Canada's #1 Junior Golf Tour

 

The Maple Leaf Junior Golf Tour (MJT), Canada’s leading junior golf circuit, made its 2025 Mini Tour season debut in Manitoba at Maplewood Golf Course in St. Pierre-Jolys on June 1, where young athletes were put to the test by extreme heat and drifting wildfire smoke, conditions few could have anticipated. Rescheduled from its original spring date due to snow, the event played out under very different but still challenging conditions. The resilient field were competing in five age divisions for titles, prizing and the chance to qualify for the MJT Mini Tour National Championship in British Columbia this August. 

 

Through the haze and heat, junior golfers rose to the challenge, showcasing the grit and talent that defines Canada’s top junior tour members. Despite the smoky skies, the spirit of competition remained strong in St. Pierre-Jolys. The MJT acknowledges the difficult circumstances across the province and stands with those affected by the wildfires.

The day delivered solid results, with division wins by Ashton Ginter, 12, of Winkler, MB, in MJT Boys 11-12 (85), Leah Klippenstein, 9, of Portage La Prairie, MB, in MJT Girls 9-10 (119), Noah Lafreniere, 10, from St. Pierre-Jolys, MB, in MJT Boys 9-10 (92), Leah Klippenstein, 9, from Portage La Prairie, MB, in MJT Girls 9-10 (119), and Liam Penner, 6, from Mitchell, MB, in MJT Boys 8U (98).

Quotes from the division winners, top finisher scores and the list of qualified players are detailed below. Full results are posted on the MJT website here.

The next MJT Mini Tour event in the province is at Kildonan Park Golf Course in Winnipeg, taking place June 28. To register or for more information on the MJT and upcoming events, please visit www.maplejt.com.
 

1. Ashton Ginter (12), Winkler, MB | 85         

2. Owen Shields (11), Winnipeg, MB | 92       

3. Luke Abbott (10), Winnipeg, MB | 96

Twelve-year-old Ashton Ginter of Winkler, MB, made a memorable debut on the MJT Mini Tour, shooting 85 to top the MJT Boys 11-12 division. “It feels really good because this was the first one I’ve ever played,” said Ginter, who shared that he practices ‘almost every day.’
 

1. Sadie Blazeiko (12), Winnipeg, MB | 96      

2. Lindley Kurz (12), Steinbach, MB | 127

In the MJT Girls 11-12 division, Winnipeg’s Sadie Blazeiko, also 12, put together a solid round of 96 and was proud of her strong finish. “Winning this tournament feels great! Improving by eight strokes on the back nine showed me the importance of perseverance,” she said. When asked who she’d love to play with: “Rory McIlroy, he’s my favourite golfer.”
 

1. Noah Lafreniere (10), St. Pierre-Jolys, MB | 92      

2. Parker Côté (10), St Malo, MB | 96

3. Logan Vetesnik (10), Winnipeg, MB | 108

Ten-year-old Noah Lafreniere of St. Pierre-Jolys, MB, kept the MJT Boys 9-10 division title close to home with a 92 on his local course. “It feels good to get it done,” he said. “I’m excited to see how I will compete in my future tournaments.” He added, “It was a great event. I liked that there was competition.”
 

1. Leah Klippenstein (9), Portage La Prairie, MB | 119

Nine-year-old Leah Klippenstein of Portage La Prairie, MB, showed determination and progress in the MJT Girls 9-10 division, playing as the sole participant in her age group and carding a 119. “Amazing—my game is improving and I feel like I can do this again,” she shared. Her feedback for MJT? “Have more Mini Tournaments!”

MJT Boys 8U: Maplewood GC: Par 66, Ydg 3000, Slope/Rating 0/0.0
1. Liam Penner (6), Mitchell, MB | 98

2. Easton Faskerti (8), Stonewall, MB | 99      

3. Ben Hill (8), Winnipeg, MB | 100    

Mitchell, MB’s Liam Penner, just 6 years old, stepped up to the challenge in the MJT Boys 8U division, finishing with a round of 98. His performance showed poise well beyond his years on a tough day for golf.

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