We cannot say that the COVID episode is over, but through restrictions and obstacles, golf has regained its letters of mutual aid, of solidarity.
The major tournaments resumed after two disastrous years for the organizations that had raised millions of dollars over the summers for hospitals, research, young people or those in need.
Richard Beaudry (no link), organizer of many of these big events, confirms: “Yes, the big tournaments are 100% back and everyone is happy about it, even if it is crowded”. The pandemic had literally cut off supplies.
The Fondation Bon Départ (Canadian Tire), the CHUM, the University of Sherbrooke students and others like the Sainte-Justine Hospital are among those who benefit the most, and it’s not nothing, it’s millions of dollars at stake. Dozens of charity omniaries take place in all regions of Quebec and your attendance is essential.
That puts an end to the days of lunches in a little cardboard box, eliminated or isolated cocktails and limited number dinners, while evenings of silent auctions and live auctions are back for the benefit of so many in need.
It should also be remembered that ten years ago the Charbonneau Commission had damaged these great charity tournaments. Some testimonies that revealed somewhat overly close ties between government officials and generous business owners had dampened enthusiasm and alienated even donors and philanthropists.
HEALTH AND GOLF
Golfers are individually rediscovering their good old habits. There are no more dividers in the carts, you can grab and remove the flagpole at will, and with a little restraint you can elbow or fist bump after a good birdie.
For the past two years, golfers have been plentiful on the courses, but they left as soon as the game was over. No beer and/or dinner at the club. It was closed most of the time.
Today, like many other areas, we are understaffed, but we are coping by doubling our efforts, knowing that operations are seasonal and we must seize the opportunity when it is over. The summer is favorable for the quality of the soil for golf. The reasons are all very nice and the industry has once again become teeming and indirectly generous, altruistic. When the news is good, it should be told. And happy golfing!
From the enclave
Archive photo, Martin Chevalier
The Canadiens’ assistant coach, Stéphane Robidas
- Stephane Robidas comes behind the Canadiens bench while his son Justin will go to camp with the Carolina Hurricanes, who drafted him last year. Justin, a center player, was a junior at Val-d’Or and was born in Texas, where his father was playing at the time.
- Three Canadians are among the 10 strongest men in the world: Mitchell Hooper (Barrie, Ontario) Maxim Boudreault (a Franco-Ontarian) and Gabriel Rheaume (from Quebec).
- nope, Josh Anderson of the Canadiens is not Pete Mahovlich’s nephew, but there is a connection nonetheless. Anderson’s mother is Big Pete’s cousin.
- That International crossing of Lac St-Jean is considered the sixth toughest sporting event in the world.
- Which is the only NHL team to place the “C” for captain or the “A” for assistant on the right side? The answer below.
- The Florida Panthers’ first-ever captain came from Montreal in 1993. Brian Skrudland. Did you know? The Panthers’ very first general manager was… Bobby Clarke, and it lasted a little over a year.
- Martin Saint Louis is the 13th coach of the Canadians since they last won the Stanley Cup in 1993. KentHughes is the sixth managing director since Serge Savard.
- We await the arrival of with impatience and enthusiasm Jacques Villeneuve for the Trois-Rivières Grand Prix, also known as “Mini-Monaco”, which celebrates its 55th anniversary this year.
- Did you know ? In college the Pope Francis loved to play basketball and still follows his compatriot Lionel Messi in football at Paris Saint-Germain.
- The Mirage’s ex-chef, Mario Julien is now at Assumption Golf Club.
- Answers. The Detroit Red Wings jersey has the letters “C” and “A” on the right.
