"When You’re Smiling, the Whole World Smiles With You"
- Mathieu Lafontaine

Graham Cooke Junior Invitational - Get the complete results

Bromont, August 21, 2022 – A crazy day awaited Mathieu Lafontaine (Summerlea/Team Canada) on Sunday at the Graham Cooke Junior Invitational at Golf Château-Bromont. After a nearly hour-long delay due to thunderstorms, Lafontaine hit the final putt of his junior career, assisted by several friends and family members who had gathered around the 18th green with flashlights to counteract the deepening darkness.

In the last tournament of his junior career, Mathieu Lafontaine posted a -5 (139) to wrap up a weekend he will remember for a long time.

"This medal means a lot to me. I'm super happy to win my last junior tournament, it's so special," he said.

Despite all the obstacles that got in his way during the day, Mathieu Lafontaine never gave up and, more importantly, never lost his smile.

"I had just gained momentum just before the storm. It was really hard to get back into the game. I was starting to lose my balls in the dark. It was hard to get back on the 16th, which is one of the toughest holes on the course," added Lafontaine.

"I was told at the beginning of the weekend 'when you’re smiling, the whole world smiles with you'. I really applied that philosophy during the tournament and it was extremely positive for me."

Félix Bouchard (Vallée du Richelieu/Team Canada) also had a great day on Sunday, shooting a -5 (67) for a cumulative score of -4 (140) to move up to second place. Anthony Jomphe (Chicoutimi) took third place with a par (144).

Justine Emond Is Getting Used to Winning

Justine Emond (Le Blainvillier) enjoyed her victory last Wednesday at the Junior Match Play Championship so much that she decided to do it again this Sunday at the Graham Cooke Junior Invitational where she was crowned once again champion.

Emond shot a round of 72 on Saturday to build a solid lead heading into the second and final round. The Saint-Jérôme native built on that momentum on Sunday with a round of 77 to secure her second win of the week with a cumulative score of +5 (149).

"After the Match Play Championship, I knew I was going to be able to play well for a second straight tournament. I started the tournament well with an eagle on the first hole on Saturday and finished with my best round ever. That is a mission accomplished," said a delighted Emond.

Unaware that she was ahead by eight strokes on the 18th, on Sunday, Justine Emond was very nervous when she reached the last green. When the ball struck the bottom of the cup, a huge sense of relief washed over her.

"I didn't know what would happen if I missed my roll on the 18th, I was shaking so much because of the stress. When everyone started cheering, I knew I had won and I was really relieved," she explained.

Boudreau and Ricketts Prevail in the Bantam Division

Charlotte Boudreau (Île de Montréal) is another player who experienced success during the 2022 season. The Graham Cooke Junior Invitational was no exception for her as she finished the weekend with a +8 (152) score.

"Yesterday (Saturday) everything was going really well. Even when I made mistakes, the ball was still well placed. Even my putting was good and I'm really proud of that, because the greens are tough here. I'm really happy," said Boudreau.

Even with several victories under her belt, Charlotte Boudreau admits that her gold medal at the Graham Cooke Junior Invitational is very special to her.

"This medal is really important, and I am so proud to have taken it. Last year I finished second and there was no way I was going to do that again," she added.

In the boys' bantam category, Oscar Ricketts (Beaconsfield) had a great day on Saturday finishing at -2 (70). Ricketts was consistent on Sunday as he cruised to victory with a cumulative -1 (143).

"I'm really happy, I played really well. I was hitting the ball the right way and the putts were going in. It's one of those days where everything works and you enjoy it," commented the winner.

Ricketts was also pleased to share the final round with Charly Pinel (Royal Québec) who was a strong opponent. Pinel finished in second place, just behind Ricketts, with a total of +3 (147).

"It was really nice to play with Charly. His first hole wasn't the best, but he played flawlessly afterwards. It was motivating to be with him".

After Doran "Duke" Doucet's induction dinner on August 25 at Summerlea Golf Club, the Golf Québec team will turn its attention to the Junior Inter-Regional Championship to be held on August 27 in Cornwall.

Many Thanks to Our Partners

In 2022, Golf Québec is proud to count on the collaboration of belairdirect for the presentation of the Men's and Women's Provincial Tours. In addition, the Golf Québec volunteers, referees, and employees will be dressed by adidas throughout the golf season. Competitors will not be forgotten as TaylorMade will supply them with the official TP5 and TP5X golf balls in the main provincial events.

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 and develop excellence. 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, 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.

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Sources:

François Roy, Assistant Executive Director
Philanthropy, sponsorships, and communications
514 252-3345, ext. 3392; Cell.: 514 349-4653 – froy@golfquebec.org

Sandrine Bigras, Competition Coordinator
514 252-3345, ext. 3396; Cell.: 514 560-7699 – sbigras@golfquebec.org

Émilie Bérubé, Marketing, Communications and Business Partnerships Manager
Cell.: 514 463-5229 – eberube@golfquebec.org