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Canada's #1 Junior Golf Tour

Canada's #1 Junior Golf Tour

The Road to College Golf, run exclusively by PGA Professionals

Press Release

June 16-17, 2012
Burlington, ON

Kennedy secures shortlisted spot on MJT Team Canada in Prodigy Series playoff

Burlington, ON – (June 18, 2012) – Hot, humid weather and a course in excellent condition were enjoyed by a full field of juniors on the Boston Pizza-presented Maple Leaf Junior Golf Tour (MJT) during the two-day MJT Prodigy Series at Hidden Lake Golf Club in Burlington, ON, on June 16 and 17, where competition for division titles plus the chance to be shortlisted for MJT Team Canada to Australia was highlighted by a hole-in-one during the first round on hole number six by 17 year old Mitch Grassing of Waterloo, ON.

Nicklaus Kennedy, 17, of London, ON, fired 71-74 to win the Boys 17-19 title over Andrew Moffat, 18, of Brantford, ON, who blazed the course on day one with a 69, but finished with a 79 on day two for a 148 total. When asked what his thoughts were on winning, Kennedy said, “I was just trying to keep it together because my swing was starting to fall apart. I had a lead and was just trying to keep it. It feels great. I am very happy where my game is at and I am looking forward to a great season.” Third place in the division went to Colton Clemmer, 18, of Kitchener, ON, who carded 78–71 (149).

Keaton Jones, 16, of Kitchener, ON, won Boys 14-16 with fine scores of 73-72 (145), beating runner-up Charles Corner, 16, of Cayuga, ON (73–76=149) by four strokes. Henry Moon, 14, of Thornhill, ON, came in third in the division with back-to-back scores of 75 for a 150 total. Veteran winner Jones said that his highlight was making a birdie on the last hole. “I didn't make any big numbers which helps a lot. My aim was to finish strong and put the ball in spots to make birdies. It feels great (to win) and gives me confidence going into a very busy schedule ahead.” He tied for Low Overall with Kennedy, forcing a playoff to determine the boy to be shortlisted for MJT Team Canada, which is competing in the SRIXON International Junior Classic in New South Wales, Australia, this October. Kennedy won on the third playoff hole and will now wait for all the other qualifiers across the country to be completed for final team selection.

In the Girls division, Julie Whalen, 18, of London, shot 77-78 (155) to win by two strokes over Lorelle Weavers, 18, of Burlington (80-77=157). “My highlight was (shooting) my personal best score and the payoff from all the hard work,” Whalen said. “This is my first MJT win so it feels great. I am very happy and had a ton of fun.” Third place went to Meghan Bennett, 17, of Pickering, ON, who carded consistent rounds of 80-81 (161), making a repeat appearance in Australia likely as she went last year and is the eligible age qualifier for the MJT Team Canada girls spot once again.

The MJT Prodigy Series Boys 13 and under title was won by Jason Chung, 13, of Thornhill, ON, who fired 75 – 70 (145) from the white tees to coast to victory. “The highlight was on hole number three when I made my first birdie - it was a great start to the round and I knew I would have a great day from that point on,” he said, adding, “I tried to stay calm and positive even when I made some bogeys coming down the stretch. I feel very grateful (about winning). I could not have done it without the help of my supporting parents who are always there for me, especially my dad. Happy Father's Day! And also thanks to my sister for being here to support me today!” Runner-up was Anthony Occhiuto, 12, of Guelph, ON, who shot 81-78 (159) and third place finisher was Mackenzie Raines, 13, of Kitchener (84-81=165).

The divisional winners in the Mr. Lube Long Drive Competition were Jonathan Lawson of Burlington, Kyle Fancy of Hillsburgh, ON, Nicklaus Kennedy and Michelle Ruiz of Mississauga, ON, while the Sundog Closest-to-the-Pin winners were Michael Rizzo of Brandtford, Ryan Ahrens of Peterborough, ON, Brodie McKinney of Stoney Creek, ON, and Meghan Bennett. Golf Town Comeback Awards went to Ryan Renville, Ian Hart and Madison Easterbrook, all of Burlington.

Next up on the MJT Ontario schedule is the MJT-PGA of Ontario Junior Championship at Forest City National Golf Club in London on June 30-July 1, a CN Future Links National Order of Merit and Golf Association of Ontario-ranked event which is also a qualifier for the Beth Daniel Junior Azalea in the USA. For more information please visit www.maplejt.com or call 1-877-859-4653.

About the MJT: The non-profit Maple Leaf Junior Golf Tour presented by Boston Pizza is Canada’s premier and only national junior tour run exclusively by PGA of Canada Professionals and the ‘Road to College Golf’ for aspiring young players. The organization hosts more than 60 events across Canada, including free Ford Go Golf Junior Clinics, the MJT Mini Tour for 7–12 year olds, and multi-day events for competitive players which also qualify juniors for international competitions. The MJT offers annual awards, scholarships, and frequent player incentives to help reward player's performance and participation throughout each season. MJT alumni include many Professional Tour players and Canadian PGA Professionals, as well as Canadian Amateur, National and Provincial Junior Champions. The MJT aims to develop champions, in golf and in life, promoting the game from grassroots through to provincial, national, university and professional level.

MEDIA CONTACTS: Elaine Denton, MJT edenton@maplejt.com 1-877-859-GOLF www.maplejt.com