception in golf athletes.
In his new role at Golf Québec, Gabriel aims to put team spirit first as head of teaching programs.
“As golf is an individual sport, we underestimate the power of being part of a group or team to push each other. I want to bring this culture to the Québec team. I also believe that my long-term vision for the development of golf in our province is different and ambitious. I’m a people person, so I can’t wait to start this new project with my new team. I’d like to thank Golf Québec for their vote of confidence in me,” shared Gabriel Massé-Barbeau.
Gabriel will be on the field at major Québec team competitions during the summer. He will also be responsible for projects aimed at modernizing and creating documentation that can be easily read and used to help coaches, instructors, and parents accompanying young athletes.
“I want to create a strong sense of belonging to the Québec team. I want young athletes to be proud to be part of this group, and for this pride to be transformed into confidence on the course. My first objective is to facilitate the work of coaches and instructors in their practice by having easily usable resources to help young golfers progress according to their age,” he added.
Daniel Langevin, Head Coach of the Sport-études golf program
Daniel Langevin has been the driving force behind the Sport-études golf program for many years and is as enthusiastic as ever about leading the program.
“I’ve been running this project for 20 years. We’ve gone from 40 student-athletes in 4 regions to 150 student-athletes in 12 regions. It’s a challenge I’m proud to have met. In the years to come, I hope to continue working with Golf Québec to ensure the program’s continuity,” says Daniel Langevin.
In the coming weeks, two women will also be joining the team. The names of these two passionate female coaches, who will play a key role in the development of women’s golf in Québec and inspire the next generation of golfers, will be unveiled soon!
About Golf Québec – Initiate passions, build dreams
Founded in 1920, Golf Québec is the provincial sport federation whose mission is to increase participation in golf, to develop excellence in golf, and to promote and govern the game of golf. Golf Québec provides discovery and introduction programs such as First Tee – Premier départ Québec as well as core services such as the Rules of Golf, Course Ratings, World Handicap System, Sport-études golf, and the Québec Golf Hall of Fame. In addition, Golf Québec conducts regional and provincial championships to bring the local golf enthusiasts to surpass themselves and eventually reach the upper spheres of professional tours. For more information, please visit https://www.golfquebec.org.
Media contact:
Patrice Clément
Sport Development Director
pclement@golfquebec.org
514 252-3345, ext. 3397
Émilie Bérubé
Marketing and Communications Director
eberube@golfquebec.org
514 252-3345, ext. 3393