Press Release - 2014 MJT Junior Worlds Qualifier at Shilo Country Club - May 17-18, 2014

May 17-18, 2014
Shilo, MB

Hole-in-one highlights MJT’s Junior World Championship Qualifier in Shilo

Shilo, MB. – (May 19, 2014) – Shilo Country Club in Shilo, MB, hosted the Boston Pizza-presented Maple Leaf Junior Golf Tour (MJT) for the first time on May 17th and 18th where junior golfers competed for titles in four divisions and the chance to qualify for the Callaway Junior World Golf Championships in San Diego, CA, this July. “It was a great weekend in Shilo and we extend a big thanks to Shilo Country Club and their staff for being such good hosts,” said MJT Tournament Director and PGA Professional, Ed Boge. “Nice to see many new faces on the tour too.”

This was the second MJT stop in the province this season and a second victory for Annika Academy protégée, Veronica Vetesnik, 17, of Winnipeg, MB who fired 76 the first day, then ground it out on day two in windy and tough conditions to win the Girls division title (76-81=157) and a shortlisted spot for Girls 15-17 in the Junior World Golf Championships. “It’s a confidence booster,” she said. Alex Demko, 15, of Thunder Bay, ON, scored another top three finish and came second (80-81=161), one stroke ahead of third place finisher Camryn Roadley, 15, of Winnipeg (78-84=162). Bobbi Uhl, 14, of Erickson, MB, was shortlisted for Girls 13-14 in the Junior Worlds as the eligible low scorer for those ages; spots will be confirmed once all qualifiers complete across the country.

Myles Panciera, 17, of Winnipeg, came back from a four shot deficit to shoot 72-76 (148) and win the MJT Junior Boys 17-19 division by four strokes over both Stacy Faron Genaille and Travis Fredborg, who tied for second place. “I made key birdies on 17 and 18 to bring me back to even, and three birdies on the back nine were also key to my win,” said Panciera, who is now also shortlisted for the Junior World Championships in Boys 15-17. “The course was in good shape. The second day played a lot harder due to the wind. It feels good to finally win and see my hard work pay off.” Genaille, 17, of Mafeking, MB opened with a brilliant 68, including a highlight of a hole-in-one on number 13, but struggled on day two to close with 84 (152 total); Fredborg, 18, of Selkirk, MB shot 74-78(152).

It was back-to-back wins in MJT Juvenile Boys 15-16 for Izac Silagy, 16, of Winnipeg, who had a six shot lead heading into the final round where he cruised in with an 81 for a 157 total score. “The greens were fast and firm which made it tough – the other guys are very good out here so I know I have to go low to do well,” he said. Zach Wytinck, 15, of Glenboro, MB was solid both days giving him a second place finish in the division (84-82=166). Cameron McIntyre, 15, of Winnipeg (88-80) and Nathan Wright, 15, of Warren, MB (83-85) tied for third at 168 total score.

In MJT Bantam Boys 14 and under, winner Marco Trstenjak of Winnipeg played two solid rounds of 75-75 (150) to edge Brendan Kesterke of Headingley, MB, after Kesterke fired a strong opening round of 73 but struggled a bit on day two (73-78=151). “The course was in good shape, fun to play and the win feels awesome because I have finished second many times,” said Trstenjak. Ryan McMillan of Winnipeg carded back-to-back 78's for third place.

The two-day tournament also featured Skills Competitions, where divisional winners were McKyla Poponick of Selkirk, Trstenjak, McIntyre and Matthew Size of Winnipeg in the Mr. Lube Long Drive. In the Sundog Eyewear Closest-to-the-Pin they were Bobbi Uhl of Erickson, MB, Zak Bannatyne of Winnipeg, Wytinck and Joel Baron of Carberry, MB. Golf Town Comeback Awards for best second day improvement in score went to Uhl, Cole Mushumanski of Brandon, MB, McIntyre and Garrett Kristjanson of Warren.

The next Maple Leaf Junior Golf Tour stop in Manitoba is the MJT Prodigy Series at Teulon Golf Club in Teulon on July 3rd and 4th, however there is a MJT Mini Tour stop for players aged 12 and under prior to that at Transcona Golf Club in Winnipeg on May 25th . 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