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Canada's #1 Junior Golf Tour

Canada's #1 Junior Golf Tour

The Road to College Golf, run exclusively by PGA Professionals

Press Release

August 27-28, 2011
Claresholm, AB

For Immediate Release

Billingsley Bests The Bridges in MJT’s Chinook Credit Union Series in Claresholm

Claresholm, AB – (August 29, 2011) – The Maple Leaf Junior Golf Tour’s (MJT) final Alberta stop was the MJT Chinook Credit Union Series at The Bridges of Claresholm Golf Club in Claresholm over the August 27th-28th weekend. The golf course was in excellent condition, with the greens running fast and true, and the weather was superb – plus 30 degrees Celsius for both days with little wind.

Calgary’s Greg Billingsley, 16, won Low Overall and was crowned the Boys 14-16 Division champion in the Chinook Credit Union-sponsored event with impressive rounds of 69-70 (-5). Following up his first round of 69, Billingsley came down to the final hole ahead by one shot over Ian Mmbando of Lethbridge, and made a crucial putt on the 36th hole to win. “It is the greatest memory of 2011 for me, that putt to win,” said Billingsley. “We had a great group, I really enjoy the guys I played with, and it seems that way at every MJT event. I was just trying to stay focused on what I was trying to do, just stay in my own little bubble!” Finishing second in the division at 4-under-par with rounds of 70-70 was Mmbando, 16, who pressed Billingsley all day long, while Derek Roach, 16, of Calgary, finished third after carding good scores of 72-70 (-2).

In the Boys 17-19 Division, there was a tie for first between Calgarians Taylor Drolet, 19, and JP Holliday, 17, with both players finishing at one-under par for the first two days. One playoff hole was all it took for Drolet to win his first MJT event in more than two years. “That this is a load off my shoulders,” he said. “I have played so poorly for the past two years, and feel that I can get back to where I belong.” Holliday hit his playoff tee shot into the long grass, pitched out and that was the break that Drolet needed, nailing a par on the first extra hole. Finishing third in the division was first-round-leader Rylan Visser, 17, of Lethbridge, who closed with a 75 after his great opening round of 69.

Brendan Brown, 12, of Calgary, notched another win at The Bridges firing an impressive two round total of one under par (71-72). “It was my first tournament under par for two days! I am very excited how my game has come this year, I have made a lot of friends on the MJT and really that will be the memories that I remember following this year.” Brown has won eight times this year on the MJT Alberta schedule, so you would think that it gets old for him, however he added, “I love to play the MJT. It was very exciting to win again.” Finishing in second place was Landon Stellingwerff, 13, of Calgary, who fired rounds of 75-73 and tried to apply pressure on Brown all day, but in the end came up just a little short. In third place was Michael Valk, 12, of Medicine Hat, who carded rounds of 89-77 and won the Golf Town Comeback Award for his turnaround from day one.

The divisional winners in the Mr. Lube Long Drive Competition were Landon Stellingwerff, Rylan Visser and Derek Roach, while the Sundog Skills competition divisional winners were Michael Valk, Rylan Visser and Trent Ducharme. The other winners of the Golf Town Comeback Awards were Devon Shearer of Claresholm and Ethan Leier of Calgary.

With the Albertan season at an end, players now wait for notice on qualification for the MJT Boston Pizza National Tour Championship presented by Callaway Golf at ChampionsGate Golf Club in Orlando, Florida, November 18-20. For more information, 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 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.

About Chinook Credit Union Ltd:
Chinook Credit Union Ltd. is an open bond credit union operating in southern Alberta with branches in Fort Macleod, Nanton, Brooks, Drumheller, Bassano, Claresholm, Hanna, Hussar, Lomond, Rockyford, Strathmore, Vauxhall and Vulcan. Chinook Credit Union has been serving the financial needs of these communities and the surrounding areas for over 65 years during which time we have adapted quickly to the changing needs of our members and our communities. Call us to see how we can develop our products and services based on your financial requirements and the current economic climate. By knowing our members and our communities, the staff at Chinook Credit Union Ltd. are in the best position to assist you. For more information visit www.chinookcu.com

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