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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 25-26, 2013
Banff, AB

Billingsley best at Bow Valley Credit Union stop in Banff Two shortlisted for MJT Team Canada to Australia

Banff, AB – (May 27, 2013) –The Boston Pizza-presented Maple Leaf Junior Golf Tour (MJT) made a two-day stop at the spectacular Banff Springs Golf Club in Banff, AB, over the May 25th and 26th weekend, with Bow Valley Credit Union as the returning Tournament Sponsor of the MJT Bow Valley Credit Union Classic. The event was also a qualifier for age-specific shortlisted positions on MJT Team Canada to the SRIXON International Junior Classic in New South Wales, Australia, this October.

“The event was a huge success,” said Tournament Director and PGA Professional, Trent Matson. “On Friday, with the weather was hovering around zero with rain and wind, I didn’t know if we were going to play.  Locals were positive that it was going to snow, but we had two good weather days.  The outstanding Banff Springs Golf Club was the most talked-about venue we have ever been to, and we are excited to be invited back for 2014.”

Greg Billingsley, 18, of Calgary, AB, bested the packed field in the event after firing rounds of 71-72 (143) to claim both the Overall Low and MJT Junior Boys 17-19 titles.  Billingsley cited, ‘staying patient and sticking to my game plan’ as the reasons for his victory. He played solidly all weekend, as the tough Banff Springs course yielded very few birdies, and the cold weather made it difficult for players to remain warm.  Rounding out the top three in the division were MJT veteran Andrew Rados, 18, of Chestermere, AB, (74-76=150), followed by Joel Douglas, 18, of High River, AB, who carded rounds of 77-74 (151).

AJ Armstrong, 15, of St. Albert, AB, birdied the 36th hole to win the MJT Juvenile Boys 15-16 division with scores of 72-72 (144), claiming a shortlisted spot on MJT Team Canada to Australia.  “I hit my irons good all weekend and putted very well,” said Armstrong. “I was playing with Noah (Lubberding) who is a good friend of mine, and wanted to hit safe, solid shots.”  Lubberding, 15, also of St. Albert, finished three shots back with consistent rounds of 73-74 (147), while Andrew Harrison, 16, of Camrose, AB, placed third in the division (73-75=148).

Madison Kapchinsky, 18, of Kelowna, BC, shot 85-74 (159) to win the MJT Girls division title after battling back on the second day, shooting 11 shots better to also earn the Golf Town Comeback Award en route to her victory. Kapchinsky credited ‘hitting it solid all weekend’ as key to victory. “I hit the driver well and also putted well,” she added. Finishing four back was Laura Ferriera, 18, of Canmore, who shot 84-79 (163) to finish second, while Emily Creaser, 16, of Edmonton, AB, carded 79-85 (164) to place third and claim an age-specific shortlisted spot on MJT Team Canada to Australia.

First time MJT winner Michael Lavorato, 14, of Calgary, AB, won the MJT Bantam Boys 14 and Under title in dramatic fashion by making a birdie from 180 yards on the last hole to defeat both Chris Horton and Logan Carver by one shot.  Lavorato said, “I stuck it close on number 18 and made birdie – what a great way to win your first event!”   Horton and Carver, both 14 and from Calgary, shot identical scores of 73-75 (148) to tie for second place.

Divisional winners of the Mr. Lube Long Drive Competition were Laura Ferriera of Canmore, Chris Kitchen of Calgary, Andrew Harrison, and Daniel Ahn of Calgary. Sundog Eyewear Closest-to-the-Pin Competition winners were Rayna Oosterhuis of Edmonton, Chris Kitchen of Calgary, Andrew Harrison and Greg Billingsley. Golf Town Comeback Awards went to Madison Kapchinsky, Joel Homersham of Calgary, Scott Walker of Calgary, and Carter Little of Calgary.

Detailed highlights of the MJT Bow Valley Credit Union Classic at Banff Springs Golf Club are posted here

The next Maple Leaf Junior Golf Tour stop in Alberta is the MJT Mountain View Credit Union Classic at Olds Central Highlands Golf Club in Olds on June 8th and 9th, another qualifying event for a shortlisted position on MJT Team Canada to Australia. 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 number-one played Junior Golf Tour as well as the only national junior tour run exclusively by PGA of Canada Professionals and the ‘Road to College Golf’ in Canada. The organization is generously supported by Boston Pizza and Premier Partners Cleveland Golf, Srixon, Ford, Mr. Lube, Golf Town and Travel Underwriters, in addition to valued Tournament and Product Partners. The MJT 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 program 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.