Laurence Applebaum doesn’t move. In his “Vision 2032”, the Big Boss of Golf Canada wants 30 of his professionals to establish themselves at the two largest golf tournaments in the world, the PGA and the LPGA, over the next 10 years. And Quebecers will one day have to move forward on these great stages.

As he reviewed the field at the Canadian Women’s Open earlier last week and saw 19 Maple Leaf golfers including 12-year-old Lucy Lin and several young stars, he couldn’t help but smile and look to the future with optimism.

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Five of them took part in the weekend rounds. While Brooke Henderson was expected to hit the mark in her home region, it was young Maddie Szeryk and veteran Alena Sharp who stood out at Ottawa Hunt Golf Club.

Applebaum noted the presence of the four Quebecers, led by Maude-Aimée Leblanc, who recovered her smile.

talent in development

But the CEO would like to see more of the Belle Province, in both men and women. “I emphasize this element. I want to see Quebec golfers progress through the stages and reach the two biggest rounds. There are some big talents playing on the small circles. They have to go through that.”

Applebaum was referring in the men’s category to Joey Savoie, who is attracted to the PGA Tour Canada satellite, Étienne Papineau, who had the opportunity to compete in the Phoenix Open at the PGA last winter, and a handful Beacons of hope developing the American college ranks.

Savoie is 25th overall in the Canadian season with a top 10 on the clock. Meanwhile, Papineau is in 36th place.

For the women, he noticed the excitement around Leblanc in Ottawa and he sees Sarah-Ève Rhéaume and Brigitte Thibault establishing themselves on the grand circuit. At least he hopes so.

“The advance is high among the boys,” he recalled, dismissing the case of Ontario’s Taylor Pendrith, who had risen to the PGA by burning down the smaller circuits. We think a Quebecer will prevail, but it’s a matter of time and consistency.

Encouraging results

20 golfers represented the country at the Canadian Open at St-Georges Golf Club last June. None of them were from Quebec. There were three at the last edition in 2019.

No Quebecer has ever made it onto the PGA Tour.

Applebaum therefore hopes that the trend will change in the next decade.

“We have so many good things happening at all levels of football right now,” he said, referring to the national team’s various results. Recent performances are definitely encouraging.”

At all levels, 15 provincial golfers wear the colors of the 58-member national team.

Ready for any eventuality

The least we can say is that things are moving fast on the professional golf landscape this summer with the arrival of the controversial LIV Golf League.

The Canadian Open men could benefit from the changes announced by PGA Commissioner Jay Monahan last Wednesday.

It will shortly announce the identity of the four additional tournaments that will appear on the list of 12 major events that will bring together the best golfers of the 2023 season. Each of his tournaments will feature $20 million in prize money.

The Canadian classic

We’re hearing across branches that this announcement could happen in three weeks time during the Presidents Cup in Quail Hollow.

The Canadian Open, the third oldest tournament in the world, could probably be identified in this list.

Presented by a main sponsor of the circuit, the Royal Bank of Canada, and a finalist for the title of Tournament of the Year in 2019, the National Open could also win that award in 2022.

Golf Canada is prepared for any eventuality.

“We are constantly working with the circuit to get our tournament in the best positions,” emphasized CEO Laurence Applebaum. We want to compete with other national championships. We aim to be among the world leaders in attracting players and enabling them to deliver spectacular performances at an important event.

Don’t worry

Elsewhere, when asked to comment on the big changes in the golfing world this summer and the Saudis’ astronomical handout of money, Applebaum said he wasn’t worried about Canada’s elite golfers.

“We have not taken a position on this because none of our players have approached us to discuss an offer. We can only offer them our support. They make their own decisions. We are partners of the PGA Tour.”

The time will surely come when Golf Canada will have to take a stand given that many of its golfers are achieving success and the organization is involved in both the PGA Tour and the LPGA Tour.

The LPGA commissioner had also said she was open to talks with the Saudis if they approached her circle.