News

Montréal, June 19, 2023 – Josh Mayo (Public golfer) and Noah Norton (Whitlock Golf & Country Club) kept the fun going at the inaugural Golf Québec Indigenous Championship presented in collaboration with belairdirect and in partnership with Club 24 on Monday at the Kanawaki Golf Club. In the men's amateur division, the two athletes were tied after 18 holes of regulation play, and it took another six holes for them to settle for victory.

In the end, Mayo came out on top, much to the applause of the other participants who stayed close to the 18th hole to witness Mayo and Norton's prowess. The overall winner was very emotional after his victory.

"I'm exhausted, but it's been a great day. I'm so happy to have experienced this tournament with Noah, a childhood friend. The people at Kanawaki Golf Club are so welcoming and it's a pleasure to have the first Indigenous Championship here," commented Josh Mayo after his victory.

"It's wonderful. I almost burst into tears after taking the title. I feel privileged to win this fabulous event," he added.

In the senior men's category, John Rice (Public golfer) literally crushed the competition, carding a +4 (74). Rice, who was also emotional, recalled many fond memories of his time at the Kanawaki Golf Club.

"I feel really good. This is the first edition of the event, so it's even more special. I'm sure we'll see more and more participants in future editions. I grew up on this course and it brings back a lot of memories, it's incredible," explained Rice.

Kahsennenhawe Sky-Deer Victorious on Her Home Course

Grand Council Chief of the Québec Mohawk Community of Kahnawake, Kahsennenhawe Sky-Deer (Caughnawaga Golf Club) once again made history on Monday by becoming amateur champion of the first Indigenous Championship.

After her victory, Kahsennenhawe Sky-Deer stressed the importance of this first event for all First Nations athletes.

"It wasn't my best day on the course, but I'm extremely honoured to have won the tournament. I'm really happy to see this Championship come here, it's an important event. Thank you to Golf Québec for making this day such a success. It was very important for me to be here today," she said.

Finally, in the senior women's category, Trisha Delormier (Caughnawaga Golf Club) took top honours with a score of +19 (93). Like the day's other winners, Delormier was delighted with the event.

"I couldn't believe it; I really didn't think I'd win. It was already a victory for me to take part in the Indigenous Championship. It's an incredible opportunity and it's a nice little bonus to have won. It was a perfect day," she said.

Four winners were also crowned in the net competition. Traci Martin (Caughnawaga Golf Club) in the amateur women's category, Arlene Delaronde (Caughnawaga Golf Club) in the senior women's division, Greg Gagné (Royal Québec) in the amateur men's category, and Barry Alfred (Public golfer) in the senior men's competition all took top honours on Monday.

The event was eagerly awaited by all the athletes taking part in it, and the Golf Québec team was just as excited at the prospect of organizing the first Indigenous Championship.

"Golf Québec is very proud to host this first Indigenous Championship at the Kanawaki Golf Club. It was important for us to organize this event to fulfill our mandate of diversity, inclusion, and equity, but also to make it a national competition," explained Sandrine Bigras, Competition Director at Golf Québec.

Ontario and British Columbia already hold similar championships, and Golf Québec's intention is that each province should follow suit, with the winners from each province meeting at a Canadian Indigenous Championship.

Golf Québec also received invaluable help in organizing the event from Club 24, an organization that works with young First Nations athletes.

"Club 24 helped us tremendously in recruiting volunteers for the day, but also in reaching out to a number of golfers for our first Indigenous Championship. We're very grateful for their involvement," said Sandrine Bigras.

"It was very important for us to contribute to this event. We wanted to showcase the talent of First Nations golfers in Québec. It's a great opportunity for all these athletes to become familiar with the Tour and improve their skills by playing with the best," added Kerry Goodleaf (Kanawaki Golf Club), President of Club 24.

The Golf Québec team will be back on the road on June 26 and 27 with the Alexander of Tunis at the Royal Ottawa Golf Club, the first leg of the men's Triple Crown. At the same time, the Debbie Savoy Morel Cup will be held at the Mount Bruno Golf Club.

Many Thanks to Our Partners

In 2023, 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 main provincial events.

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belairdirect is an online quote leader with numerous web-based tools to get quotes, including the 3-minute quote app (for car insurance). belairdirect is a subsidiary of Intact Financial Corporation. For more information, visit https://www.belairdirect.com/.

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 Director

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

Émilie Bérubé, Marketing, Communications, and Business Partnerships Manager