Canada's #1 Junior Golf Tour

April 27-28, 2024
Tsawwassen, BC

Jackes and Whiting make magic in MJT Maui Jim Series at Tsawwassen Springs

A packed field of young talent took to the greens in the MJT Maui Jim Series at Tsawwassen Springs Golf Course in Tsawwassen, BC, on April 27-28. The two-day tournament marked the inaugural installment in a six-event Maui Jim series on the Maple Leaf Junior Golf Tour, Canada’s leading junior tour. 

Magic was made by Liam Jackes, 17, of Burnaby, BC, (67-69) and Anthony Whiting, 16, of North Vancouver, BC, (65-71), who both blazed their way around the Tsawwassen Springs course, firing outstanding scores to tie for the Low Overall Boys score (136) and win their division titles in MJT Junior and Juvenile Boys respectively.

Despite heavy skies and rain-soaked greens, the tournament was testament to the resilience of the young participants. The Low Overall Girls title was won by MJT veteran, Cadence Ko, 17, of Richmond, BC (76,78=154) who edged out victory in MJT Girls 15-19. The other high-performing division winners with some great scoring for the two days were Zi (Elyn) Wang, 12, of Vancouver, BC, in MJT Girls U15 (157), Jason Zhang, 12, of Richmond, BC, in MJT Peewee Boys (153), and BoSheng (Dylan) Zhang, 13, of Tsawwassen, BC, in MJT Bantam Boys (143). Each winner was rewarded with a trophy and a pair of fabulous Maui Jim sunglasses.

A dozen qualifying spots were awarded to high level tournaments, namely the FCG World Golf Championship in Rancho Mirage, CA, the PGA Tour America’s-affiliated MJT Future Stars presented by ATB in Sherwood Park, Alberta, and the East Coast Junior Championship in Moncton, New Brunswick. Recipients of these exemptions are noted below, along with quotes from division winners and top finisher scores. 

For full tournament results, please visit the MJT website here; results from the London Drugs Long Drive, PLYR Closest to the Pin, Booster Juice BounceBack Awards and Academy Points standings, are posted here.

The next MJT event in the province is PLYR Series / IMG Academy Junior Worlds Qualifier at Golden Eagle Golf Club in Pitt Meadows, May 11 and 12. The remaining tournaments in the MJT Maui Jim Series are posted on the MJT website here. For more information on Maui Jim, please visit www.mauijim.com, and on the MJT, please visit www.maplejt.com.  

Top Finishers by Division

MJT Girls U15: Par 70, Ydg 5097, Slope/Rating 124/69.2

MJT Girls 15-19: Par 70, Ydg 5097, Slope/Rating 124/69.2

When asked about her MJT Girls 15-19 and Low Overall Girls win, Candence Ko, of Richmond, BC, expressed her gratitude, stating, “I feel so grateful that I could play in this event and use this experience to become a better player.” She highlighted the key factors that ultimately led to her division title: “My short game – wedges, chipping, and putting were consistent during this tournament.”

Peewee Boys: Par 70, Ydg 5097, Slope/Rating 109/65.1

MJT Bantam Boys: Par 70, Ydg 5439, Slope/Rating 110/66.6

Finishing just three over par, 13-year-old BoSheng (Dylan) Zhang won the MJT Bantam Boys title, and stated that he was ‘feeling happy’ about today's victory. He attributed his success to his accurate irons and consistent driver, noting their pivotal role in his performance.

MJT Juvenile Boys: Par 70, Ydg 5439, Slope/Rating 110/66.6

Anthony Whiting, from North Vancouver, BC, the MJT Juvenile Boys and joint-Low Overall Boys champion, shared his excitement after firing outstanding scores of 65-71, stating, "It feels amazing to be back in the winner’s circle. I feel this win was a mix of hard work and preparation." Expressing gratitude for his ‘coach, parents, and MJT,’ Whiting had much to celebrate coming out of this weekend.
 

MJT Junior Boys: Par 70, Ydg 5439, Slope/Rating 110/66.6

Liam Jackes, 17, of Burnaby, BC, shot sizzling scores of 67-69 to tie for Low Overall while claiming the MJT Junior Boys title in style. He remarked that he ‘played well’ throughout the two-day event, reflecting on his consistent and strong performance.

Qualifiers:

FCG World Golf Championship:

MJT Future Stars presented by ATB:

East Coast Junior Championship:

About Maui Jim: Now the fastest growing premium polarized sunglass maker in the world, Maui Jim got its start seeing a need in the market for technology that could combat intense glare and harmful UV while bringing brilliant colors to life. The Aloha Spirit permeates our philosophy at Maui Jim. Our "ohana" (Hawaiian for family) is passionate about creating the best sunglasses on the planet. Because at the end of the day, we want to see the world at its best - and we know that you do, too, no matter where you live. Aloha, friends! 
 

About the MJT: The non-profit Maple Leaf Junior Golf Tour is Canada’s number one Junior Golf Tour as well as the only national junior tour run exclusively by PGA of Canada Professionals and the ‘Road to College Golf’ in Canada. The organization is supported by valued Diamond, Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze Partners. The MJT hosts over 100 events across Canada, including free Ford Go Golf Junior Clinics, the MJT Mini Tour for 12U, and multi-day events for competitive players aged 11-19 which also offer qualifiers for international tournaments. The program has annual awards, scholarships and incentives to help reward performance and participation throughout each season. MJT alumni include many Professional Tour players and PGA of Canada 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 the provincial, national, university and professional levels. 

Media Contact:  Jessica Parker 
Marketing and Communications Manager, MJT