Canada's #1 Junior Golf Tour

 

A waitlisted field of 105 junior golfers gathered at Innisfail Golf Club on June 29-30 as the Maple Leaf Junior Golf Tour (MJT) brought the fifth of six national events in its 2026 Maui Jim Series to central Alberta. With six division titles on the line, players competed over 36 holes for crystal trophies, fabulous Maui Jim sunglasses, and qualifying opportunities to national and international championships. These qualifiers included direct exemptions into the MJT National Tour Challenge in Ontario and shortlisted qualifying spots to represent Canada at the Jack Newton International Junior Classic in Australia, adding international significance to an already highly competitive weekend.

Red Deer's Casey Sliva, 18, won the MJT Junior Boys title by four strokes after firing rounds of 77 and 73 for a 150 total, highlighted by four birdies over the weekend. His game plan was simple: "Keep the ball in play while adjusting to the greens." Looking back on the victory, Sliva summed up his mindset as, ‘Just play my game and have fun.’

 

Sixteen-year-old Raylee Denton of Red Deer captured the MJT Girls 15-19 title after posting a two-round score of 159 for a six-stroke winning margin. Denton reflected on the people who have shaped her development, saying, "The support I have behind me is incredible. My parents, my coach, and my friends have helped me develop into the player I am today." She also praised the tournament experience, calling it, "10/10, always fun to play MJT. The staff, sponsors, and host golf courses are always amazing."

 

Jeevin Dhaliwal, 16, of Calgary, fired 75 and 73 to finish at 148 and secure the MJT Juvenile Boys title by three strokes. Dhaliwal made seven birdies across 36-holes and credited his brother for helping him maintain the right mindset. "My brother always helps me stay positive," he said. Facing adversity late in the tournament, he reminded himself, "I had a few really tough breaks down the stretch, so I told myself to be patient."

 

Calgary's Camilla Ruesga, 14, shot 76 and 77 to win the MJT Girls U15 division with a 153 total score, recording two birdies and an eagle along the way. Ruesga pointed to those closest to her for helping make the victory possible. "My Coach, Mike Bosch, and my dad helped me win this tournament, plus the support of my mom," she said. Her strategy throughout the weekend was simply ‘to keep it in play.’

 

Thirteen-year-old Niko Tran of Calgary earned the MJT Bantam Boys title with great scores of 72-75 (147) after making eight birdies over two days. Tran recognized the role his support team played in his success, saying, "My coaches from 365. My parents were also a big factor for getting me here." His focus during the tournament was to ‘stay positive through the bad holes.’

 

After rebounding from an opening-round 88 with an impressive 75, 12-year-old Ronnie Li of Calgary claimed top honours in the MJT Peewee Boys division with a 163 total. Li looked to his father for helping him regroup after the first day, saying, "My dad was very helpful after the first round." He also had high praise for the event itself: "The event was very good! The course was in great shape, and the staff was also very kind! The rules officials were also very helpful sorting out any rules that came up. In summary, this event was awesome!"
 

Top finisher scores and the list of qualified or shortlisted players for the National Tour Challenge and Australia 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 a three-day Major, the MJT Ford Series (PGA of Alberta) at McKenzie Meadows Golf Club taking place July 6-8 in Calgary. For more information on the MJT and upcoming events, visit www.maplejt.com.

Top Finishers by Division
 

1. Casey Sliva (18), Red Deer, AB | 77, 73 (150)

2. William Lapohn (18), Langdon, AB | 78, 76 (154)   

3. Fin Vermette (18), Sylvan Lake, AB | 79, 80 (159)

 

1. Raylee Denton (16), Red Deer, AB | 78, 81 (159)

2. London Cadotte (17), Calgary, AB | 84, 81 (165)    

3. Brooke Halbauer (14), Edmonton, AB | 85, 83 (168)

 

1. Jeevin Dhaliwal (16), Calgary, AB | 75, 73 (148)

2. Rylan Timmer (16), Foothills, AB | 73, 78 (151)      

3. Brody Katers (16), Edmonton, AB | 80, 78 (158)
 

1. Camilla Ruesga (14), Calgary, AB | 76, 77 (153)      

2. Kaleia Kurylo (14), Edmonton, AB | 86, 78 (164)    

3. Belanna Bandola (14), Edmonton, AB | 83, 85 (168)          

 

1. Niko Tran (13), Calgary, AB | 72, 75 (147)  

2. Jacob Brunette (14), Calgary, AB | 73, 79 (152)      

3. Hudson Lien (14), Calgary, AB | 80, 78 (158)

MJT Peewee Boys: Aspen/Spruce: Par 72, Ydg 4963, Slope/Rating 0/0.0

1. Ronnie Li (12), Calgary, AB | 88, 75 (163)

2. Charlie Morgan (11), Dawson Creek, BC | 86, 86 (172)      

3. Linden Jakubec (12), Calgary, AB | 84, 89 (173)

Qualified and Shortlisted Players:
Jack Newton International Junior Golf Classic (Australia) (Shortlist)

Boys: Jeevin Dhaliwal

 

Boys: Jacob Brunette, Rylan Timmer, William Lapohn

Girls: Belanna Bandola, Raylee Denton

About Maui Jim: Now the fastest growing premium polarized sunglass maker in the world, Maui Jim got its start seeing a need in the market for technology that could combat intense glare and harmful UV while bringing brilliant colors to life. The Aloha Spirit permeates our philosophy at Maui Jim. Our "ohana" (Hawaiian for family) is passionate about creating the best sunglasses on the planet. Because at the end of the day, we want to see the world at its best - and we know that you do, too, no matter where you live. Aloha, friends!

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