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Canada's #1 Junior Golf Tour

Canada's #1 Junior Golf Tour

The Road to College Golf, run exclusively by PGA Professionals

Press Release

May 9-10, 2009
Ancaster, ON

For Immediate Release

THROUGH GUSTS AND GUTS HEMMERICH CLAIMS MJT’S 2009 ONTARIO OPENER

Ancaster, ON -(May 11, 2009) – The Maple Leaf Junior Golf Tour (MJT) opened its 2009 Ontario Series at Mystic Golf Club in Ancaster this past weekend, where players in four divisions persisted against mother nature over the two-days, vying for a qualifying spot in the East Aurora International Junior Masters (EAIJM) in East Aurora CC, New York, in June.

Chris Hemmerich, 16, of Kitchener, topped the weekend tourney, muscling through the tough weather with 78-81 for a two day total of 159. Hemmerich claimed the Boys 14-16 division title and low overall score, hitting fairways and greens with accuracy, later citing that as key to his success.

“I enjoy the MJT competition. I feel great with this first victory of the year,” said Hemmerich, who secures the spot to the EAIJM, and has set his sights this year on making the Ontario Provincial Team. Dylan Smallwood, 16, of Cambridge, finished second in this division at 79-85 (164), only five shots off the lead, and great scores considering the conditions. Another Kitchener local, Brett Kennedy, 16, took third place, shy just one stroke from second at 84-81 (165).

The wind kicked up to 83kph at times the first day, and with chilly conditions on day two, Spencer Buck, 18, of Etobicoke pushed hard to win the Boys 17-19 division impressively cutting his second day round by five strokes to card an 84-77 (161). “Hitting fairways off the tee,” said Spencer, proved critical in his victory. Orangeville players Sterling Emery, 18, and Kevin Buck, 17, mounted pressure but came up just short and tied for second in the division with (84-80) and (80-84) respectively, each scoring a tournament total of 164.

Boys 13 and under division champ Brendan Seys, 11, of Port Lambton, fought the wind and the wet, and putted his way to victory with 88-85 (173) for the weekend. “I feel great,” Brendan says about his win. “I have played (MJT) a few years and I like the competition.” Brandon Raine, 13, of Caledon, sliced an amazing 11 points from his first day troubles to score 98-87 (185). Max Clift, 11, of Kitchener, finished third by just one stroke with 95-91 (186) for the two-day event.

In the Girls division, Kirsten Degutis, 15, of Waterloo, clinched first place this blustery weekend, posting 110-104 (214). “Keeping a positive attitude,” Kirsten said, helped land her on top. She stated how she enjoys the fun, interactive MJT tournaments. Jillian Moran, 16, of Kitchener, shot 125-105 (230) and Toronto’s Dylaney Day, only 10 years old, took third place with 121-117 (238).

The divisional winners in the Mr. Lube Long Drive Competition were Max Clift, Chris Hemmerich, Michael Blair, 17, of Burlington, and Delaney Day. The Sundog Skills competition divisional winners were Connor Doucette, 11, of Waterloo, Kevin McDonald, 16, of Delhi, Michael Blair, 17, of Burlington, and Jillian Moran.

The MJT continues its Ontario tour schedule on May 23rd and 24th at Rebel Creek Golf Club in Petersburg, a qualifier for the Scotland Kingdom of Fife Team Matches, St. Andrews, UK. For more information or to register, 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 Canadian PGA Professionals. The organization hosts more than 50 events across Canada and also qualifies players for spots to international events in China, Scotland, Australia and many cities in the USA. The MJT offers annual awards, scholarships, and frequent player incentives to help reward player's performance and participation throughout each season. MJT alumni include several Canadian National Champions and many Future Links and Provincial Champions.