August 23, 2024
Saskatoon, SK
Kreklewich’s brilliant 63 headlines exciting MJT Mini Tour SK finale at Wildwood
Canada's #1 Junior Tour, the Maple Leaf Junior Golf Tour, wrapped up the 2024 Saskatchewan Mini Tour season with an electrifying finale at Wildwood Golf Course in Saskatoon on August 23. A great field of 35 junior golfers aged 12 and under from three provinces battled it out in six divisions, many vying for their last shot to qualify for the 2025 Champion of Champions World Invitational in Ross Inner, Enniskillen, UK.
Highlighted with a fantastic score of 63 by 12-year-old Keaton Kreklewich, of Melville, SK, winner of MJT Boys 11-12, the event saw stellar scores leading to other division wins by Alyxa Melsted, 11, of Wynyard, SK, in MJT Girls 11-12 (79), Caleb O’Brien, 10, from Melville, SK, in MJT Boys 9-10 (70), Kensi Bourassa, 10, from Saskatoon, SK, in MJT Girls 9-10 (99), Connor Hanska, 8, of Birdtail Sioux Dakota Nation, MB, in MJT Boys 8U (71), and Mae McTavish, 8, of Canora, SK, in MJT Girls 8U (79).
Top scorers who were not already qualified for the 2025 Champion of Champions World Invitational are listed below along with scores and quotes from the division winners. Full results are posted on the MJT website
here.
As the 2024 MJT Mini Tour season in Saskatchewan wraps up, we want to thank our members, participants, families, and sponsors for an incredible year. Early Bird Memberships for 2025 will be available in December; more information on the program can be found online at
www.maplejt.com.
Top Finishers
MJT Girls 8U: Wildwood GC: Par 71, Ydg 3200, Slope/Rating 0/0.0
1. Mae McTavish (8), Canora, SK | 79
Mae McTavish, 8, from Canora, SK, embraced the challenge of competing solo in the MJT Girls 8U division. With a mindset focused on continuous improvement, McTavish shared, "I always think my next shot is going to be my best.'" Despite being her own competition, McTavish called it ‘one of my favourite MJT events,’ highlighting the enjoyment she experienced on the course.
MJT Girls 9-10: Wildwood GC: Par 71, Ydg 3200, Slope/Rating 0/0.0
1. Kensi Bourassa (10), Saskatoon, SK | 99
2. Raelle Inverarity (10), Saskatoon, SK |107
Ten-year-old Kensi Bourassa from Saskatoon, SK, delivered a composed performance by not getting distracted and giving the event a perfect 10/10 rating. "I stayed focused on my game by not getting bothered, and I stop when people are moving so I don't get distracted," Bourassa said, reflecting on her approach to the competition.
MJT Girls 11-12: Wildwood GC: Par 71, Ydg 3200, Slope/Rating 0/0.0
1. Alyxa Melsted (11), Wynyard, SK | 79
2. Natalie Maunula (12), North Battleford, SK | 82
3. Jiayi Tang (11), Prince Albert, SK | 84
3. Clara Zhang (11), Saskatoon, SK | 84
Alyxa Melsted, 11, from Wynyard, SK, celebrated her fifth division win of the season with a stellar performance. "I took a good look at the course during my practice round and focused on improving my drive before the tournament," she said. Her dedication paid off, and she couldn't be more thrilled, rating the event a "10/10— I love golfing in these tournaments!"
MJT Boys 8U: Wildwood GC: Par 71, Ydg 3200, Slope/Rating 0/0.0
1. Connor Hanska (8), Birdtail Sioux Dakota Nation, MB | 71
2. Jozef Sierzycki (8), La Ronge, SK | 84
3. Easton Faskerti (7), Stonewall, MB | 100
Eight-year-old Connor Hanska from Birdtail Sioux Dakota Nation, MB, delivered an even-par performance that showcased his calm under pressure. ‘Good sleep and a good breakfast’ fueled his game, and his secret to success? "I shake it off and I don't get mad."
MJT Boys 9-10: Wildwood GC: Par 71, Ydg 3700, Slope/Rating 0/0.0
1. Caleb O'Brien (10), Melville, SK | 70
2. Cohen Bridge (19), Corman Park, SK | 75
3. Declan Kozakavich (10), Saskatoon, SK | 78
Caleb O'Brien, a 10-year-old from Melville, SK, showcased his composure and skill, finishing one-under par with a stellar 70. "I just tried to shoot well in the closing holes, stay calm, and do my best," O'Brien shared. This impressive performance has boosted his confidence as he looks forward to Nationals.
MJT Boys 11-12: Wildwood GC: Par 71, Ydg 4400, Slope/Rating 0/0.0
1. Keaton Kreklewich (12), Melville, SK | 63
2. Dalton Stephens (12), Craik, SK | 71
3. Chase Hanley (12), Saskatoon, SK | 73
Keaton Kreklewich, 12, from Melville, SK, stole the show with a phenomenal eight-under par 63 at the MJT Mini Tour event. With nine birdies lighting up the scorecard, Kreklewich's dedication to refining his routine clearly paid off. "I've been working on my routine, and I think that played a major factor today," he said. His outstanding performance not only secured victory but also set the stage for an even stronger showing next year.
Qualified Players:
Champion of Champions World Invitational qualified players: Mae McTavish, Alyxa Melsted, Connor Hanska, Caleb O’Brien, Keaton Kreklewich
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.