Canadian junior golfers compete in spectacular 52nd Junior America's Cup in Utah
Venue and location: Soldier Hollow Golf Club in Midway, Utah
Tournament Dates: July 28 – August 1, 2024
The prestigious Junior America's Cup (JAC) lit up Soldier Hollow Golf Club in Midway, Utah, from July 28 to August 1, 2024. A major venue during the 2002 Winter Olympics, Soldier Hollow is nestled within the breathtaking Wasatch Mountain State Park and provided a stunning backdrop for this elite competition which took place on the Gold Course. Perched at some of the highest elevations in the complex, this layout offered participants spectacular views of the Heber Valley below.
JAC alumni include Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Fred Couples, Notah Begay, Max Homa, Collin Morikawa, Patrick Cantlay, Sahith Theegala, Xander Schauffele and many more PGA Tour stars, and this year’s 52ndannual event featured a contingent of juniors set to continue in these famous footsteps. Eighteen teams, each comprising the top four boys from 14 U.S. States, two Canadian Provinces, and Mexico, competed in the renowned tournament.
The teams were selected based on their performances in various qualifying events, showcasing some of the best young golfing talent in their regions. Representing Canada were eight players from Alberta and British Columbia, qualified and chaperoned by the non-profit Maple Leaf Junior Golf Tour (MJT), Canada’s leading Junior Tour.
MJT’s Team British Columbia comprised Jaden August (Pitt Meadows), Louis Chun (Port Coquitlam), Troy Gadalla (Vancouver), and Austin Krahn (Christina Lake) led by MJT National Operations Director, Trent Matson. Team Alberta’s members were Tobias Buffam (Calgary), Charlie Gillespie (Calgary), Mateo Kern (Calgary), and Brae Rogalczyk, (Innisfail) captained by MJT volunteer and Edge School’s Golf Director, Ryan Cater.
The dual format of the JAC emphasized both team results, determined by the lowest three gross scores of the four team members each day, and individual excellence, awarding low individual medalist honors. This unique format fostered both collaborative and personal achievements among the young golfers.
Southern California emerged as the JAC Boys Team champions, finishing at an impressive -14. Team Alberta put up a strong performance, securing a tied 6th place with a +6 finish, while Team British Columbia wrapped up the event at +38.
Individually, Tobias Buffam, 17, from Calgary, AB, stood out as the Low Canadian, finishing with an even par (T11).
This year’s Junior America’s Cup featured an extra special highlight with PGA Tour winner and former JAC champion Tony Finau serving as the guest speaker. Finau shared his inspiring journey and invaluable insights with the young athletes, adding an extra layer of excitement and motivation to the competition.
This year’s Junior America’s Cup featured an extra special highlight with PGA Tour winner and former JAC champion Tony Finau serving as the guest speaker. Finau shared his inspiring journey and invaluable insights with the young athletes, adding an extra layer of excitement and motivation to the competition.
Reflecting on the invaluable experience, Trent Matson, MJT National Operations Director, said, "The Junior America's Cup in Utah provided an incredible opportunity for these young athletes, allowing them to compete at a high level on such a prestigious course. The competitors, who are among the best top D1 College players from 14 associations, showcased exceptional talent, and we are proud to be part of such a fantastic tournament. As expected, this event lived up to its reputation as the best event on the West Coast!"
More on the Junior America's Cup, which once again highlighted the exceptional talent and sportsmanship of young golfers across North America, can be found online here. More information on the Maple Leaf Junior Golf Tour can be found at www.maplejt.com.
About Junior America’s Cup: The Junior America’s Cup (JAC) is a prestigious annual golf tournament that brings together top junior golfers from across North America. Established in 1959, the event aims to foster friendship, sportsmanship, and competitive excellence among young golfers. With a history spanning over six decades, the JAC has been a platform for many young golfers who have gone on to achieve significant success in the golfing world. The event is respected for its tradition of excellence and its role in the development of junior golf.
About the MJT: The non-profit Maple Leaf Junior Golf Tour is Canada’s #1 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 partners across various tiers, including Platinum, Diamond, Gold, Silver, and Bronze levels. The MJT hosts more than 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.
About the MJT: The non-profit Maple Leaf Junior Golf Tour is Canada’s #1 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 partners across various tiers, including Platinum, Diamond, Gold, Silver, and Bronze levels. The MJT hosts more than 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@maplejt.com
Marketing Manager, MJT
Marketing Manager, MJT