Press Release - MJT Cattermole Group Classic at King's Links GC - June 21-22, 2008

June 21-22, 2008
Delta, BC

For Immediate Release — June 23, 2008

NAKAJIMA CROWNED NEW KING OF KING’S LINKS
12-YEAR-OLD KEEL IS QUEEN

DELTA, B.C.: King’s Links Golf Club in Delta hosted a two-day Maple Leaf Junior Golf Tour tournament this past weekend, sponsored by long-time tour supporter, Cattermole Group. The MJT Cattermole Group Classic featured a full field of competitive junior golfers vying for division titles as well as exemptions into the Texas Junior Masters in San Antonio, TX, this August.

Day one enjoyed decent weather while day two saw the wind come into play on the links-style course, which wreaked havoc with some scores. Local Steven Nakajima, 17, who finished one stroke off the lead with a 74 on day one, played solid enough on day two to improve by two strokes and claim the overall low score for the field. Nakajima shot 74-72 (146), securing a spot to Texas. “It was one of my best ball striking weeks I've had in a while, and to add to that, my putting wasn’t too bad either,’ he said. “Winning low overall and a spot to Texas makes me feel like all of my hard work has finally paid off. It will be a great experience and I look forward to meeting other juniors from around the world.” Finishing in second place in the Boys 17 and up category with scores of 76-75 (151) was Keith Martin, 19, of Kelowna, B.C., followed by Marion Hernandez, 19, of Richmond, B.C., who scored 73-80 (153) to finish third.

In the Boys 14-16 division, Sean Ko, 16, of West Vancouver, B.C., fired 74-76 (150) to win by beating runner-up Zack Duan, 16, of Vancouver, B.C., by four strokes. “I just wanted to come out of a slump I was in,” said Ko. “I think I focused a lot more on the last nine (holes) thanks to Sae (Hyun) birdying. It was the most intense and fun time I ever had playing golf. Coming down the stretch I was thinking to take down Steve (Nakajima) for the spot to Texas but he played well with a 72 in those conditions and I think he deserves to win with that score. I was disappointed to lose to Steve but feel great that I was able to fend off my buds Sae and Zack who both would destroy me two years ago.” Sae Hyun, 16, of Burnaby, B.C., shot 77-78 (155) to finish third in the division.

Kevin Kwon, 13, of Coquitlam, B.C., convincingly won the Boys 13 and under division after closing with an excellent 73 for a 151 total score. “The key to my victory was my iron shots and my patience, because I missed so many putts,” he said. “Because of the wind and the firm greens, the course played pretty tough.” Nav Bains, 13, of Surrey, B.C., who recently returned from the World Youth Team Challenge in Illinois, placed second in the division with solid rounds of 82-80 (162), managing to stay two strokes ahead of a two-way tie for third place at 164 total score between Edward B.X. Li, 13, of Vancouver (83-81) and Logan Hallwas, 13, of South Surrey (82-82).

An exceptional turnout in the Girls Division with 14 golfers offered a great two-day competition for this division. Jisoo Keel, 12 of Coquitlam, definitely came to win with excellent scores of 77-76 (153), winning one of the girls exemption in the Texas Junior Masters and leaving the rest of the girls eight strokes back to battle for second place. “My driver was really going straight and far,” she said, adding the division’s Mr. Lube Long Drive prize to her bounty. “Coming down the stretch I was thinking to do my best and make some birdies as the course was really windy and the greens were extremely fast. I feel great to win this tournament, it was fun.” Ji-Hyun An, 15, also of Coquitlam, took second place in the division and the second girls spot to Texas after shooting 79-82 (161). 11-year-old Alix Kong, of West Vancouver, placed third (81-83=164).

The other Mr. Lube Long Drive competition divisional winners were Logan Hallwas, Zack Duan and Steven Nakajima. The Sundog Skills Competition winners were Shane Barill, 12, of North Vancouver, B.C., Tae-In Lee, 15, of Maple Ridge, B.C., Keith Martin and Linda Luo, 15, of Richmond, B.C.

Next stop on the Maple Leaf Junior Golf Tour is the 54-hole MJT Sun Mountain Okanagan Junior Championship at Predator Ridge Golf Resort, Vernon, B.C., July 14th, 15th and 16th, which is a qualifier for the Canada International Friendship Cup. For more information or to register, please visit www.maplejt.com or call 1-877-859-GOLF.

About the MJT
The non-profit Maple Leaf Junior Golf Tour (MJT) is presented nationally by Boston Pizza and is Canada's premier and only 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 also provides 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.

MediaContact:
Elaine Denton
Marketing & PR, MJT
T: 1-877-943-1645
Email: edenton@maplejt.com