Canada's #1 Junior Golf Tour

 

The Ontario circuit of the non-profit Maple Leaf Junior Golf Tour, Canada’s #1 Junior Tour, braved the wet conditions of a typical spring season at Centennial Park Golf Centre in Etobicoke on June 2, hosting an 18-hole tournament for 12U on the MJT Mini Tour. Nearly 40 young players, with many making their tournament debut, embarked on their quest for victory in six age divisions in what was the second event in the province for the MJT Mini Tour. 

Despite the persistent rain, the executive-length course saw impressive scores. Each of the six division winners, if not already exempt, qualified for the MJT Mini Tour National Championship at Tsawwassen Springs Golf Club in Tsawwassen, British Columbia, this August. Winners of the MJT Closest-to-the-Pin Competition are posted on the website here; scores from the top finishers and quotes from winners are detailed below.

The next MJT Mini Tour stop in the province is at Scarlett Woods Golf Course in Toronto, on June 30, 2024. To register or for more information, please visit the MJT website at www.maplejt.com.

 

 

1. Lanai Park (8), Oakville, ON | 66     

2. Islay Oh (8), Toronto, ON | 81        

3. Grace Black (8), Paris, ON | 112
 

Lanai Park, 8, of Oakville, ON, reflected on her winning performance in the MJT U8 Girls division, saying, "I feel very happy about winning today." She mentioned her assessment of the event, stating, "You are awesome, keep up the great work!”
 

1. Matea Boras (9), Burlington, ON | 80

2. Brinley Lau (10), Toronto, ON | 87

3. Evelyn He (9), Toronto, ON | 90

Nine-year-old Matea Boras of Burlington, ON, delivered a stellar performance in the MJT Girls 9-10 division, winning with a commanding seven-stroke lead. Boras expressed her satisfaction, stating, "I am happy even though I didn't play the best on the front nine. I think I came back on the back nine." She attributed her success to resilience, noting, "I didn't let the bad shots get to me."

 

1. Angelina He (10), Toronto, ON | 72

2. Sophia Noh (10), Richmond Hill, ON | 75

3. Cocomi Zixi Wang (11), Toronto, ON | 88
 

Angelina He, a 10-year-old from Toronto, ON, claimed victory in the MJT Girls 11-12 division, after managing to eclipse Sophia Noh, a 10-year-old from Richmond Hill, ON, by three shots. He credited her putting prowess for securing the win, and stated, "I feel good winning today.”

 

1. James Plunkett (8), Guelph, ON | 92

2. Emmett Pitton (7), Etobicoke, ON | 104

 

James Plunkett, an eight-year-old from Guelph, ON, radiated excitement following his win in the MJT 8U Boys division, marking his second consecutive victory.  "I am thrilled to have won my second MJT event," Plunkett enthused, proud of his accomplishment.
 

MJT Boys 9-10: Centennial Park GC: Par 60, Ydg 3994, Slope/Rating 0/0.0
1. Derek Zhao (10), Maple, ON | 70

2. Jax Vescan (10), Mississauga, ON | 72

3. Jaxon Mitchell (10), Burlington, ON | 84

After mounting a strong comeback on the back nine, Derek Zhao, a 10-year-old from Maple, ON, clinched victory with a two-stroke lead in the MJT Boys 9-10 Division. "I feel very happy. Overall, I am pretty proud of myself," said Derek. "On the 17th hole, I chipped in a shot from the bunker, and I got a birdie," he added, highlighting a pivotal moment in his successful round.
 

1. Bentley McNamara (12), Woodstock, ON | 66

2. Niklas Zierik (10), Collingwood, ON | 72

3. Adam DiBernardo (11), Scarborough, ON | 76
 

Bentley McNamara, aged 12 from Woodstock, ON, surged ahead of the pack on the front nine, securing a commanding six-stroke lead to stave off Niklas Zierik, 10, who was vying for his second consecutive victory. McNamara stated, “I feel extremely happy and good." He credited his success to his ball striking and putting, noting that it was ‘better than it ever has been.’
 

 

MJT Mini Tour National Championship (highest ranked player not already exempt): Lanai Park, Matea Boras, Angelina He, Emmett Pitton, Derek Zhao, Bentley McNamara

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