June 30-July 1, 2018
Saskatoon, SK
Saskatoon, SK. (July 2, 2018) – Josh Nagy, 16, of Saskatoon, SK continued his strong season on the Boston Pizza presented Maple Leaf Junior Golf Tour in Saskatchewan this past Canada Day weekend, posting a two-day total of 144 (73, 71) to win the Juvenile boys division as well as low overall title in the MJT Golf Saskatchewan Order of Merit Series presented by Ilta Grain at Moon Lake Golf and Country Club.
Rain hampered play for the 82-player field during the final round, during which Nagy came from four shots back to win by five in his hometown of Saskatoon, saying, “It feels great to win this week. Provincials are here soon, so it was nice to play well on this course.” Runner-up honours in the division went to T.J. Baker, 15, of Waskesiu, SK, who carded 75, 74 (149).
Nagy and the five other division winners listed below have earned invitations to the 2018 MJT International Players Championship presented by Miura Golf at Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge Golf Resort in Jasper, AB, August 13 to 15.
MJT Peewee Boys 10-12: Top finisher in the MJT Peewee Boys division was 12 year-old Darien Herlick of Weyburn, SK, who had battled back after finding himself seven shots off the lead after round one. A strong second round helped him win his second straight MJT Peewee Boys division title by one shot over Keaton Cote, 12, of Kindersley, SK. Herlick said afterwards, “Number 17 was my best hole of the tournament because I almost got a hole-in-one.”
MJT Bantam Boys 13-14: Will Danielson, 14, of Saskatoon, won the MJT Bantam Boys division for the first time in 2018, after firing rounds of 74, 86 (160). Danielson held on to his first round lead to win by one shot over Will Blake, 14, of Regina, SK (83, 78). When asked about his best hole of the tournament, Danielson said, “Four on the Moors course was definitely my best hole of the tournament. I birdied it both days; day one I stuck it to a foot and day two I chipped in from 20 yards.”
MJT Junior Boys 17-18: Keighton McNab, 18, of Saskatoon, SK, broke into the winner’s circle in a very competitive Junior Boys division, after his two day score of 154 (78, 76) was good enough for a four shot win over Cole Obrigewitsch, 18, of Deer Valley, SK. “It feels good to finally win. I came close a few times but couldn’t pull the trigger. But I did it today!” said McNab.
MJT Collegiate 19-23: Julian Gilewicz, 19, of Saskatoon, led the way in the Collegiate division shooting 74, 84 (158), a 12 shot victory over 19-year-old Jax Gipman of Martensville, SK. Gilewicz said, “The 18th hole during round one was my best hole, as after leaving my second shot short, I clutched-up with a Phil-like flop shot and saved par.”
MJT Girls 15-18: Alexandra Schmidt, 17, of Regina, SK, shot 83, 80 (163) to win the MJT 15-18 Girls division title by 16 shots over Carey McLean, 16, of Deer Valley, SK. Schmidt admitted, “I was a little nervous coming up 18 because I was having a great round so far.” This was her final tune up before Golf Saskatchewan’s Junior Championship. “I really appreciate the opportunity to prepare for provincials next week.”
MJT Girls U15: 13-year-old Brooklyn Fry, of Shell Lake, SK, fired 92-91 in the MJT U15 Girls division to win the division’sHoselton trophy for the second event in a row. “This win feels good, but I left some shots out there. I’m going to take the lessons learned and apply them in my next event.” Autumn Neiszner, 14, of Regina, SK, came in second place at (103, 105).
In addition to the individual division champions featured above, overall event highlights are posted on the MJT website here which show winner details for the PLYR Long Drive, PLYR Closest-to-the-Pin and MJT Comeback Award, as well as the MJT Academy Program Point Standings.
The next Maple Leaf Junior Golf Tour stop in Saskatchewan is the MJT–PGA of Saskatchewan Junior Championship presented by Ilta Grain at Dakota Dunes Golf Links in Saskatoon, July 23 and 24, where spots on MJT Team West for the National Team Challenge in Niagara Falls are on the line. To register or for more information please visit www.maplejt.com or call 1-877-859-4653.
About Ilta Grain: Ilta Grain is a leading exporter of quality grains throughout the world, specializing in pulses (lentils, peas, beans and chickpeas), grains/oilseeds and other special crops. Ilta Grain has extensive experience in procuring and trading various grains, and their experienced team understands global trade and logistics. They proudly support North American farmers – all of their products are grown in Western Canada. With six locations in Saskatchewan - Swift Current, Cutknife, North Battleford (two plants), Saskatoon and Belle Plaine (under construction), Ilta Grain handles all types and varieties of pulses and oilseeds. See www.iltagrain.com.
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. For more information on the Maple Leaf Junior Golf Tour, please visit www.maplejt.com
Media Contact: Russ MacKay, MJT rmackay@maplejt.com