Dessureault aims to lead golf team in final year

After a surprising return to McMaster, Nicolas Dessureault will be completing his final year on the McMaster golf team as he looks to help his teammates and finish strong

During his time at McMaster, Nicolas Dessureault has been a key figure on the McMaster men’s golf team. One of his most notable moments was his performance in the team’s 2022 Ontario University Athletics title win, which saw him shoot much under par helping his team to secure the title.

As Dessureault finished his fifth year of undergraduate studies last year he was unsure of whether he would be returning to McMaster. But the 2024 golf season has seen him return to OUA golf, in his sixth and final year of eligibility. 

“So I'm in my sixth year at McMaster, so I did 5 years in undergrad. I did finance with the commerce program and then now I'm doing a one-year master's in financial math. Quite an old guy on the team.” said Dessureault.

The team has also acquired a new head coach. Long time coach John Najev stepped down at the beginning of the season with Ben McFaul replacing him. “We actually have a new coach as well. The players and the coach are kind of asking me a lot of questions, looking for guidance there, which I am happy to provide,” said Dessureault.

As Dessureault has settled into this season, he has already made a great performance. He helped the team secure a medal at a Queen’s University showcase, where the team finished in third place overall. Individually, he completed the course at a par of 70 strokes, tying for third place with three other golfers.

Along with Dessureault's veteran skills, there is returning player Matthew Martel alongside him who played with Dessureault last year. Other new and returning players have stepped up this current season.

“There's just so many good players. I think Liam Fernie is a good guy. I think he's one of the guys I can step up in, especially from a leadership standpoint. He's in his second year so he's got a couple more years on the team and I really like his attitude. But you know, there's a good group,” said Dessureault.

As the team continues with their season, they will participate in the Guelph Gryphon's invitational on Sept. 28 before attending the OUA championships from Oct. 4 until Oct. 6.

“This is one where you kind of would like to perform well and would love to win it [the OUA championship] again, but obviously the goal there for us right now I think is just to be what makes nationals. That's the main goal,” said Dessureault.

Along with having aspiring to make this year’s national tournament, Dessureault wants to leave his teammates with wisdom he's gained over his years of playing golf for McMaster.

 “I think what I want to leave is, and kind of how I played the last couple years, is just I want to just make sure you have fun. You're here to have fun, don't take it too seriously. Obviously try your best but really have fun and enjoy the moment. It's my last year and before I know it, it's going to be done and it'll be September next year, and I'm going to remember the days when I was playing OUA golf, and now I'm not,” said Dessureault. 

Before Dessureault can fully reminisce on his McMaster golf career, he will have to compete in the OUA championships. He aims to capture another OUA title, rounding out a great career at McMaster.