A fresh new project often stems from a need for change. But before we could spark the transformations we wanted to see, we knew we had to deep dive into the system itself. Last winter, that’s exactly what we did when we sat down with Golf Québec to share ideas and find ways to collaborate.
We met a young and dynamic team and immediately clicked with two people in particular: Émeraude and Patrice.
Recap of the first of many incredible summers together.
Émeraude Beaupré Ayotte and Patrice Clément of Golf Québec
So, you and golf. A lot...passionately...to distraction?
Patrice: Golf is such an important part of my life. I started playing when I was 12, and now it’s my job. I’m at a point where I don’t have many opportunities to play, but when I do, I have a lot of fun.
Émeraude: I grew up playing a 9-hole course in Amos, and it felt like time always stood still there. Golf has always been an escape from all the city noise. I’ve been disappointed, frustrated and embarrassed out there, but there have also been so many memorable moments with my family.
Golf as a job sounds like a dream. What do you do at Golf Québec?
Patrice: I’ve been the director of development at Golf Québec since 2011. My job is to look at what we can do as a federation to encourage people to play at every level: discovery, initiation, recreation, competition and high performance.
I’ve been more focused on competitive and high-level golf: the sports-study programs and services for the most promising players and coaches. I also represent Golf Québec with the sport’s governing bodies and look for ways to help and support golfers at all levels. One of the constant challenges is securing the means to achieve our ambitions.
Émeraude: I’ve been a competitions coordinator for the past two years. No competition ever goes exactly to plan, so a big part of my job is finding solutions when something unexpected crops up. One thing’s for sure, though: tournament days always start very early and end very late. On the morning of a first round, things are always buzzing. There’s still dew on the green, players quietly start arriving, the officials hang out in the office with their cups of coffee and broad smiles and the volunteers patiently wait for instructions. It’s like a whirlwind. I never get tired of it, and it always makes me feel so happy and excited.
Émeraude, what keeps you motivated?
I want to see change and renew golf’s traditions. We’re living in a time when generations are struggling to understand each other and technologies and ideologies are evolving so quickly. I felt like I needed to work in my favourite sport because I believe in its long-term viability and in the positive effects it can have on players’ physical and mental health. I jumped on the opportunity to work at Golf Québec to create change and make my voice heard because I’m sure it resonates with a lot of players.
Patrice, as someone dedicated to the golf’s development, what’s your best advice for beginners?
I’d tell them to figure out what they like about golf—the aspects of the game that give them a reason to play again and again. What do you like most? What do you want to achieve? Do you want to learn? To improve and be a good golfer? Do you want to be part of a community and have that sense of belonging?
Choose what’s important to you. Is it the score? Is it hitting far? Is it the pre- or post-game activities? The outfits? The socialization? The competition?
Golf takes a fair amount of patience, time and humility. You can find a coach, a mentor or fellow player online, and that helps a lot when you’re just starting out. I think my most important piece of advice for a newbie is not to get bogged down by the technical stuff (unless that’s what you’re into). If anyone ever tells you that golf is a very technical sport, get out immediately!
We’ve had so many conversations about the future of golf. What’s your take on it?
Émeraude: More diverse golf communities, for sure. Especially by modernizing the sport’s traditions. And the environmental issues like adapting the course and course maintenance, for example. Above all, we have to collaborate with local partners and get everyone working towards the same mission!
Patrice: We need to support change through innovation and adaptation in keeping with golf’s fundamental values. It’s important to be part of the same golf development movement that’s all about enjoying the game.
What’s your go-to on the golf course and why?
Patrice: Definitely my DRIVER! For maximum power, you have to totally let go, and it’s so liberating. After impact, you savour the result by observing the ball’s trajectory. It doesn’t always go where you want it to, but you have to keep trying to get it to go further and further.
Émeraude: My putter! I’ve had the same one since I was 12, and it’s the club that’s given me the biggest adrenaline rush on the course! There’s no better feeling that surprising myself and hitting 40 feet. The putter requires accuracy, calm and concentration, and that’s a big part of what my game is about.
