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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 11-12, 2008
Nanton, AB

For Immediate Release — August 14, 2008

KNUDSON CROWNED MJT-AB PGA JUNIOR CHAMPION, WINS SPOT TO CHINA

NANTON, AB – A major event on the Maple Leaf Junior Golf Tour (MJT), endorsed by the Alberta Professional Golfers’ Association, played out August 11th and 12th on Nanton Golf Course in Nanton, AB, where competitive junior golfers from BC, Manitoba, Nova Scotia and all over Alberta took part. The 36-hole MJT-Alberta PGA Junior Championship was presented by Macleod Savings and Credit Union, and is part of a series of national events pioneered by the MJT in conjunction with the provincial CPGA zones. Up for grabs for the eligible players was an exemption into the 2009 China Junior Open.

A great final round of 69 vaulted Adam Knudson, 17, of Calgary, AB, into the overall lead with scores of 76-69 (145), claiming the MJT-Alberta PGA Junior Boys 17 and up Champion’s title and exemption into the China Junior Open. Runner-up in this division was Craig Klassen, 18, also of Calgary, who fired 77-70 (147). There was a three-way tie for third place at 149 total score between Jason Thiels, 17, of Olds, AB, Mike Kolody, 17, of Priddis, AB, and Tyson Denhamer, 17, of Calgary.

Manitoba’s Kevin Hicks, 16, of Winnipeg, fired 74-72 (146) and was crowned MJT-Alberta PGA Junior Boys 14-16 Champion. “I was one shot back coming into the final round and I knew I had to go lower than the first day, “ he said. “I was watching Riley Fleming hit the ball and he seemed to be playing well so he had me worried coming into the back nine. The tournament highlight was coming from Manitoba and being able to play so well on a course I had never played before - this is my first MJT win and coming 16 hours makes it that much better!” Fleming, 15, of Airdrie, AB, settled for third place in the division after shooting 75-74 (149), one stroke behind runner-up Taylor Drolet, 16, of Calgary, who fired 73-75 (148).

A hard-charging Lauren Diederichs, 20, of Calgary, closed with a brilliant 69 to edge 14-year-old Jamie Oleksiew of Langley, BC, by one stroke and capture the MJT-Alberta PGA Junior Girls Champion’s title. “I had to stay focused,” said Diederichs, “This win is a great birthday present!” Oleksiew maintained her excellent form on the MJT and fired 74-73 (147) for second and Chelcia Petersen, 17, of Calgary, shot 77-72 (149) to place third in the girls division.

The Boys 13 and under champion was 11–year-old MJT veteran Patrick Murphy of Crossfield, AB, who continued his great play this season and ran away with the title after firing 72-76 (148). “Keys to my victory were my approach shots and putting, and my highlights were chipping in on 17 and making a 50-foot par putt,” he said. Brett Sheridan, 13, of Lethbridge, AB, came in second place with scores of 86-76 (162) while third spot went to Nick Scrymgeour, 13, of Calgary (85-78=163).

In the Mr. Lube Long Drive Competition, the divisional winners were Zach Pardiac, 13, of Lethbridge, Connor O’Reilly, 16, of Edmonton, AB, Mitch Bach, 17, of Sundre, AB, and Lauren Diederichs. The Sundog Skills competition divisional winners were Patrick Murphy, Kevin Hicks, Corbin Adams, 18, of Edmonton, and Madison Pedersen, 15, of Calgary.

The Macleod Savings and Credit Union-sponsored stop in Nanton marks the end of the MJT’s Alberta series this year. The MJT’s regular season concludes on August 25th and 26th with the invitation-only MJT Boston Pizza National Tour Championship at Nicklaus North Golf Club in Whistler, BC. For more information, please visit www.maplejt.com or call 1-877-859-4653.

About the MJT
As a not-for-profit association, the national Maple Leaf Junior Golf Tour (MJT) presented by Boston Pizza is Canada’s only major junior tour run exclusively by Canadian PGA Professionals. The program helps develop Canada's junior golfers, offering clinics, tournaments, international competitions and more. From free introductory clinics sponsored by Ford to the major CPGA Zone-sponsored junior championships, the MJT aims to develop champions, in golf and in life. For more information please visit www.maplejt.com.

About Macleod Savings & Credit Union
Macleod Savings & Credit Union Ltd. is an open bond credit union operating in southern Alberta with branches in Claresholm, Fort Macleod, Nanton and Vulcan. Macleod Savings & Credit Union has been serving the financial needs of these communities and the surrounding areas for over 65 years during which time we have adapted quickly to the changing needs of our members and our communities. Call us to see how we can develop our products and services based on your financial requirements and the current economic climate. By knowing our members and our communities, the staff at Macleod Savings & Credit Union Ltd. are in the best position to assist you. For more information visit - www.macleodcu.com.

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