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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

March 22-23, 2012
Delta, BC

For Immediate Release

CANADIAN JUNIOR BOYS CHAMPION CLAIMS MJT SEASON OPENER IN BC, Field fights windy conditions and a challenging golf course at King’s Links by the Sea in Delta


Vancouver, B.C. – (March 24, 2012) – Howling winds on day one impeded scoring during the first round of the Maple Leaf Junior Golf Tour’s (MJT) BC Season Opener at King's Links by the Sea in Delta, March 22-23, however day two proved less challenging on the tough course where reigning Canadian Junior Boys Champion, 16-year-old Kevin Kwon of Pitt Meadows, BC, fired 75-70 to come from behind and claim low overall together with the Boys 14-16 title.

“I won by staying patient, there were many times this week where I made careless mistakes,” said Kwon, a six year MJT veteran. “I stayed calm and came back. On hole 14 I chipped in for birdie; it feels amazing (to win). The course was challenging with the wind. I had to stay composed to win this week.” Kwon also earns an exemption into his choice of either the Future Collegiate World Tour (FCWT) National Championship in Florida, USA, or a US Junior Regional Qualifier where he can try out for the US Junior Boys Championship.

Runner-up in Boys 14-16 was James Chang, 14, of Vancouver, BC, who shot 73-80, while third place went to Connor McLellan, 16, of Chilliwack, BC (85-71). McLellan also took home the Mr. Lube Long Drive and Sundog Closest-to-the-Pin (KP) prizes for the division.

Among Boys 17-19 division, Christian Nowakowski, 18, of Victoria, BC, closed with a fine 69 to win with scores of 77-69, scooping the Closest-to-the-Pin (KP) prize along the way, before racing to catch a ferry home to Vancouver Island. Austin Hughes, 17, of Tsawwassen, BC, placed second after carding back-to-back rounds of 77, and Victor Baptiste, 17, of Oliver, BC, came in third (83-77). The Mr. Lube Long Drive prize for the division went to Jesse Reichelt of Langley, BC.

12-year-old Lily He, of Pitt Meadows, bogeyed the last two holes coming in to shoot an incredible three-under-par 70 final round, winning the Girls Division title with her scores of 80-70. “Today my iron shots were great, they were very accurate - on the 10th hole I made a 20 yard putt for birdie, that was my tournament highlight,” she said, adding, “I feel very happy and proud.” Seven strokes back in second place was Haley Kruse, 16, of Victoria (82-75). Madison Kapchinsky, 17, of Kelowna, BC, came in third (81-85), adding the Girls Division Long Drive prize to her takings, while the Sundog KP was won by Ashley Omidi of Surrey, BC.

Landon Stellingwerff, 13, of Calgary, AB, made the trip to BC worth his while by winning the Boys 13 and under division (86-79). “The key was to stay focused during the second round and to not get distracted during the bad weather in the first round,” he summed up. “I made some clutch putts during the second round, as well as making a few birdies. With this tournament being my first two rounds of the year, I am happy with my overall result.” Runner-up four strokes back was Taylor Patrick, 13, of Surrey (89-80). Liam Kruse, 12, of Victoria, came in third (90-98). Stellingwerff also captured the Sundog KP prize for the division, and Patrick won the Long Drive.

Other tournament highlights were Kylie Jack of Westbank, BC, acing the 13th hole during round one for her first hole-in-one, and Golf Town Comeback Awards going to Mitchell Thiessen of Chilliwack, Alex Walker of Abbotsford, Ryan Hunt of Pitt Meadows and Lily He.

The next Maple Leaf Junior Golf Tour stop is at Morgan Creek Golf Course in South Surrey, B.C, April 7-8, a qualifier for the Callaway Junior World Championship in San Diego, CA, this July. Online registration is at www.maplejt.com or juniors can 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