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The Road to College Golf, run exclusively by PGA ProfessionalsPress Release
October 4, 2008
Fraserview GC • Vancouver, BC
WEATHER AFFECTS MJT’S FRASERVIEW STOP
12-YEAR-OLD KONG CAPTURES FIRST GIRLS DIVISION TITLE
Vancouver, B.C. – Wet and very windy conditions plagued the second stop on the Maple Leaf Junior Golf Tour’s (MJT) British Columbia Fall Series at Fraserview Golf Club in Vancouver on Saturday, October 4th, where a full field of competitive junior golfers battled it out to win their respective division titles.
Dark and stormy weather worsened, eventually forcing two out of the four divisions to cut short play to 14 holes. Both the Girls and Boys 13 and under groups finished 18 holes, however, and saw first-time winners on the MJT taking the respective champion’s trophies. Alix Kong, 12, of West Vancouver, shot an excellent 76 to win her division by two strokes. “The weather was my biggest challenge today – it reminded me of when I went to play golf in Scotland,” she said. “I was just concentrating on keeping my body warm and staying focused. I am excited because I overcame a strong field to win my first of many MJT tournaments.” Tied for second place at 78 were Porsche Campbell, 15, and Yvonne Zheng, 13, both of Vancouver.
Newcomer Kevin Vigna, 12, of Burnaby, signed for a score of 79 to win the Boys 13 and under division title. “The conditions today were horrible,” he said. “On the other hand, I was so focused on the round that the conditions didn’t bother me one bit! I feel excellent winning my first MJT tour trophy and I hope I can win many more in my career.” Austin Hughes, 13, of Delta, shot a fine 80 for his first MJT outing to place second, while 9-year-old Harry Huang of Vancouver, carded 82 for third.
Mike Belle, 16, of Burnaby, claimed the Boys 14-16 division title on retrogression after tying with a score of one-over-par after 14 holes (57) with Mason Pimentel, 14, of Richmond. “Sinking a 35 foot birdie putt on the 14th hole was my highlight,” said Belle. “It feels good to win because it’s the first time I’ve won in a couple of years on the MJT.” There was a tie for third place in the division at two-over-par (58) between Nicholas Russell, 15, of Vancouver, and Michael Kim, 14, of North Vancouver.
John Lee, 17, of Port Coquitlam, repeated as Boys 17 and up division winner with a fine score of 56 (even par after 14 holes), edging T.J. McColl, 17, of Surrey, by one stroke. “I feel great,” said Lee. “I’m thinking about winning next week then I’ll have won all three MJT fall series.” Michael Wawryk, 18, of Delta, carded 63 to finish in third place behind McColl.
The divisional winners in the Mr. Lube Long Drive Competition were Oscar Baek, 13, of Coquitlam, Mickhail Hernandez, 16, of Richmond, T.J. McColl and Leilanie Kim, 15, of Surrey. The Sundog Skills Competition divisional winners were Kevin Vigna, Sean Moen, 15, of North Vancouver, Darian Foster, 18, of Mission, and Jamie Oleksiew, 14, of Langley.
The one-day MJT British Columbia Fall Series finishes at Northview Golf Club on October 11th, marking the end of the 2008 season. For more information on the program please visit www.maplejt.com.
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 national 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.
Contact:
Elaine Denton,
Marketing & PR, MJT
T: 1-877-943-1645
Email: edenton@maplejt.com