Canada's #1 Junior Golf Tour
The Road to College Golf, run exclusively by PGA ProfessionalsPress Release
April 21, 2024
Tsawwassen, BC
Huge turnout of 110 compete in MJT’s Mini Tour IMG Junior Worlds qualifier in BC
An impressive field of 110 talented young golfers aged five through 12 on Canada’s number one Junior Golf Tour, the Maple Leaf Junior Golf Tour, took to the pristine fairways of Tsawwassen Springs Golf Course in Tsawwassen, BC, to compete in six age divisions in the MJT Mini Tour’s IMG Junior Worlds Qualifier on Sunday, April 21.
Earning the coveted title of division champion not only secured a spot in the prestigious MJT Mini Tour National Championship, back in Tsawwassen later this season, but also qualified the Boys and Girls 8U and 9-10 winners for the highly anticipated IMG Academy Junior World Championship in San Diego, California, this July. In addition, the top three finishers in each division earned their ticket to the upcoming MJT Mini Tour Order of Merit Invitational at Quilchena Golf and Country Club in Richmond, BC on May 25, setting the stage for another display of the exceptional talent on the tour.
The young players had to navigate very tough pin placements, reflecting on the scores. The stellar results from the top finishers and quotes from each of the six division winners (Jason Zhang, Lucy Li, Haojun (Kevin) Zhu, Luna Zhou, Edward Yu, and Annabel Zhao) are noted below. For Closest to the Pin and Long Drive Award winners, please visit the MJT website here.
The next MJT Mini Tour event in the province is the heavily wait listed MJT Mini Tour at Musqueam Golf Course in Vancouver, BC, on May 5, which will directly qualify young players for not only the MJT Mini Tour National Championship but also has exclusive qualifying spots for 10U players into the major FCG World Championship in Rancho Mirage, CA, this July. To see the full 2024 MJT Mini Tour schedule, please visit the website as www.maplejt.com.
Top Finishers
MJT Boys 11-12: Tsawwassen Springs: Par 70, Ydg 5097, Slope/Rating 110/66.6
1st (countback): Jason Zhang, 12, Richmond | 78
2nd : James (Chenrui) Qiu, 11, Surrey | 78
3rd: Jackson Wang, 12, Surrey | 79
Twelve-year-old Jason Zhang from Richmond, BC, showcased his exceptional talent by carding three birdies, securing the MJT Boys 11-12 division title in a countback over James Qiu of Surrey, BC, after both finished tied for the lead and low overall boy with a score of 78. Zhang believed his mastery of his driver and woods proved pivotal in his success.
MJT Girls 11-12: Tsawwassen Springs: Par 70, Ydg 4781, Slope/Rating 115/67.4
1st: Lucy Li, 10, Vancouver | 81
2nd: Quorra Mi, 11, Burnaby | 84
3rd: Emily Yan, 11, Vancouver | 88
Lucy Li, 10, hailing from Vancouver, claimed the MJT Girls 11-12 title despite noting that she ‘did not expect to win with my triple bogey.’ Li also took the spot of girls low overall and walked away feeling ‘happy about (her) win.’
MJT Boys 9-10: Tsawwassen Springs: Par 70, Ydg 4010, Slope/Rating 99/64.0
1st: (countback): Haojun (Kevin) Zhu, 9, Surrey | 78
2nd: Alex Yage Chen, 9, West Vancouver | 78
3rd: Theo Zhou, 10, West Vancouver | 79
In an extremely strong field, the MJT Boys 9-10 title was secured by Haojun (Kevin) Zhu in a nail-biting countback finish over Alex Yage Chen of West Vancouver. Reflecting on his win, Zhu expressed that he was ‘surprised’ to clinch the victory, highlighting the intense competition throughout the event.
MJT Girls 9-10: Tsawwassen Springs: Par 70, Ydg 4010, Slope/Rating 102/63.0
1st: Luna Zhou, 9, Vancouver | 83
T2: Joanna Lin, 9, Vancouver | 84
T2: Victoria Shen, 9, Surrey | 84
Amidst the largest field of girls competing in this tournament, it was 9-year-old Luna Zhou who emerged as the victor in MJT Girls 9-10. In a tightly contested battle, Luna narrowly secured her title, showcasing remarkable composure and determination.
MJT Boys 8U: Tsawwassen Springs: Par 70, Ydg 3070, Slope/Rating 0/0.0
1st: Edward Yu, 8, Vancouver | 77
2nd: Ethan Jiang, 7, Vancouver | 80
3rd: Allen Kong, 8, West Kelowna | 84
With four birdies filling his card, Edward Yu of Vancouver, BC, finished with a seven-over-par to claim the MJT Boys 8U division title. Despite ‘challenging greens’, Yu noted that he was ‘really happy about winning.’
MJT Girls 8U: Tsawwassen Springs: Par 70, Ydg 3070, Slope/Rating 0/0.0
1st: Annabel Zhao, 8, Richmond | 99
2nd: Amira Lu, 7, Vancouver | 116
3rd: Yoyo Zhang, 7, Richmond | 118
At just eight years old, Annabel Zhao from Richmond, BC, was ‘very happy’ with her impressive 17 stroke lead to take home the title of MJT Girls 8U champ.
Qualified Players:
IMG Academy Junior World Championship:
Girls 8U: Grace Yuemeng Wu (Richmond, BC)
MJT Mini Tour Order of Merit Invitational at Quilchena Golf and Country Club:
Boys 11-12: Jason Zhang (Richmond, BC), James (Chenrui) Qiu (Surrey, BC), Jackson Wang (Surrey, BC)
Girls 11-12: Lucy Li (Vancouver, BC), Quorra Mi (Burnaby, BC), Emily Yan (Vancouver, BC)
Boys 9-10: Haojun (Kevin) Zhu (Surrey, BC), Alex Yage Chen (West Vancouver, BC), Theo Zhou (West Vancouver, BC)
Girls 9-10 : Luna Zhou (Vancouver, BC), Joanna Lin (Vancouver, BC), Victoria Shen (Surrey, BC)
Boys 8U: Edward Yu (Vancouver, BC), Ethan Jiang (Vancouver, BC), Allen Kong (W. Kelowna, BC)
Girls 8U: Annabel Zhao (Richmond, BC), Amira Lu (Vancouver, BC), Yoyo Zhang (Richmond, BC)
About the MJT: The non-profit Maple Leaf Junior Golf Tour is Canada’s number one 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 valued Diamond, Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze Partners. The MJT hosts over 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 and Communications Manager, MJT