News

The Québec Golf Federation (Golf Québec) is celebrating the International Volunteer Day
by honouring Denis Laplante as its 2025 Volunteer of the Year.

Montréal, December 5, 2025 - In providing its services, Golf Québec relies on a large number of dedicated volunteers, some of whom have acquired certifications specific to their role, such as those who work on course ratings.

This year, Golf Québec would like to highlight Denis Laplante's exceptional work as a course rater and as a team leader.

A former police officer and certified course rater since 2022, Denis emphasized the importance of fostering a sense of belonging among our volunteers. Based on this recommendation, a private Facebook group was created to facilitate exchanges between course raters across de province, promote best practices, support training initiatives, and reinforce the desire to doing things well.

On the course, Denis is a true team catalyst. His impeccable work ethic and methodology set the tone, yet he still manages to ensure that the fun never stops. As a leader keen to help his team to get better, he never hesitates to openly ask questions and share his observations so that the moment becomes a learning opportunity for everyone.

One of Denis' greatest strengths is his respectful and inclusive attitude towards everyone – whether staff at the clubs we visit, fellow volunteers or golfers we meet on the courses.

“He is the perfect example of someone who makes people appreciate Golf Québec after a visit,” said Maxime Desjardins, Golf Canada's Regional Director for Québec and former Golf Québec Course Rating and Handicap Coordinator. “I have fond memories with Denis, such as a trip to Abitibi, where we took part in the Men's Night at the Club de Golf Municipal Dallaire after rating the course in fishermen's raincoats because of the torrential rains.”

“He's one of the most available volunteers on our team,” said Francis-Elliot Denis, Course Rating and Handicap Coordinator. “No matter which club I visit or how far I travel, I can always count on his support.”

Beyond his remarkable volunteer commitment, Denis is also a devoted family man. His daughter, Emma, will undoubtedly be proud of her dad!

In recognition of his contribution to our course rating services, his work ethic, his unending availability and his positive attitude, Denis will be awarded the 2025 Volunteer of the Year plaque.

About Golf Québec – Initiate passions, build dreams

Founded in 1920, Golf Québec is the provincial sport federation whose mission is to increase participation in golf, to develop excellence in golf, and to promote and govern the game of golf. Golf Québec provides discovery and introduction programs such as First Tee – Premier départ Québec as well as core services such as the Rules of Golf, Course Ratings, World Handicap System, Sport-études golf, and the Québec Golf Hall of Fame. In addition, Golf Québec conducts regional and provincial championships to bring the local golf enthusiasts to surpass themselves and eventually reach the upper spheres of professional tours. For more information, please visit https://www.golfquebec.org.

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Source:

Jean-Pierre Beaulieu, Executive Director

514 252-3345, ext. 3745 - golfquebec@golfquebec.org