Canada's #1 Junior Golf Tour

August 23-24, 2013
Waskesiu, SK

McPhail succeeds in MJT-Golf Saskatchewan Order of Merit Championship at Elk Ridge

Waskesiu, SK – (August 26, 2013) – Canada’s number-one played Junior Golf Tour, the Boston Pizza-presented Maple Leaf Junior Golf Tour, ended a very successful season in Saskatchewan this year with the MJT-Golf Saskatchewan’s Order of Merit Championship at Elk Ridge Golf Resort in Waskesiu on August 24 and 25, with the growth in participation largely attributable to the strong partnership between the MJT and Golf Saskatchewan.

MJT Junior Boys 17-19 Champion was 18-year old Mitchell McPhail of La Ronge, SK, who carded 71-74 (145) for Low Overall honours, securing a qualifying spot in the Future Collegians World Tour’s PGA West event this December in La Quinta, California. “Kyle Wiebe had me worried as we were tied after nine holes, but staying focused and sticking to my game plan worked,” said McPhail. “This was my first MJT win so it sure meant a lot – my hard work paid off.” Second place in the division went to Wiebe, 17, of Madison, SK, who shot 73-75 (148), while Tyrin Foley, 17, of Bengough, SK, shot 74-76 (150) to finish third.

Cory Sawchuk, 16, of Prince Albert, SK, shot 76-71 (147) to win the MJT Juvenile Boys 15-16 division and attributed his victory to his coach, Danny. “At the beginning, Logan (Tisdale) and I were head-to-head, but it feels great that all my hard work paid off,” said Sawchuk, adding, “I’d like to thank my parents for supporting me emotionally and financially.”  Cory Selander, 16, also of Prince Albert, shot 74-79 (153) to finish second in the division, while there was a three way tie for third place between Ty Campbell, 16, of Saskatoon, SK, (79-75=154), Zach Hurd, 16, of Prince Albert, (79-75=154), and Marc Sweeney, 15, of Saskatoon, (76-78=154).

Lisa Reid, 18, of Regina, SK, shot 77-84 (161) to take home top spot in the Girls Division in her final MJT event of the season before she heads to Lethbridge College to begin her college golf career.  Reid stated, “It feels great to win on the MJT in my last junior event.” Finishing in second place was Kayla Sawchuk, 14, of Prince Albert, who shot 88-85 (173) while Amanda Gonsch, 18, of Silton, SK, carded 92-99 (181) to finish third.

In the Bantam Boys Division, Tian Rask, 13, of Saskatoon, shot 81-84 (165) to win his first MJT title in a tight race over two others.  Rask said he never gave up, even after making a 12 on hole 17 on day two. “I was worried about Matt (Bean) – he was one up on me on 18, but I bounced back.”   Finishing one back in second place was Andrew Campbell, 13, of Saskatoon, who shot 87-79 (166) while 14-year old Matt Bean of Saskatoon shot 84-83 (167) to round out the top three.

Divisional winners of the Mr. Lube Long Drive Competition were Lisa Reid, Kristian Houk of North Battleford G&CC and North Battleford, SK, Eric Nielsen of  Riverside GC and Saskatoon, and Justin Wood of North Battleford G&CC and Unity, SK, while the Sundog Eyewear Closest-to-the-Pin Competition winners were Amanda Gonsch, Jordan Bean of Wildwood GC and Saskatoon, Marc Sweeney of Riverside CC and Saskatoon, and Cole Bergen of The Legends GC and Warman, SK. Golf Town Comeback Awards for best second day improvement went to Veronika Duchscherer of Nipawin Evergreen in Nipawin, SK, Dhrake Berezowski of Cooke Municipal GC in Prince Albert, Matt Dyck of The Meadows At East St. Paul in East St. Paul, MB, and Jesse Ross of Saskatoon G&CC in Saskatoon, SK.

Results for the full field in the MJT-Golf Saskatchewan Order of Merit Championship at Elk Ridge Golf Resort can be found online at http://maplejt.com/tour.php?id=2013024&p=results.

MJT members have earned valuable Cleveland Golf Order of Merit points throughout the season and now await invitations to gain entry into the prestigious MJT Boston Pizza National Championship at The Reunion Resort in Orlando, Florida, on November 8-10, 2013, where Annika Sorenstam, LPGA Legend, will host a clinic for the fortunate participants. 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.
………………………………..