Canada's #1 Junior Golf Tour

August 13-14, 2011
Cambridge, ON

For Immediate Release

Chiasson wins MJT Cambridge in Lightning Limited Play

Cambridge, ON – (August 15, 2011) – The Maple Leaf Junior Golf Tour was scheduled for a two day 36 hole tournament at Whistle Bear Golf Club this past weekend however, mother nature had different plans on Sunday. Thunder, lightning and heavy rain forced MJT tournament officials to suspend play several times in the final round, bringing the kids off the golf course as the storms rolled past. Eventually, as a result of the delays, the tournament was shortened to 27 holes and the champions of three boy’s age division and one girl’s divisions were awarded. With an impressive first round of 71 and an even more impressive second round underway, Matthew Chiasson, 17, of Cambridge, ON, would be crowned the low overall champion (71+32=103). This distinction would earn Chiasson the MJT’s international qualifier for this event, a spot in the MJT’s winter golf school in Florida. As the “Road to College Golf”, the MJT provides opportunities for low juniors at each event to qualify for tournaments and events, this time sending Chiasson to Old Corkscrew Golf Club in Fort Myers, Florida for five days of instruction and development.

Chiasson, playing on his home track as a member of the Whistle Bear Golf Club was a favorite going into the event but he is also no stranger to the winner’s circle. This is the third time this season he has won the Boy’s 17-19, this time by seven strokes. “I play MJT because I like the competition. It feels pretty sweet; especially winning at my home course” he commented. As the only player in his division to finish under par he noted a simple equation “I hit greens and made birdies without a lot of bad holes.” Second and third place were tied at 110, however in retrogression, the tie-breaker awarded runner-up to 18 year old Dylan Hamara, also from Cambridge (75+53=110). Welland’s Ryan Dyck, 17, would collect third place (72+38=110).

Another familiar face in Ontario junior golf would also win his division for the third time this season, Boy’s 14-16 champion Keaton Jones. The 16 year old from Kitchener, ON, would share the first round lead at even par but manage a better opening nine to claim victory (72+35=107). Keaton commented that he “scrambled well off the tee” and his first round, although ended in even par, featured six birdies. Only one shot back was Camlachie’s David French, 16, finishing in second place (73+35=108). Third place would belong to first round co-leader Jack Quirke, 14, of Waterloo, ON, (72+38=110).
In the Boy’s 13 & Under, local Cambridge player Scott Herod would emerge victorious after his large first round lead (75+41=116). For 13 year old Herod it was an exciting first win after a series of top three finishes this season on the MJT. “It feels awesome to win, especially because it is my first win. My key was practicing all week, this is my home course and I love playing it. The prizes are good and there is always great people supporting me.” The runner-up for the division was Michael Rizzo, 12, of Brantford, ON, (84+37=121). In third place was London’s Jackson Bowery, 13, (83+39=122).

Revealing a champion after a weather-delayed 27 hole finish was not a challenge for each of the Boy’s division however for the Girl’s, the top three juniors played to a three-way tie at 120. Unable to complete the round or stage a playoff, tournament officials elected to let completed play speak for itself, looking at scores after 13 holes on the second day. This tie-breaker would crown Kirsten Degutis, 18, of Waterloo, ON, champion for her division (80+40=120). On finding out she would collect the win Degutis commented “it feels well-earned as I made my birdie putt on the last hole”. After retrogression, finishing in second place was Michelle Ruiz, 15, of Mississauga, ON, (82+38=120). Round out the top three was Burlington’s 15 year old Madison Easterbook (79+41=120).

In the Mr. Lube Long Drive contest, winners for each division were: Scott Herod (Cambridge, ON), David French (Camlachie, ON), Zachary Hallborg (Welland, ON) and Monica Gabriele (Mississauga, ON). For the Sundog Eyewear Closest to the Pin, division winners were: Scott Herod (Cambridge, ON), Tyler Watson (Guelph, ON), Neil Khosla (Mississauga, ON) and Kirsten Degutis (Waterloo, ON). With the best second day improvement, juniors who were awarded the Golf Town Comeback Award include: Jacob Richards (Cobourg, ON), Nick Schepens (London, ON) and Tyson Soers (Mildmay, ON).

The Boston Pizza presented Maple Leaf Junior Golf Tour continues its Ontario schedule in Alton, on August 20-21 with the MJT Ontario Series at Osprey Valley GR. This 36 hole event is an opportunity to qualify for the Golfweek Championship at McCormick Ranch this December in Scottsdale, Arizona. Registration is still open and spots are limited. For full details and online registration, interested juniors can visited 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