Canada's #1 Junior Golf Tour

May 22-23, 2011
Lumsden, SK

Williams wins International Exemptions at MJT’s Saskatchewan Season Opener

For Immediate Release – Lumsden, SK – (May 24, 2011) – The Boston Pizza-presented Maple Leaf Junior Golf Tour (MJT), Canada’s “Road to College Golf”, teed off their five-event Saskatchewan Series at Deer Valley Golf and Estates in Lumsden on May 22 and 23. Junior golfers from three provinces battled the breeze over two days at the very challenging course and emerged with some impressive scores and stellar performances, with Albertan Matt Williams taking low overall honours with his four-under-par 140 total.

Williams, 15, of Calgary, opened his tournament with an even par 72 and closed with a four-under-68 even after a bad bounce off a greenside sprinkler on 15 led to a double bogey, ending up with a nine stroke victory in the Boys 14-16 year old division. This garnered him a paid entry into a US Junior Sectionals Qualifier in addition to a spot on the MJT’s shortlist for the Junior World Championships in San Diego this July.

“Making eight birdies in the final round and rebounding on the final few holes after an unlucky double was a highlight for me,” he said. “I stuck to my game plan and avoided some big numbers on a tough course – it’s a good feeling and I feel this win has given me confidence for some important upcoming events.” Runner-up in the division with commendable scores of 73-76 (149) was Garrett Blair, 16, of Lanigan, SK. Zach Taylor, also 16, of Saskatoon, SK, finished third after firing 74-78 (152).

In the 13 and under group, Manitoba’s 11 year old Brendan Kesterke got everyone talking with solid rounds of 76-77 to win his age division. Kesterke, of Headingley, stated that, “keeping the ball in play was key.” Cory Sawchuck, 13, of Prince Albert, SK, finished second with scores of 82-81 (163) while third place went to Taylor Kinch, 13, of Swift Current, SK, who carded 84-87 (171).

Mitchell Matichuk, 18, of Melville, SK, won the Boys 17-19 year old division with strong rounds of 73-74 (147 total). “Overall my ball striking helped me a lot as my putting was streaky. It feels great to win,” he said. “I played with some really good players so it feels good to come out on top.” Four strokes back in second place was Jehremy Ryde, also 18, of Eston, SK, who opened with a 79 but followed with a second day even par 72 for a 151 total and a two stroke buffer over third place finisher Aaron Vogel, 17, of Regina, SK, (79-74=153).

First place in the Girls division went to 12 year old Kayla Sawchuk of Prince Albert, who recorded rounds of 92-91 and accredited her victory to straight and consistent hitting, mentioning, “It feels like all the practicing and time I spent on the course paid off.” In second place was Emily Wees, 18, of Regina, SK, who carded 111-115, while Sarah Wist, 16, of Central Butte, SK, finished third.

Juniors also competed in skills competitions over the weekend earning great prizes and recognition for long drives, closest to the pin and second day ‘comebacks’. In the Mr. Lube Long Drive, winners in various age groups were Cory Sawchuk (Cooke Municipal Golf Course), Tyrell Wees and Aaron Vogel (Wascana Country Club) and Sarah Wist (Harbor Golf Club).

For the Sundog Eyewear Skills Competition, the divisional winners were Matt Reimer (Chinook Golf Club), Brendan Baldwin (Southwood Golf and Country Club), Jehremy Ryde (Elmwood Golf Course) and Kayla Sawchuck (Cooke Municipal Golf Course). Golf Town Comeback Award winners in each division were Matt Reimer, Jessy-Lee Lacher (Elmwood Golf Course), Jehremy Ryde and Sarah Wist.

The Maple Leaf Junior Golf Tour continues the Saskatchewan schedule at Cooke Municipal Golf Course in Prince Albert on June 4-5, a qualifier for the Srixon International Junior Classic in New South Wales, Australia, September 28 to October 8. For full details and online registration, interested juniors can 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 and the ‘Road to College Golf’ for aspiring young players. The organization hosts more than 60 events across Canada, including free Ford Go Golf Junior Clinics, the MJT Mini Tour for 7-13 year olds, and multi-day events for competitive players which also qualify juniors for international competitions. The MJT offers annual awards, scholarships, and frequent player incentives to help reward player's performance and participation throughout each season. MJT alumni include many Professional Tour players and Canadian PGA Professionals, as well as Canadian Amateur, National and Provincial Junior Champions. The MJT aims to develop champions, in golf and in life, promoting the game from grassroots through to provincial, national, university and professional level. For more information please visit www.maplejt.com.

MEDIA CONTACT: MJT - Elaine Denton - edenton@maplejt.com - 1-877-859-GOLF