Canada's #1 Junior Golf Tour

Estevan Woodlawn's fairways sizzled with excitement this past weekend as the Saskatchewan circuit of the Maple Leaf Junior Golf Tour's Mini Tour took flight, launching its highly anticipated 2024 season for talented 12U players. Young golfers from across the province battled it out in Estevan on May 11 for coveted spots in three prestigious U13 Golf Championships. 

 

Persistent winds made an already challenging course even harder for the Mini Tour golfers who demonstrated their resilience and fervour for the game across six divisions. Winners of the Boys and Girls 9-10 and 8U divisions each earned direct exemptions into the hugely popular FCG Callaway World Championship in Rancho Mirage, California, this July, and all division winners qualified for the season-ending MJT Mini Tour National Championship in Tsawwassen, BC, this August. Exemption into the World Stars Junior Championship in Las Vegas, Nevada, were also awarded.

 

The stellar results from the top finishers and quotes from division winners (Parker Hallam, Alyxa Melsted, Caleb O'Brien, Makinlee McCrystal, Jozef Sierzycki, Mae McTavish) are noted below. For Closest to the Pin Award winners, please visit the MJT website here.

 

The next MJT Mini Tour event in the province is at Elmwood Golf and Country Club in Swift Current, SK, on May 18, and will also directly qualify young players for the MJT Mini Tour National Championship. To see the full 2024 MJT Mini Tour schedule, please visit the website at www.maplejt.com.

 

1: Parker Hallam (12), Whitewood, SK | 78

2: Payton Folliott (12), Moose Jaw, SK | 93

3: Rhett Schendel (12), Yorkton, SK | 94

 

Twelve-year-old Parker Hallam from Whitewood, SK, left spectators in awe with a commanding 15-stroke lead, seizing not only the MJT Boys 11-12 title but also the low overall score. Hallam, beaming with pride, exclaimed, "I feel happy and proud of myself!" He credits his tournament success to a remarkable 30-foot putt, showcasing his skill and determination around the greens.
 

1: Alyxa Melsted (11), Wynyard, SK | 84

2: Natalie Maunula (12), North Battleford, SK | 106

 

Eleven-year-old Alyxa Melsted, from Wynyard, SK, was thrilled about winning the MJT Girls 11-12 and Low Overall titles. Melsted remarked, "It was a great start to the year," attributing her victory to her powerful drives.
 

1: Caleb O'Brien (10), Melville, SK | 79

2: Hudson Deibert (9), Regina, SK | 80

3: Ryan Small (10), Winnipeg, MB | 89

 

Caleb O’Brien, 10, of Melville, SK, triumphed in MJT Boys 9-10, edging out Hudson Deibert, 9, of Regina, SK, by a narrow one-stroke margin. O’Brien expressed elation, stating, "I feel great," and commended the pleasantly challenging nature of the course.
 

1: Makinlee McCrystal (9), Regina, SK | 108

2: Emma Hallam (10), Whitewood, SK            | 109

3: Addison Cote (8), Estevan, SK | 112

 

In a tight race, nine-year-old Makinlee McCrystal from Regina secured victory by a single shot, claiming the MJT Girls 9-10 division title. McCrystal shared, "I worked hard, and my drives were amazing."
 

1: Jozef Sierzycki (8), La Ronge, SK | 103

 

Eight-year-old Jozef Sierzycki, hailing from La Ronge, SK, came out to showcase his talent by sinking two incredible chips in the MJT Boys 8U division and carded a 103. "I feel proud of myself!" Sierzycki said.
 

1: Mae McTavish (8), Canora, SK | 92

 

Mae McTavish, an impressive eight-year-old from Canora, SK, carded 92 in MJT Girls 8U divsion with remarkable finesse, with birdies on both the front and back nine. McTavish shared her satisfaction with her performance, stating, "I feel good." 
 

*Players must meet scoring requirements for qualifiers

 

Girls 8U: Mae McTavish

Boys 9-10: Caleb O’Brien
 

World Stars Junior Championship: 
Girls 8U: Mae McTavish

Boys 9-10: Hudson Deibert
Players must meet scoring requirements for qualifiers

 

MJT Mini Tour National Championship at Tsawwassen Springs GC: Parker Hallam, Alyxa Melsted, Caleb O'Brien, Makinlee McCrystal, Jozef Sierzycki, Mae McTavish

 

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 Manager, Maple Leaf Junior Golf Tour