Canada's #1 Junior Golf Tour

March 17-19, 2018
Coquitlam, BC

Five-under-pars and playoff headline MJT’s 20th Anniversary Opener in Vancouver

Tsawwassen, B.C. (March 20, 2018) – Great scoring was recorded out of a full field of junior golfers from four different provinces during three days of competition in the Maple Leaf Junior Golf Tour’s (MJT) 20th anniversary season opener, the MJT Humber College PGM Classic presented by TaylorMade Golf, where players were competing for titles in seven age divisions on the Boston Pizza-sponsored program.

The tournament, which ran March 17 and 18 at the University Golf Club in Vancouver, BC, and for the final round on March 19 at the prestigious Vancouver Golf Club in Coquitlam, BC, was also a direct qualifier for the BC Golf Junior Boys Championship and the International Junior Masters (IJM) in East Aurora, New York. Long-time MJT member, Aidan Goodfellow, 17, of Parksville, BC, qualified for both exemptions.

Fantastic scores of 69-71-71 by 18-year-old Andy Kim of Langley, BC, placed him low overall after he finished the 54-hole event at five under par, and won him the MJT Junior Boys Division Hoselton trophy. “My comeback after a bad start on day three is definitely a highlight for the weekend,” he said. “It feels great to start the season off with a win.”

In the Juvenile Boys Division, MJT’s 2017 National Juvenile Boys Champion, Carter Graf of Sylvan Lake, Alberta, finished regulation at one under par for the weekend, besting his nearest competitor by nine shots to claim the title with rounds of 70,71,74=215.  Graf, 16, continued his fine play to start his 2018 competitive season.  " I hit the ball quite well and the driver was good. I feel pretty good about the victory, it is a good kick start to the year."

An intense battle in the MJT Bantam Boys Division ended in a tie and the first playoff of 2018, decided on the first hole of sudden death after Brycen Ko, 14, of Richmond, BC, (71,72,74=217) edged out Jayden Piao, 14, of Coquitlam, BC, (75, 71, 71=217).  Ko, who made a solid par to secure the tie, said, “My tournament highlight was making a 30 to 35 foot putt on the last hole to force a playoff. I feel great about my victory but know that I have a lot to work on.”

A blistering score of 67 on day two helped ensure a repeat victory for MJT Peewee Boys Champion, Surrey resident Justin Bjornson, 12, who fired outstanding rounds of 72,67,72 (211) to win by an incredible 16 strokes, finishing at five under for the tournament. “My great ball striking and putting helped me win,” he said. “I feel privileged to win such a great event.”

In a deep field of 27 girls overall, the MJT Girls U15 Hoselton trophy was won by Tina Jiang, 13, of Richmond, BC, who shot rock-solid rounds of 79, 75, 77 (231) to win by five strokes, stating afterwards, “I think my driver's distance helped me win the tournament – my highlight was making an eagle on hole 13, and I feel proud to win. My goal this season is to shoot under par at least 10 times.”

In the MJT Girls 15-18 Division, 17-year old Phoebe Yue of West Vancouver, BC, narrowly won by just two shots over her nearest rival, Angel Lin, 15, of Surrey, BC.  Yue carded rounds of 72,75,74 (221) to claim the Hoselton trophy.  "It was a nice way to start the season. My highlight was driving the green on number 15 during the first round. I had such fun playing with my friends!"

The event’s Collegiate 19-23 Division was won by MJT veteran, Edward Metcalfe, 21, of Temecula, California, who shot 77, 77, 74 (228) to win by six strokes. “After a really rough front nine on day two, coming down the stretch and playing the final eight holes in three-under par was a big boost. I tried to keep a level head when things weren't going my way, and I feel happy about my game. It feels nice to win the first tourney of the season but there is definitely a lot of improving to be made."  

For the PLYR Long Drive, PLYR Closest-to-the-Pin, MJT Performance Award and Respect the Game winners, please visit the highlights page for the tournament. 

The next Maple Leaf Junior Golf Tour stop in British Columbia is the MJT Ford Series / US Kids and Teen Qualifier at Chilliwack Golf Club in Chilliwack, April 14 and 15.  For more information or to register, please visit  www.maplejt.com or call 1-877-859-4653.

About Humber College PGM Program: The 3-year Professional Golf Management diploma program at Humber College is recognized as Canada’s premiere golf business program and is partnered with the best facilities for you to gain work experience. As you interact with the movers and shakers of the sport, you’ll gain a better understanding of the trends and opportunities in the golf business. 

About TaylorMade Golf: Headquartered in Carlsbad, California, TaylorMade Golf is a leading manufacturer of high performance golf equipment and golf balls and a major force on the PGA TOUR. With industry-leading innovative products like M1/M2 metalwoods, M1/M2 irons and TP5 golf balls, TaylorMade has one of the strongest athlete portfolios in golf, with six players in the current Top 12 in the world. Key athletes include world Dustin Johnson, Rory McIlroy, Jason Day, Masters champion Sergio Garcia, Olympic champion Justin Rose and Jon Rahm. 

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 presented nationally by Boston Pizza and supported by valued Premier, 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, the Collegiate Tour for 19-23 year olds, and multi-day events for competitive players aged 11 to 18 which are also qualifiers 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. See www.maplejt.com

MEDIA CONTACT:  Elaine Denton, Director Marketing and Administration

Phone: 1-877-859-GOLF  E-Mail: edenton@maplejt.com  Web: www.maplejt.com