Golfer gets help from scholarship, assistance grant

Cadmus Delorme, an aspiring professional golfer, is hoping some rather lucrative paydays are in his future.
But for now, a total of $950 makes him rather happy.

That’s how much Delorme, a 29-year-old business student at Regina’s First Nations University of Canada, collectively won through a scholarship program and an athlete assistance fund provided by Golf Saskatchewan.
“It takes a weight off my shoulders,” said Delorme, who is from the Cowessess First Nation.  “Right now all I can think about is my expenses. This allows me to focus on my game instead of wondering how I’m going to pay for my next event.”

Delorme estimates it cost about $12,000 last year when he participated in 12 tournaments.

“Golfing in amateur events you’re not allowed to win any kind of money,” he added.  “But you spend, spend, spend (competing in events).”

Amateurs, however, are allowed to accept prizes from tournaments, as long as they do not exceed $999 in value.

Delorme has won his share of prizes, primarily golf clubs, bags and shirts.

“I win a lot of clubs,” he said.  “I usually end up selling them to friends and family.”

Delorme added trying to make it in golf has been a challenge for him as he does not come from a wealthy family.  His father Bruce is a politician and his mother Charlotte is a teacher. And Delorme is the youngest of 10 children.

“It’s really tough,” he said. “But my mom and dad help as much as they can and I can’t say enough about what they’ve done for me.”

 Saskatchewan Academic and Golf Excellence scholarships are awarded annually to high school and post-secondary school students based on academic excellence as well as golf achievements.

Golf Saskatchewan also annually awards athlete assistance grants. These help recipients cover expenses such as training costs, tuition fees and lost wages from competing at tournaments or attending training camps.
Delorme won $500 for his SAGE scholarship and an additional $450 through the athlete assistance grant.
Delorme, who is Cree/Saulteaux, had his share of impressive results on the links in 2010. He competed in two national championships.

His best showing was his seventh-place finish at the Canadian men’s mid-amateur tournament held in Ottawa last August.

He also competed in the national men’s amateur championships in London, Ont.

Brian Lee, the executive director of Golf Saskatchewan, believes Delorme has a bright future.

“He is an upstanding individual who will do great things in the future for not only the game of golf, his culture, his people, but (also) himself,” Lee said.

Delorme is hoping his accomplishments inspire other Aboriginals.

“There are not too many Aboriginals that golf in amateur (ranks),” he said.  “I’m showing our youth you can succeed in this.”

Lee also believes Delorme, who in the past has insisted his hometown be announced after his name at golf events, is a perfect role model.

“Cadmus is an upstanding individual, student and friend who holds his culture in high regard,” he said. “He is very proud of where he comes from which is why you always see Cowessess First Nation behind his name.”

Earlier this school year Delorme had been offered a partial golf scholarship to attend Minnesota’s Bemidji State University. However, he would rather stay home than head to the U.S.

“It would have gotten me to my number one goal of being a pro golfer a lot easier,” he said. “But I had to stay. I want to graduate from the First Nations University of Canada. I started there. And it has so much meaning to me.”