Canada's #1 Junior Golf Tour

 

The Maple Leaf Junior Golf Tour (MJT), the leading junior golf tour in Canada, launched its 2026 Manitoba season on May 9–10 at Kildonan Park Golf Course in Winnipeg, marking what is shaping up to be a record-setting year in the province. For the first time in MJT Manitoba history, the tournament was wait-listed weeks in advance, with an impressive number of 91 players aged 19U eventually getting to tee it up in the MJT Junior Worlds Qualifier presented by Maui Jim, one of six national stops on the MJT’s Maui Jim Series of tournaments in 2026.
 

Players battled for top honours in six divisions, with winners being awarded stylish Maui Jim sunglasses and custom crystal trophies, along with the chance for valuable qualifying spots into three major events: the MJT East Coast Junior Championship, the FCG World Championship, and the Uswing Mojing Junior World Golf Championship. 

A three-way tie at the top of the MJT Junior Boys leaderboard led to a thrilling playoff, from which Gavin Carver (17) of La Salle, MB, emerged victorious with a birdie on the first extra hole. Carver fired an exceptional 4-under-par 65 in round two to force the playoff, finishing tied at 142 with Liam Silvaggio (17) of Winnipeg, MB, and Tanner Grose (16) of Laberriere, MB, who both posted steady rounds of 72 and 70. “It feels great, especially being the first tournament of the year,” said Carver, adding that the event ‘ran smoothly, as always. The Manitoba guys do a great job.’

Winnipeg’s Camryn Thomas, 16, captured the MJT Girls 15–19 division title with rounds of 79 and 74 (153). “It feels great to start the year with a win,” she said, adding that the event was ‘a great way to start the year and a great confidence builder. I really enjoyed it.’

A playoff was also needed in the MJT Juvenile Boys division, where Hunter Oakden (15) of Brandon, MB, edged Ryder St. Laurent (15) of Île Des Chênes, MB, after both players finished tied at 140. Oakden secured the win on the first extra hole, stating, “It feels good, I put a lot of work in this winter to prepare for the season.” He also noted, “I didn’t know Ryder shot 67, so it was good to see one of my buddies shoot a good score.”

Makenzie Bartlett (14) of Carman, MB, earned a hard-fought victory in the MJT Girls U15 division, posting rounds of 85 and 75 (160) to win by a single stroke. “It feels amazing, especially because I have never (won) before,” she said, adding that ‘the course conditions were great considering that it was the start of the year.’

 

Traveling from Surrey, BC, James Qiu (13) delivered a strong performance to win the MJT Bantam Boys division with rounds of 70 and 71 (141). “It feels good, I really like playing in Winnipeg,” he shared.

Winnipeg’s Ryan Small, 12, claimed the MJT Peewee Boys title with rounds of 76 and 77 (153). “Awesome. I haven’t won in two years, so it was great,” he said, adding simply, “I had a great time.”
 

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 Manitoba is the waitlisted MJT Order of Merit Series at St. Boniface Golf Club in Winnipeg, taking place on May 17-18. For more information on the MJT and upcoming events, visit www.maplejt.com.

Top Finishers by Division
 

1. Gavin Carver (17), La Salle, MB | 77, 65 (142) *Won playoff

2. Liam Silvaggio (17), Winnipeg, MB | 72, 70 (142)   

2. Tanner Grose (16), Laberriere, MB | 72, 70 (142)

 

1. Camryn Thomas (16), Winnipeg, MB | 79, 74 (153)

2. Payton Chapman (15), Winnipeg, MB | 86, 77 (163)          

3. Kora Montour (16), Oakville, MB | 93, 93 (186)
 

1. Hunter Oakden (15), Brandon, MB | 69, 71 (140) *Won playoff
2. Ryder St. Laurent (15), Île Des Chênes, MB | 73, 67 (140)

3. Darren Hesom (16), Morden, MB | 74, 67 (141)

 

1. Makenzie Bartlett (14), Carman, MB | 85, 75 (160)           

2. Angelina Sitarz (13), Winnipeg, MB | 80, 81 (161)

3. Sadie Blazeiko (13), Winnipeg, MB | 85, 91 (176)
 

1. James (CHENRUI) Qiu (13), Surrey, BC | 70, 71 (141)

2. Zack Cahill (14), St Pierre Jolys, MB | 77, 77 (154)

3. Kai Lussier (14), Winnipeg, MB | 79, 81 (160)

MJT Peewee Boys: Kildonan Park: Par 69, Ydg 5198, Slope/Rating 101/64.2

1. Ryan Small (12), Winnipeg, MB | 76, 77 (153)        

2. Tiago Miranda (12), Winnipeg, MB | 78, 79 (157)  

3. Jackson Kippen (12), Winnipeg, MB | 82, 84 (166)
 

Boys: Ryan Small, James (CHENRUI) Qiu, Hunter Oakden, Gavin Carver

Girls: Makenzie Bartlett, Camryn Thomas

 

Boys: Ryan Small, James (CHENRUI) Qiu, Hunter Oakden

Girls: Makenzie Bartlett, Camryn Thomas

 

Boys: Ryan Small, James (CHENRUI) Qiu, Hunter Oakden

Girls: Makenzie Bartlett, Camryn Thomas

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