Canada's #1 Junior Golf Tour

Amidst the lush greens of Flamborough Hills, the Maple Leaf Junior Golf Tour (MJT) witnessed a dazzling display of talent as young golfers from across Ontario converged for the popular MJT VOVEX Golf Series in Copetown on May 11-12. Serving as the second leg of the VOVEX Golf Series on the 2024 MJT Ontario schedule, this two-day tournament witnessed many highlights including a playoff finish in the MJT Girls 15-19 division and a hole in one by the MJT Junior Boys winner.

The event not only showcased the exceptional skills of these young athletes but also served as a gateway to prestigious championships, qualifying players for coveted Canadian exemptions into the FCG Callaway World Championship in Rancho Mirage, California, the PGA Tour America’s-affiliated MJT Future Stars presented by ATB in Sherwood Park, AB, the MJT East Coast Junior Championship in Moncton, NB, the World Stars Junior Golf Championship, and shortlisted spots in the IMG Academy Junior World Championship in San Diego, CA.

 

Despite varying weather conditions, some great scoring was recorded, starting out with Will Burleigh, 17, of Grimsby, ON, (78,70=148), who aced the 14^th hole during the final round and won both the MJT Junior and Low Overall Boys titles. Low Overall Girl had to be decided in a playoff after Olivea Pope, 18, from Saugeen Shores, ON, (88,82=170) and Judy Lin, 16, of Markham, ON (83, 87=170) tied for the lead in MJT Girls 15-19. Pope ultimately took the title after a playoff finish. The other high-performing division winners with some great scoring for the two days were Regan Andrusyk, 14, of Hamilton, ON, in MJT Girls U15 (159), Gerry Kou, 12, from Markham, ON, in MJT Peewee Boys (157), Dustin Zhao, 12, of Maple, ON, in MJT Bantam Boys (146), and Carter Banton, 16, from Kitchener, ON, in MJT Juvenile Boys (151). 

 

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. Each of the six division winners were presented with a trophy and VOVEX Golf rangefinder. Top finisher scores and quotes from the winners are featured below.

 

 

Next on the MJT Ontario schedule is the MJT at Royal Niagara Golf Club in Niagara-on-the-Lake, May 18-19, another event with great qualifying opportunities including for the Golf Ontario U17 Championships. For more information on the MJT, please visit the website at www.maplejt.com. For more details on VOVEX Golf, please visit www.vovexgolf.com.

 

 

1: Regan Andrusyk (14), Hamilton, ON | 82, 77 (159)

2: Danica Suckert (14), Cambridge, ON | 82, 85 (167)           

3: Grace (HyunYi) Kim (12), Burlington, ON | 87, 81 (168)
 

Regan Audrusyk, a fourteen-year-old talent from Hamilton, won the MJT Girls U15 division title by eight strokes. Audrusyk expressed her elation, stating, “I feel honoured, it feels great to have won my first tournament of the year!" She continued, "I had a great group both days which made it a blast."

 

1: Olivea Pope (18), Saugeen Shores, ON | 88, 82 (170) *Won in playoff      

2: Ziqing (Judy) Lin (16), Markham, ON | 83, 87 (170)

3: Francesca Ampil (15), Brampton, ON | 83, 89 (172)
 

After a playoff finish against Ziqing (Judy) Lin, Olivea Pope, hailing from Saugeen Shores, ON, celebrated her maiden victory, exclaiming, "I am very happy, this is my first win and I’m super pumped." She added, "I was able to stay calm and play very consistently." 

 

MJT Peewee Boys: Flamborough Hills: Par 73, Ydg 5621, Slope/Rating 103/65.7
1: Gerry Kou (12), Markham, ON | 77, 80 (157)         

2: Max Sue (11), Markham, ON | 78, 86 (164)           

3: Isahak Kelechian (12), Laval, QC | 85, 84 (169)

 

Gerry Kou, 12 , from Markham, ON, shot 77-80 to win the MJT Peewee Boys title and a fabulous VOVEX Golf rangefinder after a seven stroke victory.

 

1: Dustin Zhao (12), Maple, ON | 72, 74 (146)           

2: Justin Chu (14), North York, ON | 76, 75 (151)       

3: Nathan Dai (13), North York, ON | 74, 82 (156)

 

Hailing from Maple, ON, 12-year-old Dustin Zhao secured his division title in MJT Bantam Boys with an impressive even-par finish. Zhao stated, "I feel very good and happy," attributing his success to his putting prowess, which helped secure his lead.

 

1: Carter Banton (16), Kitchener, ON  | 79, 72 (151)  

2: Hudson Kelahear (14), Etobicoke, ON | 78, 75 (153)         

2: Logan Rossi (16), Virgil, ON | 78, 75 (153)

 

Sixteen-year-old Carter Banton from Kitchener impressively carded seven birdies to secure the title in MJT Juvenile Boys. Banton, who won by two strokes, stated, " I feel very happy and excited for this opportunity and experience." Crediting his impeccable chipping and putting skills for his win, Banton noted, "(they) definitely saved my rounds."

 

1: Will Burleigh (17), Grimsby, ON | 78, 70 (148)       

2: Zack MacMillan (16), Toronto, ON | 75, 76 (151)   

3: Tristan Zhang (15), Toronto, ON | 74, 78 (152)

 

In a standout performance, Will Burleigh emerged as the Low Overall Boys leader and clinched the MJT Junior Boys title with a three-stroke victory after an exceptional closing round of 70. His second round was nothing short of extraordinary, highlighted by the rare achievement of a hole-in-one on the 188 yard 14^th hole with a six-iron. Reflecting on his triumph, Burleigh stated, "I feel great.” He added, " What stands out for me was the hole in one on the second day.”

 

 

MJT Future Stars presented by ATB: Will Burleigh (Grimsby)
 

East Coast Junior Championship: Will Burleigh (Grimsby), Carter Banton (Kitchener), Dustin Zhao (Maple), Jery Kou (Markham), Olivea Pope (Saugeen Shores), and Regan Andrusyk (Hamilton)
 

Girls 11-12: Grace (HyunYi) Kim (Burlington)

Girls 13-14: Regan Andrusyk (Hamilton)

Girls 15-18: Olivea Pope (Saugeen Shores)

Boys 11-12: Dustin Zhao (Maple)

Boys 13-14: Justin Chu (North York)

Boys 15-18: Will Burleigh (Grimsby)
 

Girls 11-12: Grace (HyunYi) Kim (Burlington)

Girls 13-14: Regan Andrusyk (Hamilton)

Girls 15-18: Olivea Pope (Saugeen Shores)

Boys 11-12: Dustin Zhao (Maple)

Boys 13-14: Justin Chu (North York)

Boys 15-18: Will Burleigh (Grimsby)

 

Girls 13-14: Danica Suckert (Cambridge)

Girls 15-18: Ziqing (Judy) Lin (Markham)

Boys 11-12: Gerry Kou (Markham)

Boys 13-14: Nathan Dai (North York)

Boys 15-18: Carter Banton (Kitchener)

About VOVEX Golf: VOVEX, a pioneering Canadian brand in the golf rangefinder market, stands out for its blend of youthful elegance and cutting-edge technology. Our expert team is committed to delivering devices that are not only technologically advanced but also reliable and stylish, aiming to elevate your golf experience. With VOVEX, embrace the thrill of every challenge and the joy of each successful stroke on the golf course, trusted on the Professional Tour. Discover precision and excellence at www.vovexgolf.com
 

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