Press Release - MJT Junior at Point Roberts G&CC - March 17-18, 2004

March 17-18, 2004
Point Roberts, WA

MAPLE LEAF JUNIOR GOLF TOUR QUALIFIES THREE PLAYERS FOR MAJOR U.S. EVENTS

Vancouver, B.C. ? Three junior golfers will be heading to the United States to take part in major junior tournaments this May after winning their divisions in the Maple Leaf Junior Golf Tour?s season-opener this week at Point Roberts Golf Course in Point Roberts, WA.

Richard Lee (Vancouver) won the Boys 13 and Under division to earn an exemption into the Future Collegians World Tour?s National Championship at PGA West, La Quinta, CA, and Thomas Petts (North Vancouver) and Richard Choi (Abbotsford) won the Boys 14-16 and Boys 17 and Up divisions respectively to receive exemptions into the All-Star Regional Championship at Litchfield Park, Phoenix, AZ.

The Maple Leaf Junior Golf Tour, formerly the Western Canada Junior Golf Tour, teed off the 2004 season of 30 tournaments across Canada on the top-rated Point Roberts Golf Course, which was in championship condition.

The 13-year-old stand-out Richard Lee, who posted scores of 68-75 (143) to win the Boys 13 and under division, was tied with Jonnie Motomochi of White Rock on the 36th hole but made birdie to clinch the title.

Riley Wheeldon of Comox and Alex Michalowski of Burnaby placed third and fourth in the Boys 13 and under division respectively.

Thomas Petts, who won the Boys 14-16 Division with rounds of 74-78 (152), credited his win to his mental game. ?I also made some key putts coming down the stretch,? he said. ?The course was in great condition with the greens really fast and true. I knew I?d won on the final hole and it felt good.?

Runner up to Petts in a closely fought match was Darren Wallace of Langley, who shot 73-80 (153) and Adam Hadwin of Abbotsford placed third with scores of 78-76 (154).

Richard Choi, division champion in Boys 17 and Up, also believed the mental aspect of the game helped him to win, stating that ?never giving up and a strong mind? were his keys to victory, and that the course ?fit the way I play the best golf.?

Tied for second place behind Choi were Team Canada member Jordan Mason of Delta (75-77=152) and Patrik Ericson of Langley (74-78=152). In fourth spot was Brendon Hall of Abbotsford whose hole-in-one on the 11th hole secured him low score of the day (72) in the windy conditions at Point Roberts.

In the Girls Division, young Jessica Wallace of Langley claimed the champion?s trophy with rounds of 85-84 (169) and a five stroke lead over Fiona Wan of Richmond. ?I was able to keep my cool after a bad shot and stay focused,? said Wallace, who is only 13 years old. ?I?m very happy that I won and hope to build off this win.?

In third place was Kristina Gargaro of Port Moody, who also won the girls? Sundog Closest-to-the-Pin Competition.

Other division winners in the Sundog Closest-to-the-Pin Competition were Adam Hadwin, Brendon Hall and Adam Svensson of Surrey. The Mr. Lube Long Drive Competition division winners were Riley Wheeldon, Adam Hadwin, Jeffrey Hunter of Whitehorse, YK, and Hayley Geremia of Port Moody.

The non-profit Maple Leaf Junior Golf Tour is presented by Boston Pizza and hosts tournaments for boys and girls aged 10 to 23 in four age divisions. The next event is the MJT Junior at Meadow Gardens Golf Club in Pitt Meadows, BC, April 10-11. For more information, please call 1-877-859-GOLF or visit www.maplejt.com.