Canada's #1 Junior Golf Tour

 

The Maple Leaf Junior Golf Tour (MJT) electrified Water Valley Golf Club in Water Valley, AB, on August 26-27, with the exciting conclusion of the MJT PLYR Series, the fourth and final stop in the series across the country on Canada's #1 junior golf tour. Over 80 junior golfers aged 19 and under competed fiercely in six divisions with eligible ages vying for a coveted spot in the 2025 Champion of Champions World Invitational in Ross Inner, Enniskillen, UK. The course, which featured sparkling ponds and meticulously sculpted bunkers surrounded by breathtaking views of the snow-capped Rockies, proved a great test for the elite field.

Desmond White, 18, of Calgary, AB, closed out his junior career in style by capturing the Boys Low Overall and his first MJT title with a stellar performance in Junior Boys, firing an impressive 67 in round one and finishing with a total of 143 (67, 76). Meanwhile, Sophie Dhaliwal, 17, also from Calgary, AB, dominated the MJT Girls 15-19 division, claiming the Girls Low Overall title with a remarkable one-under-par 71 in round two, bringing her total to 147 (76, 71).

Other great performances leading to division wins were recorded by Matthew Keane, 16, from Calgary, AB, in MJT Juvenile Boys (144), Bennett Love, 13, of Red Deer, AB, in MJT Bantam Boys (142), Camilla Ruesga, 12, of Calgary, AB, in MJT Girls U15 (156), and Minxing Matt Li, 11, of Surrey, BC, in MJT Peewee Boys (155). 

Top finisher scores and quotes from the division winners are noted below, along with the qualified players. For full tournament results, please visit the MJT website here; results from the Projekt/2UNDR Long Drive, PLYR Closest to the Pin, Booster Juice BounceBack Awards and Academy Points standings are posted here.
 

The next and final stop in the province is the wait listed MJT Ford Series at RedTail Landing Golf Club in Nisku, AB, September 7-8, 2024. For more information, please visit the MJT website at www.maplejt.com.
 

MJT Junior Boys: Water Valley GC: Par 72, Ydg 6520, Slope/Rating 128/71.1

1. Desmond White (18), Calgary, AB | 67, 76 (143)

2. Jadan Patel (19), Airdrie, AB | 74, 72 (146)

2. Jonah Martens (19), Cranbrook, BC | 70, 76 (146)

Desmond White, 18, from Calgary, AB, fired an exceptional five-under-par 67 in round one, showcasing the hard work he's put into his game. "I just had trust in my game knowing I've put the time and work in," he said after clinching his first-ever MJT event win. The victory was bittersweet, marking his last MJT event before heading to university. "It feels great to win my first-ever MJT event, especially knowing it's my last one ever," White shared. "It gives me a ton of faith in my game heading into university."

MJT Juvenile Boys: Water Valley GC: Par 72, Ydg 6520, Slope/Rating 128/71.1
1. Matthew Keane (16), Calgary, AB | 72, 72 (144)    

2. Harrison Kiziak (15), Fort Saskatchewan, AB | 71, 75 (146)            

3. Casey Sliva (16), Red Deer, AB | 74, 74 (148)
 

Sixteen-year-old Matthew Keane from Calgary, AB, displayed remarkable consistency with two even-par rounds. His secret? "I stay composed under pressure by going back to the fundamentals of my game—just confidence in my feels and commitment to each shot," Keane explained. His steady performance highlights his ability to thrive in high-stakes competition with his solid victory.

MJT Bantam Boys: Water Valley GC: Par 72, Ydg 5995, Slope/Rating 124/69.6

1. Bennett Love (13), Red Deer, AB | 71, 71 (142)

2. Luke MacDonald (14), Calgary, AB | 79, 71 (150)   

2. Luca Marengo (14), Calgary, AB | 78, 72 (150)

Bennett Love, 13, from Red Deer, AB, carded eight birdies over the course of two consistent rounds of one-under-par, testament to the hard work he's put into his game. "I've played and practiced a lot, sticking to the same routine. I've been working hard on the mental game all year long," Love shared. After a challenging season, this performance was especially meaningful. "It feels great, given how I’ve had a rough season."
 

MJT Peewee Boys: Water Valley GC: Par 72, Ydg 5300, Slope/Rating 117/65.3

1. Minxing Matt Li (11), Surrey, BC | 79, 76 (155)

2. Sebastian Rothzén (12), Calgary, AB | 84, 86 (170)

3. Shane Sky (9), Foothills, AB | 92, 89 (181)

Minxing Matt Li, 11, from Surrey, BC, pulled away from the competition in round one and never looked back, securing his first junior tour win with confidence. "This win means a lot to me as it’s my first junior tour victory, and it shows that I can play more than 18 holes of good golf," Li stated. Reflecting on the experience, he added, "The course was in great condition and the range balls were beautifully placed. And, I had fun!"

 

1. Sophie Dhaliwal (17), Calgary, AB | 76, 71 (147)    

2. Olivia Johnson (15), Calgary, AB | 74, 74 (148)       

3. Emma Liu (17), Edmonton, AB | 79, 80 (159)

Sophie Dhaliwal, a 17-year-old from Calgary, AB, clinched a thrilling victory by a single stroke, thanks to her meticulous approach. "I take my time to visualize each shot and paint a picture of the next one. Whether it's a putt or a drive, they require the same amount of concentration," Dhaliwal shared. Her hard-fought win boosts her confidence, but she's not slowing down just yet. "It definitely helps my confidence, but the hard work doesn't stop yet!"

MJT Girls U15: Water Valley GC: Par 72, Ydg 5300, Slope/Rating 128/70.1

1. Camilla Ruesga (12), Calgary, AB | 83, 73 (156)

2. Tristyn Anderson (14), Calgary, AB | 90, 94 (184)  

3. Sydney Korbyl (14), Red Deer County, AB | 95, 93 (188)

Twelve-year-old Camilla Ruesga from Calgary, AB, left the competition in the dust with her incredible performance. "I prepared for this tournament mentally by practicing calming myself and clear my head during the practice rounds," she said. "Then, I concentrated on that feeling and thought about the same feeling during the tournament." Aiming for the low 70s, Ruesga's win proves she’s close to her target and gives her the confidence to achieve even more.

Qualified Players:

2025 Champion of Champions World Championship: Camila Ruesga, Sophie Dhaliwal, Bennett Love, Matthew Keane
 

About PLYR Golf: Established in 2015, PLYR emerged with an idea that would allow both casual street apparel and golf attire to merge.  Fast forward a few years and although the brand has expanded beyond the course, the vision remains - push the status quo on what is 'cool' in athletic apparel. Our mission is simple. Create a culture that will inspire and connect the next generation of PLYR's through innovative, high-quality products.  PLYR - any and all athletes. We are all PLYR's. For more information, and to see PLYR's full line of products, visit the website HERE.
 

About the MJT: The non-profit Maple Leaf Junior Golf Tour is Canada’s #1 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 supported by partners across various tiers, including Platinum, Diamond, Gold, Silver, and Bronze levels. The MJT hosts more than 100 events across Canada, including free Ford Go Golf Junior Clinics, the MJT Mini Tour for 12U and multi-day events for competitive players aged 11-19 which also offer qualifiers for international tournaments. The program has annual awards, scholarships and incentives to help reward 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 the provincial, national, university and professional levels.

 

Media Contact: Jessica Parker, marketing@maplejt.com 
Marketing Manager, MJT