Canada's #1 Junior Golf Tour

July 16-17, 2011
Niagara Falls, ON

For Immediate Release

Chiasson Wins Spot to Florida Winter Golf School at MJT’s Niagara Stop

- Niagara Falls, ON – (July 18, 2011) – The scenic setting of the Legends on the Niagara Golf Course in Niagara Falls played host to the latest stop in the Maple Leaf Junior Golf Tour’s (MJT) Ontario Series. The two-day, 36-hole event featured an international field of junior golfers competing in four divisions and for a paid spot to Winter Golf School in Florida. This weekend it was Matthew Chiasson, 17, from Cambridge, ON, who claimed not only his division title but also low overall honours to earn himself a trip to the sunshine state in February 2012.

For Chiasson, the second win of the season in his division of Boys 17-19 “feels great”. He played a solid weekend of golf, taking the first round lead and holding on for the win (74+79=153) “The key to my victory was hitting the driver straight, however chipping in for eagle on the second hole had to be my highlight of the weekend.” Chiasson also credits getting fitted for new irons at his home course, the Golf Performance Centre at Whistle Bear Golf Club. Six strokes back and winning the silver medal for the 17-19 division was Steven Baltjes, 18, of Fonthill, ON, (82+77=159). In third place was American Patrick Waldron, 17, from Williamsville, New York (74+83=161).

In the Boy’s 13 and Under division the winner was a player not unfamiliar with the top of leaderboard, Mississauga’s Kyle Gorospe (76+83=159). The 13 year old and three-time winner this season commented, “my consistent iron play was key. It feels great because it boosts up my confidence for the following tournaments to come.” Runner-up for the division was Scott Herod, 13, of Cambridge, ON, (87+82=169). Herod also collected the rare sweep of the skill competitions winning the Mr. Lube Long Drive, Sundog Eyewear Closest to the Pin and the Golf Town Comeback Award for his best second day improvement. Rounding out the top three was Brenden Henriques, 13, of Waterloo, ON, (91+92=183).

The Girls field witnessed a tight race with Alexandra Taylor, 16, from Port Robinson, ON, win the title in her first MJT outing (81+82=163). Taylor, who also out drove her fellow competitors to win the Mr. Lube Long Drive, noted that her success came from “taking my time before every shot and not rushing it. It feels great playing well the last two days and I knew it was going to be a challenge.” Taylor, who had the opening round lead, needed a strong second day and found it, holding her back nine to near even par to close out the tournament. In second place and hitting some great shots, including the Sundog Closest to the Pin winner, was Monica Gabriele, 15, from Mississauga, ON, (85+82=167). Third place was earned thanks to the best second day comeback in her division by Hamilton’s Alli Gallagher (88+82=170). Gallagher, 14, grabbed the bronze medal and prizes as well as the Golf Town Comeback Award.

In the most tightly contested division, the Boy’s 14-16, top spot went to Nicklaus Kennedy of London, ON. Kennedy, 16, also had a good comeback to win, opening with an 83 but closing with a 77 and a 160 total. Although not good enough to win the Golf Town Comeback award which was picked up by American Frederick Russel of New Canaan, Connecticut, Kennedy did take his division title by four strokes. Kennedy credits his driving, “hitting most of the fairways,” but in addition to his accuracy he also had length, picking up his division’s Mr. Lube Long Drive. Kennedy was surprised by his victory, likely because he suffered a ten in his opening round. “It feels weird because I felt as though I didn’t play very well, scores were high.” Second place was decided by a tie-breaker with two 15 year olds scoring identical totals (86+78=164), namely Tyler Gruza of Ancaster, ON, and Charles Corner of Cayuga, ON.

Other skill competition winners included Dylan Hamara (Whistle Bear Golf Club) for the Mr. Lube Long Drive and Golf Town Comeback Award and in the Sundog Skills competition, Michael Petitti (Pipers Heath Golf Club) and Tyson Soers (Walkerton Golf Club).

The Boston Pizza-presented Maple Leaf Junior Golf Tour continues its Ontario schedule in Waterloo with the MJT Ontario Series at Grey Silo Golf Club on July 23-24. This 36-hole event is another qualifier for Winter Golf School in Florida, and registration is online at www.maplejt.com or by calling 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