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Montréal, June 27, 2023 – Olivier Ménard (Québec team/Summerlea) experienced two emotional days at the Alexander of Tunis presented in collaboration with belairdirect at the Royal Ottawa Golf Club, in Gatineau. Despite several interruptions, a first round that was split over two days, and a second round that was cut short, Ménard managed to keep a cool head and win this first leg of the men's Triple Crown.

 

On Monday, the 23-year-old was unable to complete his first round as he was slowed down by the numerous suspensions of play due to the weather. However, he had no complaints about the situation, and was able to take some time to rest before teeing off for his second round.

 

"We had a lot of interruptions and we had to deal with the rain. In the end, I think I was lucky to finish my second round today (Tuesday). I played well at the beginning of the day and then I fell behind," said Ménard.

 

It was only early on Tuesday morning that Ménard was able to complete his first round with an excellent score of -5 (66), three shots ahead of his closest challengers Jayson Ross (Ottawa Hunt & Golf Club) and Brendan Kuffner (Royal Ottawa Golf Club).

 

Yet, the job was not over for Olivier Ménard, who had to get back on the course quickly for the second round. That short break was not as effective for the eventual winner, who did not play up to his expectations when the action resumed.

 

"It was more difficult at the beginning of the second round. I really didn't get off to a good start and it took me a while to adjust. Fortunately, I was able to do it just in time and finish strongly," he explained.

 

Unfortunately, the bad weather returned during the second round when thunderstorms were in the vicinity of the host club. Activities were officially suspended after the ninth hole. Although the second round did not go as well as he would have liked, Olivier Ménard carded a +1 (36) on the front nine for a total of (-4) 102 en route to victory.

 

"I'm really happy. This is probably my last season as an amateur golfer. I'm happy to add another trophy to my collection. It gives me confidence for the rest of the season and gives me a boost.

 

Mathieu Lafontaine (Summerlea) and Émile Lebrun (Club Laval-sur-le-Lac) tied for second at 1 (105).

 

Ménard is a member of the Québec team, which has enabled him to benefit from a number of services over the last few months. It's an advantage that certainly helped him win in Ottawa.

 

"With all the support that we have with the Québec team, it certainly makes a difference. I've clearly benefited from it since last winter and I took full advantage today," he concluded.

 

On July 3 and 4, Olivier Ménard will attempt to join a select group of players and become the 12th in history to win two legs of the Triple Crown in the same season, when the Golf Québec will present the Duke of Kent at the Royal Québec Golf Club.

 

 

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 the main provincial events.

 

 

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For more than 60 years, belairdirect has been providing complete car and home insurance solutions direct to the consumer. Belairdirect also provides insurance for motorcycles and off-road vehicles. Products are available in Québec, Ontario, the Maritimes, Alberta, and British Columbia. Belairdirect pushes boundaries by offering inventive products like The Accident Forgiveness. Today, the insurance company offers multiple services on the web to help consumers compare and choose a car and home insurance that’s right for them.

 

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/.

 

 

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, 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

 

Diane Bruneau, Competition Coordinator

514 252-3345, ext. 3395; Cell.: 514 809-3053 – dbruneau@golfquebec.org

 

Émilie Bérubé, Marketing, Communications, and Business Partnerships Manager

514 252-3345, ext. 3393; Cell.: 514 463-5229 – eberube@golfquebec.org