Canada's #1 Junior Golf Tour

August 22-23, 2016
Vernon, BC

Jacob Wins First MJT Low Overall in Ford’s Predator Ridge Event

Vernon, BC – (August 24, 2016) – Canada’s number one-played junior golf tour made a three day stop in the BC interior recently, hosting the Watkin Motors Free Ford Go Golf! Junior Clinic for kids in the community on August 21 and the two-day Maple Leaf Junior Golf Tour’s MJT Ford Series for competitive golfers on August 22 and 23, all at the fabulous Predator Ridge Golf Resort in Vernon, where juniors also had the chance to win a new Ford Focus with a hole-in-one.

Several came close to winning the car, and a number of first-time division champions were crowned in the tournament, which was a direct entry qualifier for members into the MJT Boston Pizza National Championship presented by TaylorMade-adidas at The Legacy Golf Resort in Phoenix, AZ, this November.

In a nail-biting finish, Jackson Jacob, 15, of Fort Langley, BC, held on with a closing round of 71 to claim his very first MJT title, winning the MJT Juvenile Boys crown as well as Low Overall from the blue tees with solid scores of 75, 71 (146), holding off a hard charge from Ely Overennay, 16, of Castlegar, BC, who had fired a great three-under-par final round (78, 69=147). “I feel very happy, I was a close second last year and was really looking forward to this year’s event - I clutched up when I needed to,” Jacob said, rating the course ’10 out of 10 – one of my favourite tracks.’ Third place in this division went to Joel Veenstra, 16, of Smithers, BC, who carded 77, 72 (149).           

It took a playoff to determine the MJT Junior Boys title winner, which was first-time MJT champion Nik Federko, 17, of Kelowna, BC, who defeated Parker Wadsworth, 17, of Vernon, BC, on the second playoff hole after both boys had tied for the lead at 159 total score. “It’s about time!” Federko said. “Four years later and lots of seconds and thirds – I stayed focused in the moment, I was bound to win one – thanks!” Kelowna’s Derek Graham, 19, and Marcus Apchin, 17, tied for third with a total score of 161.      

The top spot in the Girls division went to 2014 MJT Girls National Champion, Sarah Lawrence, 18, of Duvall, WA, who fired rounds of 76, 74 (150) to take the 15-19 title by four strokes over Natalie Chu, 17, of Vancouver, BC (82, 72=154). Lawrence commented, “The course was in great condition and very challenging with fast greens so it was rewarding play well. Even after a few hard holes I was still able to maintain my composure.” Kelly Hellman, 17, of Nelson, BC, came in third (79, 77=156).

Back-to-back scores of 81 secured the MJT Bantam Boys division title for 13-year-old Jordan Allaire of Coquitlam, BC, his first MJT win by two strokes over both Matthew Beauchamp, 14, also of Coquitlam, (87, 77) and Dylan Prasad, 14, of Surrey, BC (83, 81). “The course was in great shape but the greens were very fast and tough,” Allaire said afterwards. “I went shot by shot and tried to eliminate mistakes, keeping bad holes to bogeys. It feels good (to win).”

Playing in his first MJT event, 12-year-old Max Lockwood of Vernon, shot 79, 78 (157) and won the Peewee Boys title by four strokes, enthusiastically commenting, “I played in this event to have fun and meet new friends, and prove to myself that I can be a great golfer. I feel good about myself because I won! I feel awesome!” Runner-up was Denby Carswell, 12, of Burnaby, BC , (79, 82=161) while there was a tie for third place at 163 total score between Ryan Vest, 10, of Vernon, (82, 81) and Cooper Humphreys, 11, of Lions Bay, BC (81, 82).

As MJT members, Jacob, Federko, Lawrence and Allaire each now receive direct exemptions in the MJT National Championship in AZ, November 11 to 13, without having to wait to qualify via the MJT Cleveland Golf Order of Merit. In addition, a total of 15 prizes were also awarded to Ford Long Drive, MJT Closest-to-the-Pin, and Golf Town Comeback Competition Winners in the tournament whose names are all listed on the tournament page on the MJT website.

The next Maple Leaf Junior Golf Tour stop in the province is the MJT Ford Series at Hazelmere Golf Club in Surrey on August 29 and 30.  For more information or to register, 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 Ford of Canada, TuGo, Cleveland Golf, Srixon and Aquafina, 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 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