Canada's #1 Junior Golf Tour

June 11-12, 2011
Olds, AB

FIELD BESTS RECORD FIELD AND ELEMENTS AT MJT’S MOUNTAIN VIEW CREDIT UNION SERIES

For Immediate Release - Olds, AB – (June 13, 2011) – A record field of 93 junior golfers turned out to compete in the Maple Leaf Junior Golf Tour’s MJT Mountain View Credit Union Series at Olds Central Highlands Golf Club in Olds, Alberta, on the June 11-12 weekend. The talent was deep in such a big field, with players also battling rain, wind and lightning in addition to extremely quick and undulating greens.

Overall champion and Boys 17-19 gold medal winner was MJT veteran, Derek Field of Calgary, AB, who fired 71-76. Field, 18, who just returned from his first year at California Lutheran University where he plays on the golf team, had a “very solid and important first round. I made some clutch putts on the back nine to keep the round going, and I think that is what won me the tournament!” He was very excited as this was his first win on the MJT, and he has been a member of the program for a number of years. Finishing two shots back was Jason Fritz, 18, of Lethbridge, AB, who double bogeyed hole 17 to let the title slip away, and settled for the silver medal with scores of 76-73. The division’s bronze medal went to Connor O’Reilly, 19, of Edmonton, AB, who carded 76-75.

Continuing his consistent winning streak was Aaron Crawford, 16, of Calgary, who carded rounds of 77-74 to win the Boys 14-16 gold medal and become the eligible shortlisted qualifier for MJT Team Canada to the Srixon International Junior Classic in Australia this fall. Crawford “had a great time, had a good tournament but would love to go to Australia!” The final team will be selected once all the qualifiers across Canada are completed. Finishing second in the division was Jesse Teron, 16, of Red Deer, who shot 74-79, followed by Jason Martens, 14, of Edmonton (83-75).

Kat Kennedy, 15, of Okotoks, AB, claimed another win in the Girls division with consistent rounds of 81-81 on the tough Olds Central Highlands course and also joins the shortlist for MJT Team Canada to Australia. Kennedy said, “I just tried to play my best, and stay calm out there. I didn’t score great but am happy with the result.” The silver medal went to Sydney MacDonald, 17, of Calgary, who posted scores of 83-80, while Gina Kowalchuk, 15, of Lethbridge (81-89), played solid golf on her way to the bronze medal.

Carter Cissell, 13, of Crossfield, AB, took his first MJT title of the season in the Boys 13 and Under Division after carding excellent rounds of 79-82. Cissell stated he “didn’t three-putt all day on Sunday, and my putting was great!” This is his final event in the younger division as he turns 14 next week, so he was very excited to win the gold medal. Cissell also wanted to point out that “my bank account is at Mountain View Credit Union, so it was great to have them sponsor this event.” Finishing in second place was Michael Martin, 13, of Calgary (79-84), while third place was claimed by Brendan Brown, 11, of Calgary (83-83).

The divisional winners in the Mr. Lube Long Drive Competition included Michael Martin, Ian Mmbando of Lethbridge, Mack Penner of Lethbridge and Laura Ferreira of Canmore. The Sundog Skills competition divisional winners were Francois van Tonder of Fort McMurray, Ian Mmbando, Devin Kohlhauser of St. Albert and Ella Williams of Calgary. The winners of the Golf Town Comeback Awards went to Calgarians Matthew Campbell, Andrew Cook and Tess O’Hara, together with Zac Sparks of Cochrane.

The Boston Pizza-presented Maple Leaf Junior Golf Tour continues its Alberta schedule on July 25-26 with the MJT Prodigy Series at Red Tail Landing in Nisku, a qualifier for the FCWT Notre Dame University Tournament. For more information, 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 and the ‘Road to College Golf’ for aspiring young players. The organization hosts more than 60 events across Canada, including free Ford Go Golf Junior Clinics, the MJT Mini Tour for 7-13 year olds, and multi-day events for competitive players which also qualify juniors for international competitions. The MJT offers annual awards, scholarships, and frequent player incentives to help reward player's performance and participation throughout each season. MJT alumni include many Professional Tour players and Canadian PGA 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 provincial, national, university and professional level. For more information please visit www.maplejt.com.

MEDIA CONTACT: MJT - Elaine Denton - edenton@maplejt.com - 1-877-859-GOLF