Canada's #1 Junior Golf Tour

June 8-9, 2013
Olds, AB

Hole-in-one highlights MJT’s Mountain View Credit Union Classic Armstrong and Hawken go low; two shortlisted for SRIXON International Junior Classic

Olds, AB – (June 10, 2013) –The Boston Pizza-presented Maple Leaf Junior Golf Tour (MJT) made a two-day stop at the difficult Olds Central Highlands Golf Club in Olds, AB, over the June 8-9 weekend with the Mountain View Credit Union-sponsored ‘MJT Mountain View Credit Union Classic’. “Very difficult conditions to say the least!” said Tournament Director and PGA Professional, Trent Matson. “The weather played havoc on the players and their parents all weekend.  Rain, hail, wind, and lightning caused us to pull the players off a few times, but the course held up well. We were glad to get all 36 holes in.”  Despite the bad weather, Jack Gillis, 13, of Calgary, AB, made a hole-in-one on the 169 yard fourth hole to highlight the event, and AJ Armstrong of St. Albert, AB, with Gina Kowalchuk of Lethbridge, AB, were shortlisted for MJT Team Canada to the SRIXON International Junior Classic in New South Wales, Australia, this Fall.

Brett Hawken, 18, of Wetaskiwin, AB, (77-75=152) claimed the MJT Junior Boys 17-19 Champion’s title, citing patience as his key to victory. “It was just like at Spruce Grove – I did not play well but just stayed with it,” said Hawken.  Finishing in second place was MJT veteran Bryce Melville, 17, of Morinville, AB, who carded the low round of the second day (80-73=153) followed by Andrew Rados, 18, of Chestermere, AB, who shot rounds of 80-74 (154).

AJ Armstrong, 15, (76-76=152), played consistent golf to win the MJT Juvenile Boys 15-16 Division while securing another shortlisted spot to Australia.  Armstrong “played poorly on the front, but had a good back nine.  I made a couple birdies on the back and shot even to win in extremely tough conditions.  I was obviously nervous coming down the stretch, but focused on good shots and making pars.”  Finishing three shots back was Grant Numrich, 15, of Red Deer, AB, who shot rounds of 77-78 (155) to come second, while first round leader Austin Biletsky, 16, of Strathmore, AB (75-83=158), rounded out the top three.

Long-time MJT member Kat Kennedy, 18, of Okotoks, AB, shot 83-79 (162) to win the MJT Girls Division title, as she battled back on the second day as the only female golfer to break 80 with the demanding conditions. Kennedy’s key to victory was “chipping in twice today, which saved me a lot.” She also said she “hit it well and stayed in the fairway today.”  Finishing in second place was Gina Kowalchuk, 17, who shot 85-87 (172) while Rayna Oosterhuis, 17, of Edmonton, AB, carded 94-84 (178) to place third.

13-year old Brendan Brown of Calgary, AB, won the MJT Bantam Boys 14 and under title, continuing his strong play on the MJT Alberta circuit this year as this is his third win, shooting incredible rounds of 72-73 (145).  Brown said he “drained a 35 foot birdie on number 12, which got my confidence way up,” and “just tried to match my opponents stroke for stroke coming down the stretch.”  Finishing second was Landon Stellingwerff, 14, of Calgary, who carded solid rounds of 76-77 (153) while Pierce Hawker, 13, also of Calgary, came third with rounds of 82-80 (162).

Divisional winners of the Mr. Lube Long Drive Competition were Sharmaine Rapisura of Calgary, Landon Stellingwerff, Mathias Labonte of Calgary and Andrew Rados of Chestermere. Sundog Eyewear Closest-to-the-Pin Competition winners were Kat Kennedy, Kai Iguchi of Banff, Samuel Baba of Calgary and Eric Field of Calgary. Golf Town Comeback Awards went to Rayna Oosterhuis of Edmonton, Michael Valk of Medicine Hat, Jaxon Lynn of Sylvan Lake, and Christopher Zeglen of Calgary.

Detailed highlights of the MJT Mountain View Credit Union Classic at Olds Central Highlands Golf Club can be seen here.

The next Maple Leaf Junior Golf Tour stop in Alberta is the MJT Nationwide Series at Highwood Golf Club in High River on June 15th and 16th, a qualifying event for the Future Collegiate World Tour’s PGA West event 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 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.