MJT JUNIORS GAIN MORE INTERNATIONAL EXPOSURE OVER HOLIDAYS
After qualifying through the MJT, Cleveland Golf Scholarship winner for 2006, Spencer Harris, 18, of Winnipeg, MB, competed in the 25th Annual Doral Publix Jr. Golf Classic at the Doral Golf Resort and Spa in Miami, Florida, USA, where 628 Junior Golfers, representing 38 US States and 42 Foreign Countries took part.In the final round of the 54 hole event, 11 year old Alexis Thompson of Coral Springs, FL, who is the first girl in the tournament's 25 year history to play up 3 age groups, captured first place in the Girl's 16-18 division, with rounds of 72-74-73 (219) over Mitsuki Katahira from Japan who shot 75-72-73 (220). In Boys 16-18 the Championship went right down to the wire between Carlos Goya of Cordoba, Argentina 72-69-70 (211) and Sean Einhaus of Borken, Germany who shot 71-70-71 (212) with Carlos emerging victorious by a single stroke.
Spencer's Dad, Errol Harris, gave the following feedback on Spencer's participation:
"The experience at Doral was excellent. The largest Junior tournament in the world (according to them and we believe it), 42 countries involved and a very high level of play.
Canadians are at an obvious disadvantage playing at Christmas after several months of not playing while most participants are from warmer climes where they play year round.
Spencer's first round of the tournament was only his second game since September but there were some highlights - a back nine at the Blue Monster of 37 (one over) including a par on the famous 18th. Unfortunately the front nine knocked him out of contention 46 + 37 = 83. The second game on the Greg Norman white course was not one of his best as he had 2 horrendous holes.
Spencer played with a young man from Mexico who had been the Junior Champion, another from Puerto Rico who had been the Junior Champion and another from Florida via Korea. All players were very good golfers, courteous and respectful and we were proud to be there.
The facilities are absolutely excellent, the food and service exceptional and it was a treat to see our son and others in this setting.
Spencer, my wife Donna, and I would recommend that other young MJT tour members have the opportunity to play at such a historic and very tough golf course in the future. We thank the MJT for providing this opportunity to all of us. Thank you."
Click here for tournament results.
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In addition, Niko Dupere, 17, of St. Eustache, QC, qualified through the MJT to compete in the 10th Florida International Junior Golf Championship at Shingle Creek Golf Course, Orlando, Florida, December 26-31, 2006.Pierre Brisebois, of the F?d?ration Qu?b?coise de Golf, and Director, Acad?mie Le Ma?tre de Mont-Tremblant, accompanied Dupere, who finished in 28th place in his division. "This was a very well structured and organized Junior Event," said Brisebois. "The tournament was a lot of fun for Niko as he played in his first International event and with juniors from Venezuela, India, Italy and USA - in fact, he played with the winner of the event for the first 2 days."
Click here for the results of 10th Florida International Junior Golf Championship.