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Canada's #1 Junior Golf Tour
The Road to College Golf, run exclusively by PGA ProfessionalsPress Release
August 18-19, 2009
Winnipeg, MB
UNBELIEVABLE UNGER SHOOTS 8-UNDER AT TRANSCONA
Winnipeg, MB - The wet Winnipeg weather didn’t dampen spirits at the National Bank Financial sponsored Maple Leaf Junior Tour (MJT) Manitoba PGA Junior Championship this week. Young MJT players muscled through the wet conditions at Transcona Golf Club on August 18 and 19 to post some sensational scores, each vying for Championship division titles and a spot in the CAN-USA Team Matches in Arizona this December. The Girls’ division and Boys 13 and Under managed 36 holes of play in all, while the Boys 14-16 and Boys 17-19 categories completed just 27 holes due to the weather.
MJT veteran, Riley Unger, 19, of Plum Coulee, MB, was well on his way to greatness during the second round, carding a 4-under 32 on the front nine after shooting 67 on day one, when rain halted play. Unger posted a total of 99 for 27 holes to win low overall with his 8-under-par total and repeat as MJT-Manitoba PGA Junior Boys 17-19 Champion. “My ball striking was good,” he said. “Will (Peppler) played a great first round so I knew I was in tough. It feels really good (to win).” Peppler, 18, of Winnipeg, was runner-up in this category, posting 106 through 27 holes (67-39) and third place went to Charlie Boyechko, 17, also of Winnipeg, with rounds of 70-40 (110).
Scott Mazur, 16, of Winnipeg, was also thrilled to repeat as MJT Manitoba PGA Junior Boys 14-16 champion with great scores of 73-36 (109), winning a spot to the CAN-USA Team Matches in Arizona this December. “I played steady and didn’t make any mistakes,” Mazur offered when asked what he felt was key to his victory. “My driving was solid all tournament. The scores were close the whole way and I knew it was going to be close (to the finish). It is great to win at my home course.” Runner-up in the division, Zac Klassen, 15, of Winkler, finished just one stroke shy of the leader with 74-36 (110) over 27 holes. Third place finisher, Garrett Neiles, 16, of Winnipeg, shot an outstanding 70 on day one and was gearing up for a photo-finish with Mazur on day two when the rain cancellation washed away his chance (70-41=111).
Connor Shaw, 13, of Dauphin, shot 78-77 (155) to edge Zach Sackett, 13, of Winnipeg, by one stroke to win the MJT-Manitoba PGA Junior Boys 13 and Under champion’s title. “My ball striking was the best I have ever seen it,” said Shaw. “All I wanted to do was do the best I can do under the pressure. I knew Zach would give me a heart attack by the end but I pulled through. I feel great, like I can play this tournament all over again!” Sackett carded 77-79 (156). Riley Grona, 13, of Coronach, SK, was solid on day two, posting scores of 84-78 (162) to place third in the division).
Winnie Hyun, 14, held off Nicole McGlenen, 15, both of Winnipeg, to win the MJT-Manitoba PGA Junior Girls title. Hyun’s three-stroke lead heading into the second day was narrowed to two on the final round, when she posted 85-84 (169) for the win. “My long putting was key,” said Hyun. “I feel good about winning.” McGlenen’s scores were 88-83 (171).
The divisional winners in the Mr. Lube Long Drive Competition were Brandon Sutherland, 13, of Selkirk, and Winnie Hyun, and the Sundog Skills competition divisional winner was Zach Sackett. Unfortunately the weather did not cooperate to determine winners in the Boys 14-16 and Boys 17-19 divisions.
With the Manitoba season at an end players will now wait for notice on qualification for the MJT National Tour Championship at the Wigwam Golf Resort and Spa in Phoenix, AZ, November 21-22. For more information or to register, please visit www.maplejt.com or call 604-943-1645.
About the MJT
The non-profit Maple Leaf Junior Golf Tour (MJT) is presented by Boston Pizza, and is 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.
Media Contact:
Elaine Denton
Marketing & PR, MJT
T: 1-877-943-1645
Email: edenton@maplejt.com