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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

May 19-20, 2012
Okotoks, AB

Holmes wins spot to International Junior Masters on MJT

Okotoks, AB – (May 22, 2012) – Maple Leaf Junior Golf Tour (MJT) players were treated to two beautiful spring days with very little wind over the Victoria Day Long Weekend at the MJT Alberta Series at River’s Edge Golf Club in Okotoks, AB. The event was a qualifier for the prestigious 60th East Aurora International Junior Masters (EAIJM) this June in Buffalo, New York, with funding to help with travel costs, provided by the MJT and Travel Underwriters, Official International Events Partner of the MJT.

Evan Holmes, 17, of Calgary, AB, claimed the Boys 17-19 Gold Medal as well as Low Overall Honours to qualify for the EAIJM. “I stayed very patient today, as Brayden (Brown) was three or four under through 10,” he said. “I knew if I made some pars and was patient, I would be okay.” Runner-up in this division with two solid rounds of 77-72 was Brayden Brown, 17, of Calgary, followed by Glencoe Golf Club’s junior member and first round leader, Nolan Broeke, 18, also of Calgary, who carded 74-81 to take home the bronze medal.

The MJT Boys 14-16 Division title at the event went to Jason Martens of Edmonton, AB, a junior at Windermere Golf Club, who won with rounds of 74-74. Martens, 15, “hit lots of fairways today! I am just trying to be more consistent. It feels great to win on the MJT this year, hopefully I can play consistent and win more!” Finishing Runner-up was Derek Roach, 16, of Calgary, and Glencoe Golf Club, who carded solid rounds of 80-71, while finishing in third place was Edmonton’s David Richer, 15, who won via retrogression.

12-year-old Brendan Brown of Calgary took home his third MJT Boys 13 and Under gold medal so far this year after firing rounds of 77-74 to edge off a hard-charging Michael Lavorato, 13, also of Calgary. Brown and Lavorato were tied with four to play, but Brown returned to the winners circle playing solid golf to finish. “It feels great to win again!” said Brown of his victory. He added, “I just tried to stay patient and play it shot by shot.” Finishing third in the division was Michael Hoang, 13, of Calgary, and Cottonwood Golf and Country Club, who carded 81-84.

Gina Kowalchuk, 16, of Lethbridge, AB, and Henderson Lake Golf Club, had two solid rounds of 78-76 to win the Girls Division title over Kat Kennedy, 17, of Okotoks (80-77) and Highwood Golf and Country Club. “It feels great,” stated Kowalchuk. “I just tried to stay focused for the entire day and hit solid shots.” Finishing in third place was Ashley Dechant, 15, of Edmonton, who played well shooting 90-90 and also won the top draw prize of a Callaway Razor Fit Driver!

The Mr. Lube Long Drive Competition in each division was won by Jack Gillis of Calgary, Eric Willerton of Calgary, Brayden Brown and Shelby Unger of Calgary, while the divisional Sundog Closest-to-the-Pin Competitions were won by Brayden Provost of Brocket, AB, Jason Martens of Edmonton, Evan Holmes and Brianna Carrels of Lethbridge. The Golf Town Comeback Awards went to Kenna Hughes of Calgary, Jhoyner Labrador of Fort McMurray, Zac Sparks of Cochrane, Ryan Dickie of Calgary, and Brayden Malley of Calgary.

The MJT Alberta schedule continues next weekend at The Links at Spruce Grove in Spruce Grove on May 26-27, a Golf Alberta Order of Merit-Ranked event and a qualifier for the Future Champions Golf World Championship in La Quinta, CA. 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