Canada's #1 Junior Golf Tour

 

The Saskatchewan stretch of the Maple Leaf Junior Golf Tour (MJT) saw an impressive turnout as 80 junior golfers from across three provinces teed off in the MJT adidas Golf Series at Deer Park Municipal Golf Course in Yorkton on June 15-16. This two-day tournament on Canada's number one Junior Golf Tour was the fourth in a six-part adidas series which runs across the country and showcases the rising talents in the sport. 

Perfect conditions on the first day gave way to windy weather on day two, challenging the scorecards and testing the resilience of the young athletes. Notably, the competition also served as a crucial qualifier for two major upcoming events: MJT Team Canada in the Jack Newton International Junior Classic in New South Wales, Australia, and the MJT National Team Challenge in Fenwick, ON.

 

In the Girls Divisions, 18-year-old Ella Kozak of Yorkton, SK, won Low Overall Girl honours and the MJT Girls 15-19 Division title (71, 71=142), becoming the only participant to break par this weekend. Kaleb Lambert, 18, of Lorette West, MB, secured the MJT Junior Boys and Low Overall Boy titles with a solid 77,73 (150). Both players are now short-listed for the MJT National Team Challenge, while the eligible juniors shortlisted for MJT Team Canada to Australia were MJT Juvenile Boys winner, Ethan Hunter, 14, from Casa Rio, SK, (157), and Ben Staines, 17, from Saskatoon, SK (158).

Other top performing division winners were Jun Lee, 11, of Regina, SK, in MJT Peewee Boys (148), Lucas Sturgeon, 14, from Saskatoon, in MJT Bantam Boys (160), and Grace Odnokon, 14, from Saskatoon, in MJT Girls U15 (163). Each division winner received fabulous prizing from MJT Diamond Partner, adidas Golf.

 

Top finisher scores and quotes from the division winners follow below. For full tournament results, please visit the MJT website here; results from the Projekt/2UNDR Long Drive, PLYR Closest to the Pin, Booster Juice BounceBack Awards and Academy Points standings are posted here.

 

The next MJT Junior Tour stop in the province is the MJT Golf Saskatchewan Order of Merit Series at Deer Valley Golf and Estates in Deer Valley on July 15-16. To register or for more information, please visit the website at www.maplejt.com.
 

 

MJT Girls U15: Deer Park GC: Par 72, Ydg 5549, Slope/Rating 129/72.4
1. Grace Odnokon (14), Saskatoon, SK | 79, 84 (163)

2. Yuna Lee (14), Regina, SK | 90, 95 (185)

3. Youran (Yoyo) Zhu (13), Saskatoon, SK | 96, 98 (194)

Grace Odnokon, a 14-year-old from Saskatoon, SK, continued her winning streak by capturing another MJT Girls U15 Division title at Deer Park Municipal Golf Course. Coming off a recent victory at Wildwood, Odnokon shared, "I did my best to try and prepare all areas of my game." Her dedication and preparation paid off as she secured another impressive win.
 

1. Ella Kozak (18), Yorkton, SK | 71, 71 (142)

2. Chloe Wills (16), Kyle, SK | 74, 80 (154)

3. Tayla Perry (15), Regina, SK | 79, 81 (160)

Ella Kozak, 18, from Yorkton, SK, dominated the competition with an impressive victory in MJT Girls 15-19. "Since this tournament was at my home course, I spent a lot of time playing from the tournament yardage," she said. To stay composed, Kozak noted, "I focus on my breathing and take one shot at a time. I try to focus on myself." Her preparation and mental discipline were key to her outstanding performance.

 

1. Jun Lee (11), Regina, SK | 74, 74 (148)

2. Keaton Kreklewich (12), Melville, SK | 79, 81 (160)

3. Cooper Roberge (12), Lloydminster, AB | 83, 92 (175)
 

Eleven-year-old Jun Lee from Regina, SK, delivered two steady rounds of 74 each to win the MJT Peewee Boys title. "I practiced almost every day getting ready," Lee shared. "It feels good in these hard conditions," he added, emphasizing how he managed to perform well despite the tough circumstances.
 

1. Lucas Sturgeon (14), Saskatoon, SK | 75, 85 (160)

2. Hudson Diederichs (13), Saskatoon, SK | 78, 85 (163)

3. Cohen Hepburn (13), Saskatoon, SK | 81, 83 (164)

3. Shae Maunula (14), North Battleford, SK | 77, 87 (164)

Lucas Sturgeon, a talented 14-year-old from Saskatoon, SK, made his mark in the MJT Bantam Boys division’s close field. "I feel proud because I've won four of my last six starts," Sturgeon said. "For the rest of the season, I'm just happy to be able to play in tournaments." Reflecting on his mindset, he added, "I perform better under pressure. I wasn't focused on winning, just taking it one shot at a time." Sturgeon also praised the tour, saying, "I love MJT and how organized it is."

 

MJT Juvenile Boys: Deer Park GC: Par 72, Ydg 6395, Slope/Rating 134/71.5
1. Ethan Hunter (14), Casa Rio, SK | 75, 82 (157)       
2. Ryan Tuck (16), Winnipeg, MB | 82, 78 (160)         

3. Aricin Franklin (15), Saskatoon, SK | 78, 84 (162)   

3. Grady McDougall (16), Prince Albert, SK | 78, 84 (162)

 

Ethan Hunter, 14, of Casa Rio, SK, demonstrated remarkable mental fortitude under challenging conditions to win the MJT Juvenile Boys title. Hunter's preparation and focus were pivotal. "I prepared my mind for the rough conditions on Sunday. I think I did all I could to prepare my game to play this weekend," he stated.
 

1. Kaleb Lambert (18), Lorette West, MB | 77, 73 (150)

2. Zostrianos Giordani-Gross (18), Brandon, MB | 77, 77 (154)

2. Makstr McIntyre (17), Swift Current, SK | 75, 79 (154)

 

Kaleb Lambert, 18, from Lorette West, MB, displayed exceptional composure amidst challenging windy conditions to clinch the MJT Junior Boys title, being accustomed to windy play from his college golf experience in Kansas where he excels. Lambert attributed his success to staying calm and focused. 

 

Team MJT at the National Team Challenge Short-Listed Position: Ella Kozak and Kaleb Lambert

MJT Team Canada to Australia (JNJG International) Short-Listed Position: Ethan Hunter and Ben Staines

 

About adidas Group: The adidas Group is one of the global leaders within the sporting goods industry, offering a broad range of products around the core brands: adidas, Reebok and Reebok-CCM Hockey. Headquartered in Herzogenaurach, Germany, the Group has more than 53,000 employees.

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