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Canada's #1 Junior Golf Tour

Canada's #1 Junior Golf Tour

The Road to College Golf, run exclusively by PGA Professionals

Press Release

May 5-6, 2012
East St. Paul, MB

Thompson Low Overall in MJT Manitoba Season Opener at The Meadows at East St. Paul
Four players shortlisted for Callaway Junior World Golf Championships


East St. Paul, MB – (May 7, 2012) – A great start to the Manitoba season on the Maple Leaf Junior Golf Tour (MJT) unfolded at The Meadows at East St. Paul this past weekend with the weather holding out for the over 80 players taking part in the two day tournament, which was also a qualifier to shortlist players for the Callaway Junior World Golf Championship in San Diego, CA, USA. Tournament Director and PGA of Canada Professional, Ed Boge, commented, “The Meadows was in great shape as always and their staff first-class. The kids had a blast.”

Bret Thompson, 18, of Winnipeg, MB, battled hard, posting tournament low rounds each day of 71-72 and making the win look easy in the Boys 17-19 division as well as low overall. “I had a lot of no stress pars, hitting a lot of greens in regulation,” said Thompson. “It is just a great way to start off the year. I would love to play consistently all year, and qualify for the Canadian Amateur again.” Runner-up with two solid rounds of 74-74 was Jordan Sinclair, 19, of Fort Frances, ON, followed by Brendan Baldwin, 17, of Winnipeg, who carded 72-77 to take home the bronze medal.

13-year-old Nathan Wright of Warren, MB, was a first time winner on the MJT, taking home the gold medal after firing rounds of 74-79 to edge off hard-charging Brenden Kesterke, 12, of Headingley, MB, by one shot. “It feels great to win my division! It feels really special winning for my first time,” said Wright of his win. Finishing in third place was Cameron McIntyre, 13, of Winnipeg, who carded 83-77.

In the Boys 14-16 Division, Steve Young, 16, of La Salle, MB, was also a first-time winner on the MJT, carding rounds of 71-76 to claim the gold medal and a shortlisted spot in the Callaway Junior World Championship. Young “hit a lot of fairways and greens, and kept the ball in play. I made a lot of birdies to compensate for the bogeys, and kept my composure out there,” was what he credited for his win. Finishing two shots back was Cole Peters, 16, of Selkirk, MB, who played solidly with rounds of 74-75, and finishing in third place was Travis Fredborg, 15, also of Selkirk, who carded 72-77.

In the Girls Division, Nicole McGlenen, 18, of Winnipeg, shot rounds of 76-87 to win the title, finishing two strokes ahead of nearest rival and runner-up Veronica Vetesnik, 15, of Winnipeg. “It is a great accomplishment to win my division,” stated McGlenen. “I was patient, stayed focused and hit smart shots.” Winning bronze and finishing in third place was Camryn Roadley, 13, of Winnipeg who played solid golf with rounds of 94-84. Both Vetesnik and Roadley are now also the eligible girl contestants to be shortlisted for the Callaway Junior World Golf Championship, while Bailey Funk, 14, of Steinbach, MB, joins Young as the other eligible boy for a spot. These shortlisted players will now await the outcome of other MJT qualifiers across the country.

Mr. Lube Long Drive Awards went to Cameron McIntyre of Winnipeg, Josh Hofer of Warren, Bret Thompson and Veronica Vetesnik. Sundog Skills Awards were taken home by Wesley Hoydalo of Selkirk, Nicholas Coldwell of Winnipeg, Erik Christianson of Winnipeg, and Hannah Diamond of Winnipeg. The Golf Town Comeback Awards were won by Welsey Hoydalo, Stacy Genaille of Mafeking, Brendan Baldwin of St. Adolphe and Camryn Roadley.

The Manitoba schedule continues in Winkler at Winkler Centennial Golf Club on June 9 and 10, 2012, and is a qualifying event for MJT Team Canada to the Srixon International Junior Classic in New South Wales, Australia. For more information please visit www.maplejt.com or call 1-877-859-4653.

About the MJT: The non-profit Maple Leaf Junior Golf Tour presented by Boston Pizza is Canada’s premier and only national junior tour run exclusively by PGA of Canada Professionals and the ‘Road to College Golf’ for aspiring young players. The organization hosts more than 60 events across Canada, including free Ford Go Golf Junior Clinics, the MJT Mini Tour for 7–12 year olds, and multi-day events for competitive players which also qualify juniors for international competitions. The MJT offers annual awards, scholarships, and frequent player incentives to help reward player's performance and participation throughout each season. MJT alumni include many Professional Tour players and Canadian PGA 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 provincial, national, university and professional level.



MEDIA CONTACTS:
Elaine Denton, MJT
edenton@maplejt.com
1-877-859-GOLF
www.maplejt.com