Even though he has lived in the United States for 30 years playing the most beautiful golf courses on the PGA circuit, Quebec caddy Julien Trudeau is living something of a dream this week at Royal Montreal. Carrying the bag of Canadian Mackenzie Hughes in his native region to the prestigious Presidents Cup tournament, he savors a unique experience in his own way.
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“My dream would have been to play in this tournament. I had this ambition. Now it’s my second dream. I help a Canadian to live his life,” he admitted in an interview with The JournalThursday evening after the first day of competition.
This isn’t the first time he’s dabbled in the world of the Presidents Cup. In 2013, he participated alongside his boss, Canadian Graham DeLaet, in Muirfield Village in Ohio. They had won three of the five matches.
This time, the native of Saint-Lambert arrived at home. But it would be wrong to claim that he knows the “Blue Course” like the back of his hand. It’s quite the opposite for someone who grew up walking the paths of the Richelieu Valley.
“I know all the PGA Tour courses more than this one,” he laughed. The last time I came there was during the Canadian Open in 2014 with Graham [DeLaet]. When I arrived at the beginning of the week, I learned to figure it out, because I only remembered a few holes.”
Photo provided by BERNARD BRAULT
First release
In his first five days on the Île-Bizard property this week, he scribbled and filled his notebook with notes to help Hughes in his first game on Friday, along with the other Canadian, Corey Conners.
A pair meant to play together. Great friends, Conners and Hughes are graduates of the Kent States University golf program. And Trudeau has known Conners’ junior, Danny Sahl, for more than 20 years.
“On Tuesday, we remembered when we played the Canadian circuit tournaments across the street at Saint-Raphaël,” he said with pleasure. It’s incredible to relive all of that this week.”
For the occasion, Trudeau is obviously surrounded by his family. His mother, living nearby in Kentucky, accompanies him, as do his brother, living in Los Angeles, his sisters and family members who are still in Quebec.
“Let’s just say I burned through a lot of airline rewards points to get this whole gang here. These are exciting times for everyone, for Mac and for me.”
Long list
Rolling his hump in the brotherhood of elite professional golf cadets for nearly 15 years, Trudeau has savored the experiences. The Masters, the American and British Opens, among others.
Photo provided by BERNARD BRAULT
Where can he put this Presidents Cup in his list of achievements?
“It’s difficult because I’m going to be fair to Graham. What he did to make the team in 2013 was quite an accomplishment. But the fact that this tournament is in Montreal, with captain Mike Weir and two other Canadians, it revolves around the top of the list, he exclaimed.
“The ultimate experience would have been playing.”
Trudeau, however, dreams with his eyes wide open.
A call and tears
A call from his boss Mackenzie Hughes in the third week of August will stay with him forever. A week before making captain Mike Weir’s six discretionary choices official, Hughes learned that he would participate in the Presidents Cup adventure. Then, he announced it to his younger brother Julien Trudeau the next day.
Photo provided by BERNARD BRAULT
On the other end of the line: “Jules, will you be free in the last week,” Hughes asked. We would go to Montreal.”
“Then he started crying. I know he was ready to live this adventure to the fullest,” said the Ontarian, touched by the significance of the moment.
“My 5-year-old daughter asked me why I was crying and if I was correct,” added Trudeau, a tremor in his voice as he relived the emotional moment.
“They were tears of joy. I was so happy for Mac, he continued. When we started working together in November 2023, there were very big circles around the date of the Presidents Cup on our calendar. Around the Masters and the Tour Championship too.
“But I think he would have traded any of those appearances to make this international team at home and try to win this cup with Weir as captain. All the stars were aligned.”
Two notable tournaments
The cadet also remembered his debut with his new boss in November 2023. He had an agreement to carry his bag during two tournaments. Afterwards, they would reevaluate their work. However, Hughes finished in the top 10 both times, even taking second place at one of the tournaments.
“We both agreed to continue,” he exclaimed.
Photo provided by BERNARD BRAULT
“But that’s also how my career started with Graham [DeLaet] in 2013, he added. We had a three-week agreement and we re-evaluated by continuing our work for years.
Twelve years later and having carried several bags, Trudeau is still on the PGA Tour. He approaches each work week like his first, with as much passion, rigor and seriousness.
“I trust him completely. He is a real asset for me and the team. He does a great job. He became a friend, said Hughes, proud to have him by his side. I know that this experience in his native region is special for him.
To think that this whole adventure started with a short two-week contract…
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