Canada's #1 Junior Golf Tour

May 24-25, 2014
Banff, AB

100 Juniors enjoy drama at MJT Bow Valley Credit Union Classic in Banff

Banff, AB – (May 26, 2014) – Great drama was experienced during the Maple Leaf Junior Golf Tour’s MJT Bow Valley Credit Union Classic at the iconic Banff Springs Golf Course in Banff, Alberta, on May 24th and 25th. Firstly, the spectacular scenery of this world-class, stunningly beautiful location created a dramatic backdrop for every shot played by the heavily wait-listed field of 100 young golfers, who travelled to the two-day tournament from far and wide in Western Canada. Secondly, there was the drama of a 30 minute delay during round one when a grizzly bear walked onto a fairway after a group of girls had teed off. They were playing their second shots while a park ranger was shooting above the bear and a ‘bear banger’ was utilized, “and they all hit perfect shots,” quipped MJT Tournament Director and PGA Professional, Trent Matson.

A herd of elk who reside on the course also added to the excitement but did not hold up the juniors who were competing for titles in four divisions plus the chance to be shortlisted for MJT Team Canada to the Srixon International Junior Classic in New South Wales, Australia this October.

Andrew Chelack, 17, of Calgary, AB,  fired 77-69 (146) to win the MJT Bow Valley Credit Union Classic Low Overall and the Junior Boys 17-19 title by one shot over Michael Harrison, 17, of Camrose, AB,  (76-71=147). “It is very exciting!” said Chelack of his first win on the Boston Pizza-presented MJT. “I am over the top, and to win on such a good golf course is very nice.” Chelack is now short-listed for MJT Team Canada to Australia.  Third place in this division went to Tyson Turchanski, 17, of Calgary, who shot 78-72 (150).

Jaxon Lynn, 16, of Sylvan Lake, AB, continued his impressive play, following last event’s playoff loss with redemption by winning the MJT Bow Valley Credit Union Classic Juvenile Boys 15-16 division after firing rounds of 73-75 (148). Lynn said, “I made three birdies in a row to finish the first day, and that really got me going. It is very nice to finally get a win.”  Finishing in a second place tie at 153 total score were Jordan Biollo, 16, of Calgary (78-75) and Justin Berget, 156, of St. Albert, AB, (77-76).

12-year old Ethan Choi of Pincher Creek, AB, won the MJT Bantam Boys 14 and under division by firing impressive rounds of 69-73 (142), besting local Banff player Kai Iguchi, 13, who tried to apply pressure on the second day, shooting 74-70 (144).  Choi, who has won both his starts this season in the MJT Bantam Division, was excited to win again.  “It feels great again – two wins in a row.  I really tried to focus on my game this weekend, as Kai got to within two shots on the back nine before he made a small mistake.”  Rounding out the top three was Connor Scissons, 14, of Saskatoon, SK, who shot consistent rounds of 76-76 (152) to take home the bronze medal.

MJT veteran Gina Kowalchuk, 18, of Lethbridge, AB, closed in dramatic style to come from behind and claim victory, shooting rounds of 75-73 (148) to claim the Girls Division Title. Kowalchuk said, “I was behind from the first hole, but kept hitting fairways and greens, with a few putts starting to fall.  It feels very good to win as I can see some results from the hard work I am putting in.”  Finishing in second place and claiming a short-listed age-specific position for MJT Team Canada was 14-year old Tiegan Taylor of Kelowna, BC, who shot 73-78 (151).  Third place went to Edmonton’s Emily Creaser, who shot back-to-back rounds of 77-77 (154) to claim bronze.

Bow Valley Credit Union representatives Daniel McLaughlin and Kim Desrosiers were on site to hand out medals and prizes to the top finishers as well as to the Skills Competition divisional winners, who were Gina Kowalchuk, Bradley McKeating of Calgary, Mickey Wang of Calgary, and Patrick Gobran of Edmonton in the Mr. Lube Long Drive, and Emily Creaser, Bradley McKeating, Kevan McBean of Calgary and Doug Whitten of Medicine Hat in the Sundog Eyewear Closest-to-the-Pin. Golf Town Comeback Awards for best second day improvement in score went to Lauren Koenig of Redcliff, Zac Bannatyne of Winnipeg, MB, Connor Blake of Calgary, and Zack Thys of Spruce Grove.

The next Maple Leaf Junior Golf Tour event in Alberta is the MJT Mountain View Credit Union Classic at Olds Central Highlands GC in Olds on June 21st and 22nd, 2014, a qualifier for the FCG San Diego Junior Amateur Championship. For more information or to register please visit www.maplejt.com or call 1-877-859-4653.

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About the MJT:

The non-profit Maple Leaf Junior Golf Tour presented by Boston Pizza is Canada¹s 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 Ford of Canada, Mr. Lube, Cleveland Golf, Srixon, Gatorade and Travel Underwriters, in addition to valued Tournament and Product Partners. The MJT hosts more than 70 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 PGA of Canada 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.
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MEDIA CONTACT:

Maple Leaf Junior Golf Tour: Elaine Denton, Director of Marketing and Administration   edenton@maplejt.com   1-877-859-GOLF