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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

May 19-21, 2007
Lacombe, AB

For Immediate Release — May 22, 2007

Three Players Repeat as Winners of Spots on MJT Team Canada in Three Day Event

Tournament at Lacombe honours memory of Brandt Levers


LACOMBE, AB – Drenching rain accompanied by dreadful wind dominated the Maple Leaf Junior Golf Tour’s (MJT) three-day tournament at Lacombe Golf and Country Club in Lacombe, Alberta, this past May long weekend. Never really given a chance to showcase their talents, the players just tried to survive the bitterly cold and wet conditions and make it through.

The tournament paid tribute to the memory of Brandt Levers, 18, of Breton, AB, who died in a recent car accident. Levers played on the MJT for five years and won a number of times, including twice at Lacombe. He was remembered by family and golfing colleagues at the event, which was a double qualifier for spots on MJT Team Canada to the Scotland Kingdom of Fife Junior Team Matches in the U.K., and on MJT Team Canada to the International Junior Golf Invitational (IJGI) in Cuernavaca, Mexico, both scheduled for August 2007.

Andrew Funk, 18, of Edmonton, AB, repeated as a winner of a spot on MJT Team Canada after playing three solid rounds of 71-74-75 (220), steadily wearing down his competitors over 54 very difficult holes and securing victory in the Boys 17 and up division. “It means a lot to win – three decent rounds in questionable weather feels nice,” said Funk, who fired four birdies in a row during round one. “The two and three day tournaments on the MJT help me to be consistent and the great fields make you work hard. I would love to win the Alberta Junior and perform better at the Canadian Junior.”

Runner-up to Funk in the division was Craig Gibson, 18, of Brooks, AB, who shot 74-79 then finished with a 69 in brutal winds for a 222 total score and the second spot on MJT Team Canada. Two strokes back at 224 total score was first round leader Michael Tomalty, 17, of Calgary, who followed a brilliant 67 on day one with rounds of 82,75.

In the Boys 14-16 division, Jason Thiels, 16, of Olds, AB, played consistently over the three days in the wind and rain to best the field by five shots (72-75-76=223) and be first alternate overall for the Team. “This win gives me the confidence to know that I can compete at this level,” said Thiels, whose highlight was finishing birdie-birdie to win. Rhys Tosczak, 16, of Calgary, fired an incredible second round 69 to get back into the competition but could not catch Thiels and had to settle for second spot in the division with a total score of 228. Third place in the division went to Steven Scheidt, 16, also of Calgary (76-81-72=229).

Breanne Neufeld, 17, of Coaldale, continued her wonderful play by bettering Emily Miles, 14, of Edmonton. Neufeld shot 81-82-77 for a 240 total score, her third victory of the season on the MJT, and once again earns a spot on MJT Team Canada. Qualifying across the country ends May 27th.

Mack Penner, 13, of Lethbridge, AB, tried to give it away on the front nine as Riley Fleming, 13, of Airdire came on strong in the Boys 13 and under division, but it was not enough as Penner played solid on the back nine and posted 76-78-79 (233) for his second victory of the season. “I almost let it slip, but came back and won under pressure,” said a relieved Penner. Fleming shot 75-83-78 (236) to place second. Derek Rucki, 12, of Chestermere, AB, finished third in the division with scores of 77-82-81 (240).

The divisional winners in the Mr. Lube Long Drive Competition were Mack Penner, Gavin Benson of Edmonton, Robert Watts of Cold Lake, AB, and Neufeld. The Sundog Skills competition divisional winners were Jason Allard of Calgary, Jordan Gibson of Picture Butte, AB, Dillon Robinson of Calgary, and Emily Miles.

The Alberta schedule on the MJT continues June 9th and 10th at the site of the Alberta Junior Championship - Stony Plain Golf Club in Stony Plain. The MJT tournament is also a qualifier for spots in the Texas Junior Masters at Colovista Country Club in Bastrop, TX, this July. For more information or to register, please visit www.maplejt.com or call 1-877-859-4653.

About the MJT
Boston Pizza is the Presenting Sponsor of the non-profit Maple Leaf Junior Golf Tour (MJT), Canada's premier and only national junior golf tour run exclusively by Golf Professionals. The MJT is proud to play a role in developing young players, including several Canadian National Champions and many Future Links and Provincial Champions. The MJT is also focused on providing opportunities for young Canadians to learn how to golf and introduces players as young as four years old to the game via free instructional clinics. In addition, the MJT encourages young players to further their education with scholarship awards. For more information, please visit www.maplejt.com or call 1-877-859-GOLF. MJT - developing champions, in golf, in life.

Contact:
Elaine Denton,
Marketing & PR, MJT
T: 604-943-1645
Email: edenton@maplejt.com