Canada's #1 Junior Golf Tour

 

A waitlisted field of more than 90 junior golfers from across converged in Kelowna, BC, on July 16–17, for one of the province's premier junior golf events, the MJT Order of Merit Series at Okanagan Golf Club. Hosted by Canada's #1 junior golf tour, players from six provinces and in six divisions competed in the heat on the Bear Course for custom crystal trophies, rangefinders courtesy of MJT partner VOVEX Golf, direct exemptions into the MJT National Tour Challenge in Ontario later this fall, and shortlist consideration for the Jack Newton International Junior Classic in Australia.

 

Adding to the excitement, MJT Bantam Boys competitor Seth Ritchie, 13, of Hammonds Plains, NS, made the long trip from the East Coast even more memorable by recording a hole-in-one on the par-3 14th hole. The combination of a coast-to-coast contingent, championship-calibre competition, and memorable moments made for yet another successful stop on the MJT schedule.

Spencer Johnston, 18, of North Vancouver, BC, captured the MJT Junior Boys title by a single stroke after firing rounds of 74-75 (149). Five birdies over two rounds helped separate him from the field in a tightly contested finish. Johnston credited his support system afterward, saying, "My dad, mom, friends, and coaches have helped me in so many ways. I would not be able to do this without them." Reflecting on the tournament, he added, "This is my favourite event. Great course, good staff, and a fun time. I had a very positive experience."

Competing on home turf, 19-year-old Darwyn Kormany of Kelowna, BC, secured the MJT Girls 15-19 title with solid scores of 73 and 81 for a 154 total. Kormany pointed to the mentors who shaped her game, saying, "My coaches that I've had along the way have believed in me and taught me to believe in myself." She also praised the tournament, calling it ‘a great, well-run event at a great course.’

Kelowna's Carver Millard, 15, continued the hometown placements on the podium and closed with a strong even-par 72 to win the MJT Juvenile Boys division at 148 (76-72). With the title on the line, Millard focused on keeping things simple coming home: "It was stressful and I was just thinking about advancing the ball and keeping it in play - commit to each shot." He also acknowledged his parents for the ‘help and support with nutrition and dedicating time to come with me.’

Twelve-year-old Ashley Jung of Burnaby, BC, carded 78 and 84 (162) for a three-stroke winning margin, earning earn top honours in the MJT Girls U15 division. Down the closing stretch, her mindset was straightforward: ‘Par or better.’ Jung also recognized the people behind her success, crediting her ‘parents, coaches, [and] friends’ for helping make the victory possible.

In one of the tournament's most competitive divisions, 14-year-old Sawyer Wight of Invermere, BC, emerged victorious with rounds of 79 and 77 (156). His game plan throughout the event was clear: ‘Play smart, aim for the middle of the greens,’ and as the pressure mounted late in the round, his message to himself was simply, ‘Stick with it.'

 Everett Quewezance, 11, from Kamloops, BC, put together a remarkable performance in the MJT Peewee Boys division, carding back-to-back even par 72s for a fantastic winning total of 144. His steady play included eight birdies over the 36-hole event. Quewezance thanked his parents afterward, saying, "My mom and dad really helped. Thank you for being supportive." He also shared his appreciation for the tour, adding, "I think MJT is the best tour I've ever played on. They have great staff and the yardage is great."

Top finisher scores and the list of qualified players are noted below. Results from the Bomber Long Drive and PLYR Closest to the Pin competitions, Booster Juice BounceBack Awards, and Academy Points can be found here.  

 

Next up in British Columbia is the highly anticipated MJT Odlum Brown Classic at Hazelmere Golf Club, a three-day Major taking place in Surrey from July 27-29. For more information on the MJT and upcoming events, visit www.maplejt.com.

Top Finishers by Division
 

1. Spencer Johnston (18), North Vancouver, BC | 74, 75 (149)

2. Anthony De Sousa (17), Burnaby, BC | 78, 72 (150)           

3. Joshua Tricco (18), Whistler, BC | 76, 77 (153)

3. Owen Preston (18), Campbell River, BC | 74, 79 (153)

 

1. Darwyn Kormany (19), Kelowna, BC | 73, 81 (154)

2. Gwyneth Leong (15), Kelowna, BC | 78, 83 (161)   

3. Maya-Lynn Ramsay (16), Kelowna, BC | 81, 86 (167)
 

1. Carver Millard (15), Kelowna, BC | 76, 72 (148)     

2. Kobe Johnson (16), Quesnel, BC | 76, 75 (151)      

3. Jakob Warhurst (15), Delta, BC | 79, 73 (152)        

3. Luke Reynolds (16), Kelowna, BC | 77, 75 (152)     

 

1. Ashley Jung (12), Burnaby, BC | 78, 84 (162)

2. Kiarah Lemyre (13), Maple Ridge, BC | 79, 86 (165)           

3. Tayla Olson (13), Humboldt, SK | 100, 102 (202)

 

1. Sawyer Wight (14), Invermere, BC | 79, 77 (156)

2. Carsen Haddock (14), Kamloops, BC | 77, 82 (159)            

3. Drake Waters (13), Edmonton, AB | 83, 79 (162)

3. Grant Secord (14), La Salle, MB | 81, 81 (162)       

3. Wilson Dai (13), Vancouver, BC | 81, 81 (162)

MJT Peewee Boys: The Bear: Par 72, Ydg 5470, Slope/Rating 115/66.9

1. Everett Quewezance (11), Kamloops, BC | 72, 72 (144)

2. Moris Henwood (12), Victoria, BC | 75, 79 (154)

3. Walker Neilson (12), Golden, BC | 80, 77 (157)

Qualified and Shortlisted Players
 

Boys: Carver Millard

 

Boys: Sawyer Wight, Carver Millard, Spencer Johnston

Girls: Ashley Jung, Darwyn Kormany

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