LOG IN
Canada's #1 Junior Golf Tour
The Road to College Golf, run exclusively by PGA ProfessionalsPress Release
April 18-19, 2026
Invermere, BC
Stunning scores and scenery headline waitlisted MJT Forge Academy Classic at Copper Point
Canada’s number one-played junior golf tour was in full force this past weekend, as a waitlisted field saw 92 players tee it up at the MJT Forge Academy Classic at Copper Point Golf Club in Invermere, BC, on April 18–19. With early-season momentum on the line, the Maple Leaf Junior Golf Tour delivered another high-energy stop, where athletes battled not only for titles, but for qualifying spots into the East Coast Junior Championship, the Junior America’s Cup (Team Alberta), and the MJT National Tour Challenge.
Across six competitive divisions, players delivered standout performances, with each champion earning a crystal trophy and a pair of adidas Golf shoes, well-earned prizes for those who set the early pace in what’s shaping up to be another fiercely competitive season on Canada’s premier junior circuit.
The MJT Junior Boys division delivered a thrilling finish, as Riley Moore (16) of West Vancouver, BC, edged out Warner Zapisocky (17) of Edmonton, AB, in a playoff after both players tied at 141. Moore fired rounds of 70 and 71 to force extra holes, where he stayed composed and secured the win with a steady par on the first playoff hole, capping off an exciting moment for both players. “Second MJT win in the past few weeks. Glad to get it done in Invermere. It was a battle to the end,” said Moore. “This event was very well run and managed. The greens were in stellar condition for the first event of the year. This event concluded to be one of my favourite tournaments ever.”
Brooke Halbauer (14) of Edmonton, AB, delivered steady, consistent play in the MJT Girls 15–19 division, carding matching rounds of 78, for a winning total of 156. Her composed performance across both days earned her the top spot in a tightly contested field. “Unreal. My friends and family have helped me through my whole golfing experience. My coach, Jeremy, has helped me through a lot of hurdles this year, making this even more special,” she shared. Halbauer also praised the event experience, adding, “10/10. I was very happy with everything, especially the rules officials for being there to help.”
Chase Strang (16) of Airdrie, AB, dominated the MJT Juvenile Boys division with back-to-back three-under-par rounds of 68, 68 for a winning total of 136. With an impressive 13 birdies over two rounds, Strang combined consistency and firepower to separate himself from the field. “It feels great and is a very strong start to my season,” he said. Praising the event, Strang added, “This is an amazing event. I love Copper Point so much, it's such an amazing course and the prizes are great.”
In the MJT Girls U15 division, Camilla Ruesga (14) of Calgary, AB, set the tone early with a blistering four-under-par 67 in round one, building a commanding lead she would carry to victory with a two-day total of 137 (67, 70). Despite a few challenges along the way, Ruesga stayed composed down the stretch to secure the win. “After a long winter fills me with a lot of happiness to win this tournament. Even after some ups and downs, I still managed to pull through,” she said. “Coming down the stretch, I was thinking that I shouldn't pressure myself too much. I just had to keep my mind blank.”
The MJT Bantam Boys division delivered another exciting finish as Niko Tran (13) of Calgary, AB, defeated fellow Calgarian Sebastian Rothzén (14) in a playoff after both players tied at 154 (75-79 and 78-76, respectively). Tran sealed the victory in style with a birdie on the first extra hole to claim the title. “It feels pretty good to win,” said Tran. “This event was really fun.”
Walker Neilson (12) of Golden, BC, captured the MJT Peewee Boys title with rounds of 82 and 76 for a 158 total, securing a two-stroke victory and his first MJT win. Competing in his very first MJT tournament, Neilson handled the pressure impressively down the stretch. “It feels amazing, I will always remember this as my first win. I want to thank my competitors for being very supportive down the stretch,” he said. Reflecting on his first event, he added, “As a first-time competitor, I was very surprised with how well-run the event is and how it feels like a pro tournament.”
The MJT Junior Boys division delivered a thrilling finish, as Riley Moore (16) of West Vancouver, BC, edged out Warner Zapisocky (17) of Edmonton, AB, in a playoff after both players tied at 141. Moore fired rounds of 70 and 71 to force extra holes, where he stayed composed and secured the win with a steady par on the first playoff hole, capping off an exciting moment for both players. “Second MJT win in the past few weeks. Glad to get it done in Invermere. It was a battle to the end,” said Moore. “This event was very well run and managed. The greens were in stellar condition for the first event of the year. This event concluded to be one of my favourite tournaments ever.”
Brooke Halbauer (14) of Edmonton, AB, delivered steady, consistent play in the MJT Girls 15–19 division, carding matching rounds of 78, for a winning total of 156. Her composed performance across both days earned her the top spot in a tightly contested field. “Unreal. My friends and family have helped me through my whole golfing experience. My coach, Jeremy, has helped me through a lot of hurdles this year, making this even more special,” she shared. Halbauer also praised the event experience, adding, “10/10. I was very happy with everything, especially the rules officials for being there to help.”
