Two-Man Race
This past June in Calgary at the PGA Championship of Canada presented by Mr. Lube and sponsored by TaylorMade-adidas Golf, the pair met in the semi-finals. Laporte won the match 3&2 and on his way to the championship’s title.
It was just one highlight finish of many for the pair this year.
Clapp’s season included wins at the PGA of BC Assistants’ and Zone Championship as well as a T2 at the PGA Assistants’ Championship of Canada presented by Titleist & FootJoy. In addition to his win in Calgary, Laporte had a sixth place finish at his Zone Championship in his home zone of Quebec.
So, it’s no surprise the 2012 Mike Weir Player of the Year Award has come down to the wire between the two.
Heading into the final national championship of the year—the Titleist & FootJoy Club Pro Championship of Canada at PGA Village in Port St. Lucie, Fla., which is open to head professionals and head teaching professionals—Clapp leads the player of the year race with 100 points. However, Laporte lurks not far behind with 92 points and he’s in the field next week.
Breaking it down, if Laporte finishes T5 or better he’ll win the player of the year. If he finishes outside the top five, Clapp earns the award.
The player of the year is awarded to the member who attains the most points based on the criteria within the PGA of Canada Player Rankings for the calendar year of the award.
“I’m not really worried about finishing in the top five because I’m quite comfortable with my game and I think I’m going to win in Florida,” the lighthearted Laporte says.
However, Laporte’s last three finishes on the Wanamaker Course at PGA Golf Club indicate he could be in for a tough week. He finished 12th in 2010, 10th in 2009 and 11th in 2008. But the Montcalm Club de Golf’s head professional says he feels confident about his game this year.
“The Wanamaker is like Country Hills in Calgary,” Laporte says. “You need to hit good tee shots, avoid bunkers and putt great.”
While Laporte holds his fate I his own hands, Clapp can only watch and wait to see how it all plays out.
“Oh yeah, I’ll be following along on Twitter,” Clapps says. “Whatever ends up happening, I’ve had a pretty good year and I’m proud about that.”
The Titleist & FootJoy PGA Club Professional Championship of Canada takes place Nov. 18-21 at the PGA Golf Club’s Wanamaker Course. The 94-player field will be cut to the low 70-players (and ties) after completion of the second round.
For first and second tee times, CLICK HERE.
To follow the Titleist & FootJoy PGA Club Professional Championship of Canada online throughout tournament week, visit the PGA of Canada’s Twitter feed, YouTube channel, FaceBook page and website.