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The Road to College Golf, run exclusively by PGA ProfessionalsPress Release
August 15-17, 2005
Cougar Creek GC • Edmonton, AB
MARKIW AND MALO LOW OVERALL IN MJT- ALBERTA PGA JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP
EDMONTON, AB – The third and final round of the Maple Leaf Junior Golf Tour’s fourth annual Alberta PGA Junior Championship concluded this week on the new Cougar Creek Golf Resort in Edmonton.
After 36 holes the field was cut to the top 34 players for the final round. According to MJT Tournament Director Trent Matson, the weather conditions were the worst experienced for a tournament this season with pouring rain and freezing cold all three days.
Despite this, Brandon Markiw, of Edmonton, posted consistently low scores of 72-72-73 (217) to finish with a dominant lead as the Boys 17 and Up Alberta PGA Junior Champion. “Brandon played unbelievable golf in those conditions,” said Matson. Markiw added, “This win means a lot to me, it helps with my confidence after a rough year.” The 18-year-old is on his way to Ohio State University on a golf scholarship this fall.
Runner-up to Markiw in this division was Gary Helgason, 17, of Edmonton, who posted scores of 78-76-78, while third place went to Matthew Mah, 17, also of Edmonton. Mah shot 83-78-81.
The other low overall tournament score was posted by 13-year-old Scott Malo of Calgary in the Boys 13 and under division. Malo fired a 69 during the second round even after doubling the 18th hole, closing with scores of 72-69-76 (217) to win the MJT-Alberta PGA Junior Boys 13 and under Champion’s trophy.
“I’m hoping to get into the MJT National Tour Championship,” said Malo, who listed the highlight of the event as “going 5 under by hole 17 in the second round.” He noted that the MJT experience helps him perform under pressure and that his future goal in golf is to get a scholarship in the States.
Second place in the division went to Evan Cowan, 13, of Coaldale, who shot 72-73-79. Carson Kallis, 13, of Red Deer, shot 73-78-80 to finish in third place.
Juanita Rico, 15, of Calgary, cruised to victory in the Girls division, playing “unbelievably good golf” according to Matson. Rico, who fired rounds of 72-74-76 (222), said, “I played solidly even with really bad weather – to win gives me more confidence with my game.”
Kelly Amundrud, 14, of Calgary, shot a career low 78 in the final round to finish second amongst the Girls with scores of 85-79-78. Jen McLean, 17, of Devon, scored 92-80-83 to place third.
The MJT-Alberta PGA Junior Boys 14-16 Champion was Jordan Ediger, 15, of Calgary. Ediger shot 76-74-75 (225) to beat runner-up Cody Adolph, 16, of Stony Plain, by six strokes. Ediger cited the benefits of playing competitively and gaining experience on the MJT. “I hope to qualify for the (National) Tour Championship,” he added.
Chad Adolph, 14, of Stony Plain, was edged by his brother Cody to finish third in the division with scores of 76-80-76 (232).
The division winners in the Mr. Lube Long Drive Competition were Carson Kallis, Richard Edmonds of Edmonton, Kyle Lackie of Calgary, and Juanita Rico. The Sundog Closest-to-the-Pin Competition winners were Tanner Hicks of Calgary, Greg Doll of Peace River, Matt Mah and Rico.
Some of the country’s top juniors have taken part in the MJT, such as Inah Park, the reigning Canadian junior girls’ champion, and Darren Wallace, the Canadian Men’s Amateur Champion. Seven out of the Top 10 RCGA nationally-ranked juniors in 2004 have played on the Tour, which is presented by Boston Pizza nationally and endorsed by PGA Tour veterans Dave Barr and Ray Stewart.
The invitation-only MJT Boston Pizza National Tour Championship wraps the regular season on September 10-11 at Banff Springs Golf Club in Banff, Alberta. For more information please call 1-877-859-GOLF or visit the Tour’s website at www.maplejt.com.
For more information, contact:
Elaine Denton, Marketing & PR
Tel: 604-943-1645
Email: edenton@maplejt.com