A memorable week for Quebec golf came to a fitting conclusion Sunday as Joey Savoie and Étienne Papineau, longtime friends and fellow Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu natives, both secured Korn Ferry Tour membership for 2027.
The final piece fell into place at the season-ending Dominican Republic Tour Championship, where Savoie delivered when it mattered most. Starting the week outside the projected promotion spots, the 32-year-old finished with a five-under 67 to win the championship at 14-under par. The victory vaulted him eight places in the season-long standings, moving him to fourth and comfortably inside the top 10 that earned Korn Ferry Tour status.
For Papineau, the week capped a remarkable comeback season. The Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu native had already secured Korn Ferry Tour status for 2027 after victories at the Osprey Valley Open and Digital Commerce Group Open, finishing third in the season-long standings.
Papineau and Savoie were the only players to record two victories apiece on PGA TOUR Americas this season, underscoring their impact on the circuit from start to finish. Savoie’s season-opening victory in May, combined with his season-ending triumph, ultimately propelled him into the promotion positions.
Both players also have longstanding ties to Golf Canada’s Team Canada program. Étienne Papineau has been a member of the national squad since 2020, first as an amateur and later as a professional, while Joey Savoie was part of the program from 2018 to 2024. Their promotions also mark a special moment for Quebec golf, as two Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu natives and Pinegrove Country Club products prepare to compete together on the Korn Ferry Tour in 2027.
Ahead of the season finale, Papineau said he hoped he and his childhood friend would be celebrating Korn Ferry Tour cards together by Sunday evening. Thanks to Savoie’s charge to victory in the Dominican Republic, that wish became reality, and they now take another significant step toward their goal of reaching the PGA Tour.
