April 21-22, 2007
Coaldale, AB
Zaba and Chong win spots to Florida in MJT’s Alberta season-opener
COALDALE, AB - The Maple Leaf Junior Golf Tour (MJT) opened its Alberta season with a 1st Choice Savings-sponsored tournament at Land-O-Lakes Golf Club in Coaldale on April 21st and 22nd, a double qualifier for two major international events. Exemptions were to be won in the Future Collegiate World Tour (FCWT) National Championship at PGA National Golf Club in Florida, and the World Youth Team Challenge (WYTC) at Bolingbrook Golf Club in Illinois, USA.
Both mornings started out cool and overcast but the sun was out by noon and great spring temperatures prevailed, with no wind. Mitchell Zaba, 18, of Deer Valley, SK, made the trip worthwhile by firing back-to-back rounds of 71 to claim low overall score with 142 and the Boys 17 and up division title. Zaba, who plays on the MJT citing ‘better competition’, said it was nice playing in Alberta. The highlight, he said, was “winning the first tournament of the year and qualifying for the FCWT. Coming down the stretch, I was trying to make pars and stay in the game. Lewis (Chong) was making birdies all over – he’s a good player.”
Lewis Chong, 18, of Lethbridge, AB, played very well on day two to put the pressure on Zaba, and finished second with scores of 73-71 (144) for the tournament. Both players earned exemptions into the Florida event this May. Corey Kristianson, 18, of Brooks, AB, carded 75-72 (147) for third place.
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