Canada's #1 Junior Golf Tour

July 10-11, 2012
Selkirk, MB

Sinclair beats the heat at MJT’s Selkirk stop

Selkirk, MB – (July 12, 2012) – Players on the Maple Leaf Junior Golf Tour (MJT) played through extreme heat during the MJT Manitoba Series at Selkirk Golf Club in Selkirk on July 10 and 11, where temperatures reached the mid 30’s and “felt like the low 40’s,” stated MJT Tournament Director, Ed Boge. He also noted that “even with the extreme heat, the golf course was in fantastic condition.” The full field of juniors were competing for titles in four divisions as well as the chance to be shortlisted for MJT Team Canada to the Srixon International Junior Classic in NSW, Australia, this October, and a direct exemption into the Golfweek West Fall Tour Championship in Menifee, CA, USA, this December.

Jordan Sinclair, 19, of Fort Frances, ON, beat the heat to fire tournament low rounds of 70-73, making the win in Boys 17-19 and low overall look easy. “I hit the ball very solid on the first day and made six birdies,” said Sinclair, “It feels good to win, very satisfying to know that my hard work is paying off.” Runner-up in the division with two solid rounds of 79-72 was Derek Solman, 18, of Winnipeg, MB, followed by Scott Downs, 18, also of Winnipeg, who carded 79-76 to place third.

In the Boys 14-16 Division, Travis Fredborg, 16, of Selkirk, was low with rounds of 71-76 to claim the gold medal, stating, “I hit it well today. It feels great to win again as it has been a long time since I played good golf, so nice to be back on top.” Fredborg was also the eligible qualifier for the Golfweek West Fall Championship exemption, as well as the shortlisted spot to Australia. Zach Sackett, 16, of Winnipeg, played solidly with rounds of 75-76 to finish second in the division, where there was a tie for third at 152 total score between Scott Lemon, 15, of Winnipeg (79-73) and Kirk Markowski, 15, of Dryden, MB (78-74).

In a record MJT field size for Boys 13 and Under in the province, 13-year-old Auzzie Loewen of Selkirk took home his first MJT title after firing rounds of 78-76 in a very close match, edging out Marco Trstenjak, 12, of Winnipeg (76-79), by just one shot. “I didn’t think that I had a chance and was shooting for second place,” said Loewen of his win. “I never thought that I had a chance!” There was a three-way tie for third place at 159 total score between Wesley Hoydalo, 12, of Selkirk, (85-74), Ted Glass, 13, of Winnipeg (83-76) and Nathan Wright, 13, of Warren, MB (78-81).

Veronica Vetesnik, 15, of Winnipeg, had a great comeback on day two, shooting rounds of 88-78 to win the Girls Division title after finishing ahead of first round leader Camryn Roadley, 13, of Winnipeg, who had to settle for the silver medal (82-90). “This win gives me confidence,” stated Vetesnik, who joins the shortlist for girls on MJT Team Canada to Australia, which will be finalized this coming week now that all qualifiers across the country are completed. “I was just trying my best and hoped that it would be good enough.” Finishing in third place and claiming the bronze medal was McKyla Poponick, 15, of Selkirk, who carded rounds of 87-87.

Mr. Lube Long Drive Awards went to Mason Hughesman of Winnipeg, Steve Young of La Salle, MB, Tyler Doyle of Sandy Hook, MB, and Tian Yi Bao of Winnipeg. Sundog Eyewear Skills Awards were taken home by Ted Glass of Winnipeg, Kolby Day of Brandon, MB, Derek Solman of Winnipeg, and Camryn Roadley. The Golf Town Comeback Awards were won by Matt McCartney of Aurora, CO, Izac Silagy of Winnipeg, Nicholas Coldwell of Winnipeg, and Veronica Vetesnik.

The MJT Manitoba schedule continues in Teulon at Teulon Golf Club on July 26-27, a qualifier for the Rocky Mountain Junior Tour Championship which is played at McCormack Ranch Golf Club in Scottsdale, AZ, this December. 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 CONTACT: Elaine Denton, MJT edenton@maplejt.com 1-877-859-GOLF www.maplejt.com