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Canada's #1 Junior Golf Tour

Canada's #1 Junior Golf Tour

The Road to College Golf, run exclusively by PGA Professionals

Press Release

August 26-27, 2012
Vernon, BC

Du Toit’s six-under-par secures San Diego spot on MJT at Predator Ridge

Vernon, BC – (August 28, 2012) – MJT players from across western Canada came together in Vernon, British Columbia, to compete for four division titles in the MJT Okanagan Junior Championship at Predator Ridge Golf Resort on August 26th and 27th. An first-class golf experience and two fantastic weather days were capped off by 17-year-old Jared Du Toit being crowned MJT Okanagan Junior Champion and receiving an exemption into the San Diego Junior Amateur Golf Championship which is held in January 2013 near San Diego, CA, USA.

Du Toit, 17, of Kimberley, BC, managed the difficult Predator Ridge course with relative ease, firing back-to-back rounds of 68 (six-under-par 136), good enough for a three shot victory in the Boys 17-19 Division. “The course was great, the greens were lush, and the conditions were A+,” said Du Toit, who has just moved up from the Boys 14-16 division after a birthday. “This was my first 17-19 tournament and it’s good to know I can win in both divisions.” Finishing second in the division was Steven Lee, 17, of Kelowna, who shot two excellent rounds of 68-71 (139), while third place went to Victor Baptiste, 17, of Oliver, BC, who carded 70-71 (141).

The MKT Okanagan Junior Boys 14-16 Champion was Alex Chen, 16, of Richmond, BC, who bested his age division with fine rounds of 72-71 (143). “I chipped in for par on the 17th on the first day and putted in a birdie today at the same hole,” said Chen of his highlights after the final round. “Coming down the stretch I was thinking about my score and the closest opponent all the time even though I knew it was not good, but somehow I controlled my game and kept it consistent until the end. I played some good golf and had fun – am looking forward to more competition from MJT.” Finishing two shots behind Chen was Marcus Brown, 16, of Surrey, BC, who played solid golf with rounds of 73-72 (145), while Cole Briggs, 15, of Langley, BC, finished third shooting 76-73 (149).

13-year-old Landon Stellingwerff of Calgary, Alberta, claimed the MJT Okanagan Junior Boys 13 and under title after firing 75-75 (150). “The second day I made four clutch birdie putts on the front nine, and did not take any doubles the whole tourney,” said Stellingwerff of the reasons for his victory. “It feels great to win and post two good rounds.” Finishing in second place was Christopher Ballesteros, 13, of Burnaby, BC, who carded solid scores of 81-74 (155) followed by Mitchell Thiessen, 13, of Chilliwack, BC, who shot 81-77 (158) to finish third.

Madison Kapchinsky, 18, of Kelowna, successfully defended her MJT Okanagan Junior Girls Champion title, scoring 77-71 to win by nine shots over both Mackenzie Barrie, 16, of Vernon, and Ella Williams of Calgary, who carded identical scores of 80-77. “I was hitting my driver really well, so it helped being in the fairway,” said Kapchinsky. “It feels good (to win) especially since I won it last year.”

Mr. Lube Long Drive Awards went to Keenan Fleming of Sechelt, BC, Austin Bosquet of Coldstream, BC, Jared Du Toit and Madison Kapchinsky. Sundog Eyewear Closest to the Pin Awards were taken home by Philip Kaiser of Kelowna, Cole Baldigara of Kelowna, Chris McEachran-Law of Coldstream, BC, and Kylie Jack of Westbank, BC. Golf Town Comeback Awards were won by Brock Siemens of Kelowna, Andrew Alafriz of Abbotsford, BC, Arshvir Pandher of Surrey, BC, and Veronica Vetesnik of Winnipeg, MB.

The MJT British Columbia schedule now moves into the Fall One Day Series, which run at Pitt Meadows Golf Club in Pitt Meadows, BC, on September 9th, and Pagoda Ridge Golf Club in Langley, BC, on October 6th. 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