Canada's #1 Junior Golf Tour
The Road to College Golf, run exclusively by PGA ProfessionalsPress Release
May 20-21, 2012
Swift Current, SK
PLAYOFF HIGHLIGHTS MJT SEASON OPENER IN SASKATCHEWAN
Jeff Chambers, MJT Tournament Director and PGA of Canada Professional, said, “The tourney went fantastic and the kids all enjoyed it. It was a beautiful day today and there was some great scoring, highlighted by a playoff that lasted only a hole but over 40 people watched and the environment was terrific.” The playoff was between Zach Hurd, 15, of Prince Albert, SK, and Riley Grona, 16, of Coronach, SK, after Grona had carded a fine 69 on day two to tie for the lead in the Boys 14-16 division with total scores of 145. Hurd was victorious and cited as his tournament highlight “sticking it tight in the playoff and the first hole atmosphere was really fun to play in.” MJT veteran Grona settled for the silver medal while third place in this division went to first round leader Tyrin Foley, 16, of Bengough, SK, who shot 70-77 (147).
The Boys 17-19 group held the overall champion and eligible qualifier for a shortlisted spot to the Callaway Junior World Championship, Daegan Wall, 17, of Regina, SK, who came from behind to shoot 76-68 (144) and win the division’s gold medal by five strokes. “I went bogey-free on the last day which was the first time I had done that so I was pretty excited,” he stated. “I made several four to five foot putts that kept my round going. It feels good to win the first tournament of the year and get off to a good start.” MJT newcomer Leighton Bearchell, 17, of Saskatoon, SK, settled for silver with his scores of 75-74 (149) and Mike Flegel, 17, of Moose Jaw, SK, took the bronze (81-75=156).
Brendan Kesterke, 12, of Headingley, MB, and a Breezy Bend Golf Club junior, held onto his first round lead to win the Boys 13 and Under title after firing 75-72 (147). “My highlight was shooting even par on the second round,” he said. Tied for second place at 155 total score were Kade Johnson, 13, of Yorkton, SK, (79-76) and Noah Kozack, 12, of Regina (80-75=155).
Manitoba players also came top in the Girls division where sisters Jenna and Camryn Roadley from Winnipeg placed first and second respectively. Jenna, 18, shot great scores of 71-75 (146) for an easy win, saying, “I was very consistent throughout the length of the tournament and had a great up and down over a tree on number 7 on the first day. I really just want to improve to consistently be shooting around par to prepare myself for college golf in the fall.” Third place went to Sydney Elder, 15, of Coronach.
The remaining eligible players for the shortlisted spots into the Callaway Junior World Championship were Diehl Normand, 14, of Meadow Lake, SK, and Camryn Roadley. Final selection of the players from qualifiers across the country will be announced this week.
Mr. Lube Long Drive Competition in each division was won by Justin Bourassa of Regina, Logan Tisdale of Swift Current, Mitchell McPhail of La Ronge, SK and Sydney Elder, while the divisional Sundog Closest-to-the-Pins were won by Josh Turanich of Emerald Park, SK, Nathan Corrin of Moose Jaw, Justin Wood of Unity, SK, and Jenna Roadley. Golf Town Comeback awards went to Brandt Ausmus of Leader, SK, Taylor Kinch of Swift Current, Daegan Wall and Sydney Elder. There were also many draw prize winners including a very happy Avery Wilson of Swift Current who won a new Callaway Razr Fit driver.
The event also featured a MJT Mini Tour stop for 7-12 year old beginners just on the Sunday May 20, where it was great to see 25 youngsters turn out to try their hand at tournament golf.
The second Maple Leaf Junior Golf Tour stop on the Saskatchewan schedule is at Cooke Municipal Golf Course in Prince Albert on June 2-3, a qualifier for MJT Team Canada to Australia where they compete in the Srixon International Junior Classic this October. 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 PGA of Canada 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 7-12 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.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Elaine Denton, MJT edenton@maplejt.com 1-877-859-GOLF www.maplejt.com