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The Road to College Golf, run exclusively by PGA ProfessionalsPress Release
August 17-18, 2009
Surrey, BC
SVENSSON SHOWS TOP FORM ON MJT AT HAZELMERE – SHOOTS FIVE-UNDER-PAR
Surrey, BC. - Sunny skies yielded hot results at Hazelmere Golf and Country Club in Surrey this past Monday and Tuesday as players on the Maple Leaf Junior Golf Tour (MJT) competed in the final multi-day tournament on the B.C. schedule before the MJT Srixon One Day Series commences this fall.
The full field of junior golfers were competing for division titles and an exemption into the Texas Junior Golf Tour’s Holiday Classic at Barton Creek in Austin, Texas, this December, which was earned in style by Adam Svensson, 15, of Surrey, after he fired an impressive five-under result to clinch the Boys 14-16 division title and low-overall tournament (70-69=139).. “My iron skills helped me win this tournament and I made some good putts today,” said Svensson, a seven year veteran on the MJT. “I was thinking, play safe and make a par on the last hole!” When asked if any of his competitors at any point had him worried, he remarked like a Pro, “I don’t think about the other competitors, I think about my own game.”
Runner-up Taizhi Yang, 15, of Langley, showed his consistent side, posting terrific back-to-back 72’s (144) to remain even over the two days. Also showing solid play throughout the course was Jay Kim, 16, of Surrey, who placed third in this division (72-75=147).
Saejin Hyun, 17, of Burnaby also led wire-to-wire in the Boys 17-19 division and ran away with the title after shooting 72-71 (143). “I concentrated on good course management that I devised with my coach, Bryn Parry, the night before the tourney. I was able to make fewer mistakes that really helped (me score) birdies,” said Hyun. “I started off really good with solid pars and birdies which relaxed me,” he added. Down the stretch Hyun had other things on his mind, “I was shaking mad first of all, but knowing that I couldn’t do anything about what Adam (Svensson) was doing, I just concentrated on each and every shot, giving it my full attention. I’m going down to Arizona in a few weeks, so this win really boosts my confidence greatly.”
A four-way tie for second place in this division saw a tight field jockeying for position: Brendan Southwind, 17, of Vancouver shot 82-72, Nate Beauchamp, 19, of Burnaby, 81-73, Alex Jardine, 17, of West Vancouver, 79-75, and Matt Gudmundson, 17, of Chilliwack, 78-76, each posting 154 for the event.
Definitely in charge and playing his last event in the Boys 13 and under division before turning 14, Oscar Baek of Coquitlam carded 75-74 (149) for the win in this category. “What helped me win this tournament was my birdie on #16; I dropped in a seven-yard putt that was breaking hard from right to left,” said Baek. “I was worried that my competitor (Donald Qiu) was just one stroke behind me at the 16th hole, but I dropped in a birdie to get three-up.” Coming down the stretch Baek had to concentrate harder. “On the 17th or 18th hole my competitor (Qiu) hit his second shot into the water but I was well on the green; I just had to par out on the last hole for a good victory,” he said. Runner-up Donald Qiu, 12, of Richmond, ended up four strokes back of the leader with 78-75 (153). MJT newcomer, Edward Metcalfe, 13, of Surrey, knocked an amazing 12 strokes from his day one score to card 87-75 and tie for third place in the division at 162 with Kevin Vigna, 13, of Burnaby (81-81).
It was neck-and-neck for the top three finishers in the Girls division, with Leilanie Kim, 16, of Surrey, declared the overall winner after posting solid rounds of 77-79 (156) on her home turf. She cited, “My coach, my friends and my parents always being there and cheering me on all the way,” as helping her to win. When asked how she felt about winning, she offered, “My score wasn’t the best so I’m not too thrilled, but I’m still happy!” Runner-up Porsche Campbell, 16, of Vancouver was only two strokes back with 82-76 (158). Third place went to Jenny An, 16, of Coquitlam, who was three strokes off the pace with 82-77 (159).
The divisional winners in the Mr. Lube Long Drive Competition were Mark McChesney, 13, of Squamish, Jay Kim, Jae Jun Lee, 18, of Coquitlam and Rochelle Rezansoff, 16, of Surrey. The Sundog Skills competition divisional winners were Oscar Baek, Zachary Bingley, 15, of Surrey, Brett Sherwood, 17, of Surrey, and Keanna Mason, 12, of Maple Ridge.
The MJT now moves into the Srixon One Day Series on September 27th at Meadow Gardens Golf Club in Maple Ridge, October 10th at Point Roberts Golf Club in Point Roberts, and October 17th at University Golf Club in Vancouver. For more information or to register, please visit www.maplejt.com or call 604-943-1645..
About the MJT
The non-profit Maple Leaf Junior Golf Tour (MJT) is presented by Boston Pizza, and is Canada's premier and only national junior golf tour run exclusively by Golf Professionals. The MJT is proud to play a role in developing young players, including several Canadian National Champions and many Future Links and Provincial Champions. The MJT is also focused on providing opportunities for young Canadians to learn how to golf and introduces players as young as four years old to the game via free instructional clinics. In addition, the MJT encourages young players to further their education with scholarship awards. For more information, please visit www.maplejt.com or call 1-877-859-GOLF. MJT - developing champions, in golf, in life.
Media Contact:
Elaine Denton
Marketing & PR, MJT
T: 1-877-943-1645
Email: edenton@maplejt.com