Canada's #1 Junior Golf Tour

June 29-30, 2010
Prince Albert, SK

For Immediate Release

PINDER CROWNED MJT SASKATCHEWAN JUNIOR OPEN CHAMPION

Prince Albert, SK – (July 1, 2010) – Despite huge winds on day one of the two-day Maple Leaf Junior Golf Tour’s (MJT) Saskatchewan Junior Open at Cooke Municipal Golf Club in Prince Albert, Scott Pinder of Saskatoon separated himself from the field with an impressive 72 in tough conditions.

“A 72 in those winds is like shooting 66 any other day,” commented Jeff Chambers, MJT Tournament Director. “It was easily a six shot difference because of the wind and tough greens.” Adding to the tricky conditions, 100km/h winds overnight knocked down trees and left the golf course covered with debris which the course staff worked hard to clear away and make fairways playable. The weather improved on day two, however, and the scores typically lowered for most players.

Both Dallas Mengel and Travis Jenkins battled hard and shot very impressive two-under-par 70's to jump towards the leader, but Pinder, 18, who plays out of Riverside Country Club, managed to hold on by a stroke in the end and win the Boys 17-19 title and low overall with scores of 72-75 (147). “It feels great (to win) leading into provincials. All the work I have put into my game this year, it is nice to finally see the results,” he said. Jenkins, 18, of Prince Albert, placed second in the division (78-70=148) and Mengel, 18, of Saskatoon, finished third (80-70=150).

Liam Courtney, 15, of Saskatoon, claimed his first MJT Boys 14-16 title this season by four shots after firing 76-73 (149). “My driving and putting were key so I didn’t get into much trouble off the tee and when the greens were bad I was still able to make putts,” he summed up. Runner-up was Aaron Vogel, 16, of Regina, who shot 79-74 (153), while there was a tie for third place at 158 total score between Daegan Wall, 15, of Regina (79-79), and Taras Burton, 16, of Maple Creek (78-80).

Zach Hurd, 13, of Prince Albert, enjoyed his home course advantage and shot his best rounds on the MJT this season (79-74=153) which secured his first Boys 13 and under title. “My up and downs kept me in it; I didn’t blow up mentally,” he said. “I feel very good; it’s good to get the first win.” Moose Jaw’s Nathan Corrin, 13, finished second after carding 83-79 (162), and local Cory Sawchuk, 12, finished third (86-80=166).

11-year-old Kayla Sawchuk of Prince Albert beat Nicole Anderson, 17, of Canwood, to win the Girls title with scores of 96-95 (191) and stated, “I feel proud of myself!” Kayla won the Mr. Lube Long Drive while Nicole won the Sundog Closest-to-the-Pin competition amongst them. The other skills competition division winners were Zach Hurd, Riley Grona, 14, of Coronach, and Mike Boymook, 18, of Saskatoon, for the Long Drive, and Nathan Corrin, Daegan Wall and Jared Tupper, 17, of Meadow Lake, for Closest-to-the-Pin.

Many draw prizes were also awarded, as well as Golf Town ‘Comeback Awards’ to Kade Johnson, 11, of Yorkton, Cole Thomas, 16, of St. Brieux, Dallas Mengel and Kayla Sawchuk.

The next and final stop is the MJT-CPGA of Saskatchewan Junior Championship at The Willows Golf Club in Saskatoon on July 13th and 14th - a qualifier for the CAN-USA Team Matches in Arizona. 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 England, Australia, Thailand 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 PGA tour player Chris Baryla, players on the Nationwide and Canadian Tours, several Canadian National Junior Champions and many Future Links and Provincial Junior Champions.

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