I have been waiting a long time to make the official announcement about my decision to turn professional. Many people asked me: why did you wait this long?
For people who know me, they know I like to take my time with big decisions and wait for the right moment even in this case where it seemed almost inevitable that I would become a professional golfer one day. After all, it has been my dream since my junior years at Pinegrove.
Me at 12 years old.
Nonetheless, I felt I needed to meet three requirements before turning pro: prove to myself that I have the potential to play with the elite; have the conviction that I am ready to commit heart and soul to reach the goal and finally, feel that I can get the necessary financial support to allow me to give it my all and rise to the challenge.
Concerning my potential, I think my last 3 years as an amateur golfer allowed me to objectively see the goal as more tangible and to really believe in myself. I played in two RBC Canadian Opens, in one of which I actually beat many PGA Tour golfers including Bubba Watson, Kevin Kisner and Brooks Koepka. Moreover, I was able to recognize that my progression was constant when I made it inside the top 25 in the World Amateur Golf Ranking, a first for Quebec golf. Sure there have been plenty of ups and downs, great experiences as well as disappointments, but the results obtained allow me to believe that I can make it happen as I think I haven’t reached my full potential yet.
My Coach Daniel Langevin at the RBC Canadian Open 2019.
Regarding the second criteria, I really took a deep dive within myself: am I ready to commit and continue to put in all the efforts to live my passion? We have a saying on the national team: “leave no stone unturned.” Thus, I had to make sure I was still 100% committed to making the necessary sacrifices to reach my goals. The decision I reached rather quickly was unequivocal. At 25 years old, I am ready to make that commitment to myself, to my team of coaches as well as to all those who put their trust in me and gave me their support. Honestly, it has been on my mind for quite some time but now, I am convinced more than ever.
As for the third requirement and not the least, I have the honour of being a member at Pinegrove Golf and Country Club, an amazing golf club where I have met people who want to help me succeed. Particularly in the last five years, I have had tremendous support from many individuals at the club and elsewhere, many of whom are some of my favorite people and they contributed this year to the success of my annual fundraiser last October. In fact, it was during the event that I received the commitment from Biron Health Group that they would sponsor me (news flash!) and provide me the honour of associating their name to mine. In fact, Biron is the first company to become involved in such a way and I could not be more proud since Biron is a true Quebec flagship company with outstanding core values, values that I also see in myself. I also just received the support of Levelwear, a great Canadian golf clothing company and am in the process of finalizing a deal with a major golf equipment company. Finally, I recently received a call from Derek Ingram, the national golf team coach, confirming that I have been selected on the Team Canada young professional squad. With all this in place, I can now count on the financial support needed to launch my professional career and that is why I feel completely ready to make the move and confident it will work out.
Geneviève Biron. President of Biron Co.
Derek Ingram. Coach of Team Canada.
Yes, being a professional golfer requires making many sacrifices and yes the path to make it on the PGA Tour is uncertain, with challenges and obstacles along the way. It is indeed a huge mountain to climb. But I am truly ready to give it my best shot.
Thanks to my family, friends and everyone who support me.
Let’s make it happen!