Canada's #1 Junior Golf Tour

June 29-30, 2012
Warman, SK

Paradis Prevails in Playoff at The Legends

Warman, SK – (July 1, 2012) – Maple Leaf Junior Golf Tour (MJT) players were treated to two beautiful days in Warman, SK, on June 29 and 30, during the MJT Saskatchewan Series at The Legends Golf Club – a great practice opportunity for the Provincial Junior Championships starting Monday at the same facility. The juniors were competing for MJT titles in four divisions plus the chance to qualify for the prestigious Future Collegiate World Tour (FCWT) Notre Dame University event in South Bend, Indiana, USA, this October, with funding to help with travel costs provided by the MJT and Travel Underwriters, Official International Events Partner of the MJT.

Justin Paradis, 18, of Prince Albert, SK, claimed the MJT Boys 17-19 gold medal (71-75) and Low Overall Honours in a playoff, qualifying for the FCWT Notre Dame University event. “It was a great feeling to finally break through,” he said. “My highlight was making birdie on the first playoff hole to win!” Getting clipped on the first extra hole was Leighton Bearchell, 17, of Saskatoon, SK, who had carded 75-71 to go into the playoff with Paradis. There was a tie for third place in the division at 147 total score between Brett Henry, 19, of Prince Albert, (78-69) and Justin Wood, 17, of Unity, SK (73–74).

Another playoff was needed to decide the MJT Saskatchewan Series at The Legends Boys 14-16 champion, which was ultimately Kyle Wiebe, 16, of Madison, SK, who beat Drew Kocur, 16, of Regina, SK. Both players finished regulation play with two day totals of 148, with Wiebe prevailing on the second hole of sudden death. Wiebe said, “I felt that I really needed to win on the MJT to be considered one of the top guys. I made a lot of putts over the two days.” Finishing in third place to claim the bronze medal was first round leader Cory Selander, 15, of Prince Albert (72-77).

13-year-old Kade Johnson of Yorkton, SK, took home the MJT Boys 13 and Under gold medal after firing rounds of 74-74 to edge off a hard-charging Noah Kozack, 13, of Regina. Kozack played two solid rounds (79-75), but Johnson was just too much in the end. “It feels good to win. I hope that I can carry the momentum into the next few events,” said Johnson of his victory. “I was just thinking fairways and greens and the putts would fall.” Finishing third in the division was Justin Bourassa, 13, of Regina, who carded 84-79.

Brooke Hobson, 13, of Prince Albert, shot 81-79 to win the Girls Division title over Kayla Sawchuk, 13, also of Prince Albert (87-80). “I reached a personal goal out there this weekend,” stated Hobson. “It feels good to win and know that I did my best.” Finishing in third place was Brooke Hill, 16, of Regina, who played well, shooting 88-87 for the bronze medal.

The divisional winners in the Mr. Lube Long Drive Competition were Noah Kozack, Zach Hurd of Prince Albert, John McKiernan of Calgary and Brooke Hobson, while the divisional Sundog Closest-to-the-Pin Competitions were won by Ben Baasran of West Vancouver, BC, Tyrin Foley of Bengough, SK, Mike Flegel of Moose Jaw, SK, and Brooke Hill. The Golf Town Comeback Awards went to Brant Wiebe of Delisle, SK, Matt Baker of Saskatoon, SK, Mackenzie Russell of Saskatoon, SK, and Amanda Gonsch of Silton, SK.

The MJT Saskatchewan schedule continues on July 26 and 27 with the MJT-CPGA of Saskatchewan Junior Championship at The Willows Golf Club in Saskatoon, a qualifying event for the RMJGT Championship at McCormick Ranch in sunny Scottsdale, Arizona, this December. 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