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There are many uncontrollable in this present life and I must constantly adapt. Several tournaments were cancelled and moved which always leaves us in uncertainty. So, thank you Mr. Legault for finally allowing me to play my sport in less than a week! I look forward to a ‘’sort of’’ normalcy. In addition, it will give me an additional reason if I find myself in the wood after a bad tee shot: “I protect myself guys, I aimed there to stay at 2 meters, what did you guys think…”

Since April 13, I am back in Quebec and I made my mandatory 14-day quarantine in the apartment left vacant by my aunt Claire. How fortunate to have such a generous and accommodating family. Since that time, my practice has largely been done indoors. It’s too bad because the temperature was so hot and sunny…

For safety reasons and a big push from my national team coaches, I decided to return to Quebec. The situation in Arizona where I practice this winter was under control. The golf courses were opened with several sanitary precautions to prevent the spread of the virus. However, I felt that returning to Canada probably was safer.

The Governor of Arizona considered the practice of golf to be “essential to well-being.” In short, I could continue practicing my sport. However, my qualification for the Mackenzie Tour-PGA TOUR Canada, which I was preparing for, was cancelled. This was not a big surprise, we had to expect it. However, we do not know when, where and even how it will unfold. To be continued…

This is in addition to the cancellation of my qualification for the PGA TOUR-China in March. The global domino effect of this damn virus has far exceeded what was envisaged. My skills in managing uncertainty in times of crisis have been put to the test. One of the slogans on Team Canada is “learn to be comfortable being uncomfortable.” Every athlete must learn to accept the uncontrollable and focus on what he can control! In this case, I could putt on a small mat, work on my grip, train physically hard and intelligently, and then improve some mental aspects such has managing my emotions and my anxiety.

The COVID-19 is a golden opportunity to work on the technical and physical elements of my game in an uncomfortable situation. Astronaut Chris Hadfield gave a Zoom Lecture to all Canadian athletes to guide and encourage us. Since he explained to us his isolation of 6 months in space and his extremely difficult preparation to do this feat, I relativized my experience. For example, Chris spent two weeks in a single, isolated submarine to improve his management in times of crisis and tremendous stress. You know what, two months in his house taking care of his dog and doing push-ups, it’s not that unpleasant…

We keep morale! I have a family that helps each other and parents who let their 25-year-old son live in their house. I don’t know what I would do without them. I’m not complaining, and I keep smiling. Financially, I have a few sponsors and members of Pinegrove who helped me last year and continue to support me. But we are ready to resume the adventure.

Here we go again my friends! #may20th

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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!

Joey Savoie

Yves Deschamps and Anne Poulin. Two friends who have been there from the beginning.

Pebble Beach with my parents and Yves Deschamps.

The Grove Country Club. My second home in Tennessee.

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