Chase Strang (16) of Airdrie, AB, dominated the MJT Juvenile Boys division with back-to-back three-under-par rounds of 68, 68 for a winning total of 136. With an impressive 13 birdies over two rounds, Strang combined consistency and firepower to separate himself from the field. “It feels great and is a very strong start to my season,” he said. Praising the event, Strang added, “This is an amazing event. I love Copper Point so much, it's such an amazing course and the prizes are great.”
In the MJT Girls U15 division, Camilla Ruesga (14) of Calgary, AB, set the tone early with a blistering four-under-par 67 in round one, building a commanding lead she would carry to victory with a two-day total of 137 (67, 70). Despite a few challenges along the way, Ruesga stayed composed down the stretch to secure the win. “After a long winter fills me with a lot of happiness to win this tournament. Even after some ups and downs, I still managed to pull through,” she said. “Coming down the stretch, I was thinking that I shouldn't pressure myself too much. I just had to keep my mind blank.”
The MJT Bantam Boys division delivered another exciting finish as Niko Tran (13) of Calgary, AB, defeated fellow Calgarian Sebastian Rothzén (14) in a playoff after both players tied at 154 (75-79 and 78-76, respectively). Tran sealed the victory in style with a birdie on the first extra hole to claim the title. “It feels pretty good to win,” said Tran. “This event was really fun.”
Walker Neilson (12) of Golden, BC, captured the MJT Peewee Boys title with rounds of 82 and 76 for a 158 total, securing a two-stroke victory and his first MJT win. Competing in his very first MJT tournament, Neilson handled the pressure impressively down the stretch. “It feels amazing, I will always remember this as my first win. I want to thank my competitors for being very supportive down the stretch,” he said. Reflecting on his first event, he added, “As a first-time competitor, I was very surprised with how well-run the event is and how it feels like a pro tournament.”
Top finisher scores and the list of qualified players are noted below. Results from the Bomber Long Drive, PLYR Closest to the Pin, Booster Juice BounceBack Awards and Academy Points can be found here.
Next up in Alberta is the highly anticipated, wait-listed MJT FCG Worlds Qualifier presented by 365 Golf at Paradise Canyon Golf Resort, taking place April 25-26 in Lethbridge. For more information on the MJT and upcoming events, visit www.maplejt.com.
Top Finishers by Division
Top Finishers by Division
MJT Junior Boys: Point Course: Par 71, Ydg 6612, Slope/Rating 123/70.5
1. Riley Moore (16), West Vancouver, BC | 70, 71 (141) *Won playoff
2. Warner Zapisocky (17), Edmonton, AB | 73, 68 (141)
2. Warner Zapisocky (17), Edmonton, AB | 73, 68 (141)
3. Harrison Kiziak (17), Fort Saskatchewan, AB | 71, 73 (144)
MJT Girls 15-19: Point Course: Par 71, Ydg 5626, Slope/Rating 123/71.1
1. Brooke Halbauer (14), Edmonton, AB |78, 78 (156)
2. Grace Jordan (15), Calgary, AB | 82, 77 (159)
3. Claire Chanyi (15), Priddis Greens, AB | 82, 80 (162)
MJT Juvenile Boys: Point Course: Par 71, Ydg 6612, Slope/Rating 123/70.5
1. Chase Strang (16), Airdrie, AB | 68, 68 (136)
2. Jackson Gourlie (16), Foothills, AB | 77, 73 (150)
3. Jayden Popik (16), Sherwood Park, AB | 78, 73 (151)
MJT Girls U15: Point Course: Par 71, Ydg 4755, Slope/Rating 112/66.0
1. Camilla Ruesga (14), Calgary, AB | 67, 70 (137)
2. Logan Nguyen (14), Calgary, AB | 77, 84 (161)
3. Jaya Naicker (13), Calgary, AB | 81, 88 (169)
MJT Bantam Boys: Point Course: Par 71, Ydg 6083, Slope/Rating 121/68.0
1. Niko Tran (13), Calgary, AB | 75, 79 (154) *Won Playoff
2. Sebastian Rothzén (14), Calgary, AB | 78, 76 (154)
3. Sawyer Wight (14), Invermere, BC | 78, 77 (155)
MJT Peewee Boys: Point Course: Par 71, Ydg 5626, Slope/Rating 115/65.5
MJT Peewee Boys: Point Course: Par 71, Ydg 5626, Slope/Rating 115/65.5
1. Walker Neilson (12), Golden, BC | 82, 76 (158)
2. Wyatt Lazic (12), Calgary, AB | 82, 78 (160)
3. Linden Jakubec (12), Calgary, AB | 85, 79 (164)
Qualified and Shortlisted Players
East Coast Junior Championship
Boys: Walker Neilson, Niko Tran, Chase Strang, Warner Zapisocky
Girls: Camilla Ruesga, Brooke Halbauer
MJT National Tour Challenge
Boys: Niko Tran, Chase Strang, Riley Moore
Girls: Camilla Ruesga, Brooke Halbauer
About Forge Golf Academy: Global Sport Academy and Forge Golf are advocates, coaches, and mentors. We help student-athletes and players find their x-factor, forge their next level of play, and take their sport to new heights. Their programs are designed for student-athletes to pursue their passion for sport in an empowering program that is supported by academic and athletic leadership.
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.
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
Marketing Manager, MJT