Canada's #1 Junior Golf Tour

September 2-3, 2018
Thornton, ON

Hole-in-One helps MacLean win MJT Hoselton trophy at Tangle Creek

Barrie, ON.  (September 4, 2018) – The Maple Leaf Junior Golf Tour’s new GTA Series continued this past weekend at the award winning Tangle Creek Golf and Country Club, in Barrie, ON. Hoselton trophies for low medalist in six divisions were handed out on Canada’s number one-played Junior Golf Tour as well as the few remaining direct exemptions into the MJT Boston Pizza National Championship presented by TaylorMade Golf and adidas at The Legacy Golf Club in Phoenix, AZ, from November 8-11, 2018.

In the MJT Junior Boys division, the winner was Evan MacLean, 17, of Sudbury, ON, who fired 72, 72 (144) to win the title by five strokes over Eric (Joohyung) Byun, 17, of Richmond Hill 77, 72 (149). MacLean’s tournament score was also the low two-day total of any age category. His highlight was recording a hole-in-one on the 12th hole on day one. MacLean was also able to open and close each round with a birdie.  “It feels great (to win). Hard work pays off”, he said.

Zachary Hart, 16, of New Hamburg, ON, led the way in the MJT Juvenile Boys division. Hart claimed the title after shooting 73, 77 (150) to win by three over Nicholas Lin, 15, of Toronto, ON, who finished with rounds of 74, 79 (153). Hart said, “It feels amazing to win my first event and at the right time. Now I can go to Arizona!”

In the MJT Bantam Boys division, 14-year-old Ryan Somerville, of Aurora, ON, ran away with the title after firing impressive rounds of 73, 74 (147) from 5,657 yards. Somerville wound up winning his division by a total of 19 strokes over Spencer Jackson, 14, of Bracebridge, ON, who finished at 166 (84, 82). “My best hole of the tournament was the 10th hole. It’s a tough par four and I was able to make birdie both days,” said Somerville.

Andre Zhu, 12, of Richmond Hill, made it two MJT-GTA Series wins in a row by capturing the MJT Peewee Boys title at Tangle Creek. Zhu made very few mistakes on his way to shooting 72, 74 (146). “I was able to play the (434 yard) first hole in two shots,” he said. “I’m happy with winning my division on this nice golf course.” Runner up was Ben De Castro, 12, of Toronto (92- 92= 184).

Some very impressive golf was on display in the MJT Girls 15-18 division. Ava Koukofikas, 15, of Pickering, ON, trailed Emily Zhu, 14, of Richmond Hill, by a single stroke heading into the second round. Koukofikas then carded a brilliant three under par final round to finish 80-69 (149), edging Zhu (79-71 =150) for the title. “The back nine was the difference maker for me,” said Koukofikas. “On hole 14, I made like a 70-foot putt for birdie and on 15, I chipped in for birdie.” The back-to-back birdies propelled Koukofikas into the lead, which she would not relinquish.

Kelly Zhao, 12, of North York, ON, took home the MJT Girls U15 division after shooting consecutive rounds of 80 (160). “I got a birdie on hole number two on both days!” Seven shots back of Zhao was runner-up, Katie Cranston, 14, of Oakville, ON, who shot 84, 83 (167).

Three of the six division champions were eligible for direct invitations to the MJT’s year-end National Championship:  Hart, Somerville and Zhao.  Peewee Boys champion, Zhu, was previously exempt due to his win at Eagle’s Nest earlier in the season.

The final event on the MJT Ontario GTA Series is at St. Andrew’s Valley Golf Club in Aurora, from September 15-16, 2018. This will be the last opportunity for members to earn their way into the National Championship. Also coming up later in September is the MJT National Team Challenge presented by Freedom 55 Financial at Royal Niagara Golf Club which brings teams from across Canada together for a Collegiate style competition.

Full details on the MJT Ontario GTA Series at Tangle Creek Golf and Country Club are posted on the MJT website, which also show winners of the MJT Comeback Award, PLYR Long Drive and Closest-to-the-Pin competitions as well as the current MJT Academy Order of Merit standings. For more information, please visit www.maplejt.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, Operations Manager, Maple Leaf Junior Golf Tour rmackay@maplejt.com 1-877-859-GOLF  www.maplejt.com