LOG IN
  User:   Pass:
Canada's #1 Junior Golf Tour

Canada's #1 Junior Golf Tour

The Road to College Golf, run exclusively by PGA Professionals

Press Release

May 12-13, 2012
Nanton, AB

Roach Low Overall at MJT Chinook Credit Union Classic;
claims shortlisted spot for Callaway Junior World Golf Championship


Nanton, AB – (May 14, 2012) – Maple Leaf Junior Golf Tour (MJT) players were treated to fantastic spring weather with very little wind over the Mother’s Day Weekend at the MJT Chinook Credit Union Classic at Nanton Golf Club in Nanton, AB, which was also a qualifier to shortlist players in certain age groups for the 2012 Callaway Junior World Golf Championship this July in La Jolla, California. Tournament Director and PGA of Canada Professional, Trent Matson, commented that the golf course was in great shape, in early summer condition with slippery greens and fast fairways, and added, “It was also great that the staff at Nanton Golf Club are very accommodating and first class.”

Derek Roach, 16, of Calgary, AB, and Glencoe Golf Club, is now on the shortlist for the Callaway Junior Worlds after posting tournament low rounds each day, making the Boys 14-16 title and low overall win look easy. “I hit it quite well each day, and stayed patient, trying not to make anything happen” he said. “It is a great way to start off the year. I just want to play well every week this year.” Runner-up in this division with two solid rounds of 81-75 was Carter Grosart, 16, of Calgary and Willow Park Golf Club, followed by Henderson Lake Golf Club junior member, Matthew Ritchot, 16, of Lethbridge, AB, who carded 75-81 to take home the bronze medal via retrogression.

The MJT Chinook Credit Union Classic Boys 17-19 Division title went to John McKiernan of Calgary and the Calgary Elks Golf Club, who won with rounds of 77-71. McKiernan, 18, “definitely hit it well off the tee today! I am just trying to be more consistent, and keep it around par more and hopefully that will equate to more win’s on the MJT this year.” Finishing one shot back was Andrew Rados, 17, of Chestermere, AB, and Inglewood Golf Club, who carded solid rounds of 76-73, while finishing in third place was first round leader Daniel Ahn, 17, of Calgary (74-80).

13-year-old Landon Stellingwerff of Calgary and Calgary Country Club ended Brendan Brown’s streak of wins on the MJT Alberta scene, taking home the MJT Chinook Credit Union Classic Boys 13 and under gold medal after firing rounds of 77-75 to edge off a hard charging Brown by three shots. Brown, 12, of Calgary and Silverwing Golf Club, shot 78-77. “It feels great to win in Alberta!” said Stellingwerff of his victory, as he has won on the MJT in other provinces before. He added, “I made a lot of putts today inside five feet, so I hope that I can just keep it going.” Finishing third in the division was Michael Valk, 13, of Medicine Hat, AB, and Medicine Hat Golf and Country Club, who carded 83-77.

Gina Kowalchuk, 16, of Lethbridge and Henderson Lake Golf Club, had a great comeback on day two shooting rounds of 86-75 to win the MJT Chinook Credit Union Classic Girls Division title over Erin Martens, 16, of Edmonton, AB (85-86) and Windermere Golf Club. “It feels great,” stated Kowalchuk, who also earns a shortlisted spot for the Callaway Junior World Golf Championship for Girls 15-17. “I played really well the second day.” The final shortlisted spot goes to Trent Ducharme of Fort MacLeod, AB, who was the eligible qualifier for boys aged 13-14.

The Mr. Lube Long Drive Competition in each division was won by Michael Hoang of Calgary, Derek Roach, Andrew Rados of Chestermere, and Gina Kowalchuk, while the divisional Sundog Closest-to-the-Pin Competitions were won by Eric Chantler of Fort McMurray, David Richer of Edmonton, Ryan O’Donnell of Lethbridge and Erin Martens. The Golf Town Comeback Awards went to Jack Gillis of Calgary, Dexter Wood of Calgary, Wyatt Smith of Calgary and Gina Kowalchuk.

The MJT Alberta schedule continues in Okotoks at River’s Edge Golf Club this weekend, May 19-20, and is a qualifying event for the prestigious 60th annual East Aurora International Junior Masters in Buffalo, New York, this June. 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 PGA of Canada 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 7–12 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.



MEDIA CONTACTS:
Elaine Denton, MJT edenton@maplejt.com 1-877-859-GOLF www.maplejt.com