Canada's #1 Junior Golf Tour

 

Transcona Golf Club in Winnipeg played host to a thrilling leg of the Maple Leaf Junior Golf Tour (MJT), Canada's leading junior golf circuit, with the fifth of six National events in the MJT Maui Jim Series. Nearly 65 junior golfers gathered to compete in five divisions, with a pair of fabulous Maui Jim sunglasses for each winner, and solid scores marked an impressive showcase of talent.

 

Participants also seized the opportunity to shortlist qualify for MJT Team Canada’s appearance in the Jack Newton International Junior Classic in New South Wales, Australia, and for the MJT National Team Challenge in Fenwick, ON.

 

Kaleb Lambert, 18, of Lorette West, MB, secured the MJT Junior Boys and Low Overall Boy titles after closing with an outstanding round of 67 (74-67), securing a shortlisted spot for the MJT National Team Challenge along with MJT Girls 15-19 winner, Payton Oakden, 17, from Brandon, MB. Oakden edged out a by two stroke victory after firing rounds of 82-85. 

 

Other top performing division winners were Grant Secord, 12, of La Salle, MB, in MJT Peewee Boys, Owen Conrad, 13, of Winnipeg, MB, MJT Bantam Boys, and Ty Brewster, 15, from Steinbach, MB, who defeated Adam Blair, 15, from Winnipeg, MB, in a playoff for the MJT Juvenile Boys title. Both Brewster and Blair are the eligible candidates for the MJT Team Canada to Australia shortlist.
 

Top finisher scores and quotes from the division winners are noted below, along with the list of qualified players. Results from the Projekt/2UNDR Long Drive, PLYR Closest to the Pin, Booster Juice BounceBack Awards, and Academy Points standings, are posted here; for full tournament results, please visit the MJT website here.

 

The next stop in the province is the MJT PLYR Series at Selkirk Golf and Country Club, in Selkirk, MB, July 15-16, 2024. To register, of for more information, please visit the MJT website at www.maplejt.com.

 

 

1. Payton Oakden (17), Brandon, MB | 82, 85 (167)

2. Gracie McMillan (16), Oakbank, MB | 84, 85 (169)

 

Seventeen-year-old Payton Oakden from Brandon, MB, showcased her winning formula in the MJT Girls 15-19 division with a blend of practice, experience, and a dose of mindfulness. " I practiced at the range and on the course," Oakden shared, nodding to her dedicated preparation leading up to the tournament. “This is my third tournament this season and felt these also helped me." When asked about her strategy during the event, Oakden noted, "I focus on one shot at a time and try not to get ahead of myself." Her disciplined approach paid dividends, proving that steady practice, tournament experience, and a touch of Zen can lead to victory on the greens.
 

1. Grant Secord (12), La Salle, MB | 78, 85 (163)

2. Ty Montour (11), Oakville, MB |85, 82 (167)

3. Tiago Miranda (10), Winnipeg, MB | 95, 93 (188)
 

Grant Secord, a 12-year-old from La Salle, MB, noted his winning strategy in MJT Peewee Boys was a blend of rest, nutrition, and mindset. "I was getting the sleep I needed and I was eating and drinking throughout the rounds to stay good," Secord shared, emphasizing the importance of physical preparation. When asked about his mental game, Secord revealed, "I was just thinking to myself that if I got mad, it will only make me do worse, so what's the point?" His calm approach clearly paid off, proving that a good night's sleep and a positive attitude are key ingredients for success on the course.
 

MJT Bantam Boys: Transcona GC: Par 71, Ydg 5997, Slope/Rating 123/69.4
1. Owen Conrad (13), Winnipeg, MB | 69, 70 (139)

2. Ryder St. Laurent (13), Île Des Chênes, MB | 77, 74 (151)

3. Brayden Hamm (14), Brandon, MB | 77, 80 (157)

 

Thirteen-year-old Owen Conrad from Winnipeg, MB, dazzled with excellent scores of 69-70 to win the MJT Bantam Boys trophy. "It for sure helps my confidence a lot and to finally put a full weekend of good scores means a lot," Conrad stated, elated with his achievement. When asked about his approach during the tournament, Conrad quipped, "I just tried to have fun out there." 
 

1. Ty Brewster (15), Steinbach, MB | 74, 70 (144) *Won Playoff

2. Adam Blair (15), Winnipeg, MB | 73, 71 (144)

3. Brayden Boge (16), Winnipeg, MB | 72, 73 (145)

 

After a thrilling tie between 15-year-old Ty Brewster from Steinbach, MB, and Adam Blair from Winnipeg, MB, in the MJT Juvenile Boys division, Brewster secured the title with a clutch par on the second extra hole of the playoff. Discussing his preparation, Brewster shared, “Physically, I made sure my driver was dialed in heading into the weekend because I knew it would be crucial on this course.” He added, "Mentally, I prepared myself by acknowledging that I might hit some bad shots, but I focused on staying composed.”
 

1. Kaleb Lambert (18), Lorette West, MB | 74, 67 (141)

2. Feanor Valaquenta (19), Winnipeg, MB | 74, 76 (150)

3. Gurshaan Sidhu (17), Winnipeg, MB | 75, 76 (151)
 

MJT Junior Boys winner, Kaleb Lambert, 18, has taken the MJT by storm with his unconventional strategy. "Honestly, I just don't focus on golf until I'm at my ball," Lambert confessed, showcasing his laid-back attitude. Reflecting on his recent success, Lambert added, "It's great. Especially since this is my second win in as many MJT starts this year." 
 

Team MJT at the National Team Challenge Short-Listed Position: Payton Oakden and Kaleb Lambert

MJT Team Canada to Australia (JNJG International) Short-Listed Position: Ty Brewster and Adam Blair

 

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! To visit the website, click here.

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