Press Release - MJT 1st Choice Savings Spring Series at Paradise Canyon Golf Resort - May 9-10, 2009

May 9-10, 2009
Lethbridge, AB

For Immediate Release

BATSEL FINDS PARADISE WITH MJT 1ST CHOICE SAVINGS WIN

Lethbridge, AB - (May 11, 2009) – Southern Alberta’s golf gem, Paradise Canyon Golf Resort, played host this weekend to the Maple Leaf Junior Golf Tour (MJT) 1st Choice Savings Spring Series, where players in four divisions battled each other plus the chance to qualify for a spot in the 57th East Aurora International Junior Masters (EAIJM) in East Aurora, New York.

Dillon Batsel, 16, of Medicine Hat, fired an outstanding 70-71 (141) through two rounds to clinch the Boys 14-16 division title and 1st Choice Savings low overall score. Off and on rain didn’t dampen things for the 16 year-old, being the only player to break par on the first day. After calling a penalty on himself on the first hole in a bizarre situation where he dropped his coin on his ball and the ball moved from its original position, Batsel rallied right away and finished the day one-under. Continuing his fine play through the sunny second day, he carded even par and earned the spot to the EAIJM in New York this June. Batsel said he was relieved after learning that he qualified for the exemption.

Cole Chelle, 16, of Edmonton, was just five strokes back posting a solid 74-72 (146) for a second place finish in the 14-16 division and 15 year-old Riley Fleming, of Airdrie, was third with 73-80 (153) for the weekend.

Girls division winner Jennifer Ha, 15, of Calgary, held a small lead after day one extending it to 10 shots by the end of day two, scoring 82-78 (160) in the event. She hit good, solid golf shots, stuck to her game plan and hit better irons and putts on the second day. Newcomer Becky Martin, 15, of Medicine Hat, posted 86-84 (170) through unlucky putts, but held on to come second by one stroke in the division over third place finisher, Christie Lin, 15, of Calgary, 84-87 (171).

In the Boys 13 and under division, Nick Scrymgeour, 13, of Calgary, (86-75=161), sure found his game on the second day, making a late charge with even par over the final nine holes to edge four strokes ahead of second place finisher Nathan Corrin, 12, of Moose Jaw (84-81=165). Corrin hit the ball well but had some trouble around the greens. Third place finisher Nolan Mastel, 12, of Medicine Hat, ended the weekend with 87-90 (177).

It was an exciting and close race for first in the Boys 17-19 division, with all top three finishers completing impressive rounds through two days, resulting in a tie for first place. Red hot Ryan Werre, 17, of Redcliff, opened with a 71 and a thin one shot lead over Rhys Tosczak, 17, of Calgary. Great scores considering the conditions and their later tee times which saw a bit more wind. On day two, Werre finished with a 74 for 145 total score, however, Sang Gyun Lee, 17, of Calgary, was the lone player to break par that day, climbing from four back to score 70, also for a 145 total, claiming the division title in a countback. Ian Lauzon, 18, of Calgary, finished just two strokes behind the leaders in third with 75-72 (147).

The divisional winners in the Mr. Lube Long Drive Competition were Nathan Corrin, Riley Fleming, Christopher Durbeniuk, 17, of Calgary, and Christie Lin. The Sundog Skills competition divisional winners were Corrin, Batsel, Tanner Laidlaw, 18, of Lethbridge, and Jamieson Smeaton, 16, also of Lethbridge.

The MJT continues its Alberta schedule on May 16th and 17th with the MJT Alberta Series at Lacombe Golf Club in Lacombe, AB, an event which will also pay tribute to the memories of Brandt Levers and Tyler Tomaszeski, former MJT members and best friends who sadly passed away at ages 18 and 20 respectively. The tournament is a qualifier for MJT Team Canada to the Scotland Kingdom of Fife Team Matches, St. Andrews, UK. For more information or to register, please visit www.maplejt.com or call 1-877-859-4653.

About the MJT
The non-profit Maple Leaf Junior Golf Tour presented by Boston Pizza is Canada’s premier and only national junior tour run exclusively by Canadian PGA Professionals. The organization hosts more than 50 events across Canada and also qualifies players for spots to international events in China, Scotland, Australia and many cities in the USA. The MJT offers annual awards, scholarships, and frequent player incentives to help reward player's performance and participation throughout each season. MJT alumni include several Canadian National Champions and many Future Links and Provincial Champions.