LOG IN
  User:   Pass:
Canada's #1 Junior Golf Tour

Canada's #1 Junior Golf Tour

The Road to College Golf, run exclusively by PGA Professionals

Press Release

July 23-24, 2012
Kelowna, BC

For Immediate Release

Gatto grabs Golfweek Championship spot at MJT’s Harvest stop


Kelowna, BC – (July 25, 2012) –
Over 70 players on the Boston Pizza–presented Maple Leaf Junior Golf Tour (MJT) were treated to the first-class ‘Harvest Experience’ with spectacular Okanagan views, award winning service, and golf that is second to none this week at the MJT British Columbia Series at The Harvest Golf Club in Kelowna, where players were competing for division titles, a spot to Golfweek Junior Tour’s Fall West Tour Championship in Menifee, CA, USA, and for MJT Interclub prizes for those representing their club in the net score team component of the tournament. The unusual weather saw players in toques and parents wearing mitts on day one, however it warmed up beautifully on day two and play was outstanding on a course in great shape.

Lucas Gatto, 17, of Burnaby, BC, managed the challenging Harvest Club with strong, consistent rounds of even par 72-72 (144), cruising to a five shot victory in the Boys 17-19 Division and the Low Overall title, which comes with a qualifying spot in the Golfweek Junior Tour’s Fall West Tour Championship this December. “The course was in great shape and I really enjoy the layout,” said Gatto, “My ball striking was very good this week, and I am proud of winning with this strong group of players present.” Finishing tied for second place in the division at 149 total score were Steven Lee, 17, of Kelowna (76-73) and Chris McEachran-Law, 18, of Coldstream, BC (73-76).

In the Boys 14-16 Division there was a tie for top spot at 148 total score between Kelowna natives Cole Baldigara, 15, who shot 75-73, and Lionel Taylor, 16, who shot 71-77, with Baldigara claiming the gold medal with the best second day score. Coming down the stretch, Baldigara said he was thinking, “It was looking promising playing with Lionel Taylor – a great Junior. We have battled before and we always have a good one.” He cited his highlight as his approach shot on the par five 18th hole where he made birdie. “It feels good for my first win and I’m happy everything came together.” Finishing two shots behind the tied players was Tyler Leclair, 15, of North Vancouver, BC, who played solidly with rounds of 74-76.

13-year-old Christopher Ballesteros of Burnaby, came out to play in his first MJT tournament this year after training every day and fired a fantastic final round of four-under-par to win the Boys 13 & Under Division convincingly, claiming the gold medal with scores of 75-68. “I feel great winning this title, it is a great confidence booster for me,” said Ballesteros. Finishing in second place was Chris Kitchen, 13, of Calgary, AB, who carded solid rounds of 74-82, followed by Landon Stellingwerff, 13, also of Calgary, who shot 82-79.

Ella Williams, 15, of Calgary, won her second straight MJT Girls Division title in a very tight battle, playing solidly over the two days with rounds of 74-79. “The golf course was in great shape. I was so impressed with the quality of the greens and fairway!” she said. “It feels great to win because I have a lot of respect for the girls from BC because all of them are great golfers.” Runner-up Jessica Claggett, 17, of Kelowna, missed a short putt to tie on the 18th and finished one stroke back with scores of 77-77, while Rochelle Rezansoff, 19, of Surrey, BC, was again just one stroke back in third place with scores of 77-78.

Rachelle Nielsen, 15, of Summerland, BC, shot one-under-par 71 on day two, her best round in her MJT career and the lowest round in the Girls division, driving Summerland Golf Club, represented by herself and MJT newcomer Declan Riddle, 11, also of Summerland, to victory in the MJT Interclub competition over the Calgary Golf and Country Club Team and The Harvest Golf Club Team. The Summerland Golf Club juniors receive a free entry into the MJT Okanagan Junior Championship at Predator Ridge Golf Resort in Vernon, August 26 and 27, as a result.

The divisional Mr. Lube Long Drive Competition winners were Cameron Welch of Kelowna, Allan Pruss of Red Deer, AB, Mike Peters of Winnipeg, MB, and Kylie Jack of Westbank, BC. Sundog Eyewear Skills Awards were taken home by Davide Kaiser of Kelowna, Lionel Taylor, Lucas Gatto and Rochelle Rezansoff. The Golf Town Come Back Awards went to Davide Kaiser, Zachary Gardner of Penticton, BC, Arshvir Pandher of Surrey, and Tiegan Taylor of Kelowna.

The MJT British Columbia schedule continues with the MJT BC Series Dylan Reichelt Memorial at Hazelmere Golf Club in Surrey on August 13 and 14, a qualifying event for the Future Collegians World Tour’s PGA West event held in La Quinta, CA, USA, this December. 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