Canada's #1 Junior Golf Tour

 

Under sunny summer skies, the Maple Leaf Junior Golf Tour (MJT) hosted the final Mini Tour event for 12U in the province at Kildonan Park Golf Course in Winnipeg, MB, on June 14. Young golfers from across the region gathered to showcase their skills and determination, competing for titles in five divisions. They also vied for coveted qualifying spots in the MJT Mini Tour National Championship, set to take place in Tsawwassen, BC, this August. The atmosphere was electric as these junior athletes gave it their all on the fairways and greens.
 

Notable performances resulted in division wins by Tomas Scarcello, 12, of Portage La Prairie, MB, in MJT Boys 11-12 (84), Angelina Sitarz, 11, of Winnipeg, MB, in MJT Girls 11-12 (84), Ryan Small, 10, from Winnipeg, MB, in MJT Boys 9-10 (71), Connor Hanska, 8, of Birdtail Sioux Dakota Nation, MB, in MJT Boys 8U (83), and Leah Klippenstein, 8, of Portage La Prairie, MB, in MJT Girls 8U (122). Results from the top finishers and winner quotes are noted below.
 

The MJT hopes to expand the Mini Tour circuit for 12U players in Manitoba in 2025, to FURTHER increase the developmental offerings to junior golfers in the province. More information on the Maple Leaf Junior Golf Tour can be found online at www.maplejt.com.

 

1. Angelina Sitarz (11), Winnipeg, MB | 82     

2. Sadie Blazeiko (11), Winnipeg, MB | 99      

3. Annika Gording (11), East St Paul, MB | 108

Winnipeg's Angelina Sitarz, 11, clinched her third win of the MJT season, remaining undefeated in the MJT Girls 11-12 division for 2024. Her secret? A mix of mental and physical preparation. "I prepared mentally for this tournament by visualizing my shots. I prepared physically by practicing every day," said Sitarz. Her hard work paid off, boosting her confidence in golf. As for the rest of the season? Sitarz's plan is simple but effective: "practice." 
 

MJT Girls 8U: Kildonan Park: Par 72, Ydg 3000, Slope/Rating 0/0.0
1. Leah Klippenstein (8), Portage La Prairie, MB | 122

 

Eight-year-old Leah Klippenstein from Portage La Prairie, MB, shared her secret to success: "I think about things to work on and what my coaches told me." Her hard work paid off, making her happy and confident in her game. Klippenstein's final verdict on the event? "10/10. I like that we do 18 holes!"
 

1. Connor Hanska (8), Birdtail Sioux Dakota Nation, MB | 83

2. Easton Faskerti (7), Stonewall, MB | 108    

3. Ezra Kelly-Kupfer (7), Winnipeg, MB | 122

Connor Hanska, 8, from Birdtail Sioux Dakota Nation, MB, attributed his first win of the MJT season to ‘good sleep, a big breakfast, practice.’ Hanska's victory was nothing short of remarkable. Reflecting on his dominant performance, he said, "I am happy to win first. I want to keep playing and keep practicing." His dedication and strategy clearly paid off in a big way!
 

1. Ryan Small (10), Winnipeg, MB | 71           

2. Ethan Sitarz (10), Winnipeg, MB | 76         

3. Tiago Miranda (10), Winnipeg, MB | 77

Ten-year-old Ryan Small from Winnipeg, MB, soared around the course with an eagle and a birdie, culminating in a five stroke victory. When asked about his secret, Small summed it up in one word: "confidence." How does he stay so calm under pressure? "I breathe," he said. 

 

1. Tomas Scarcello (12), Winnipeg, MB | 84   

2. Mason Froese (12), Winkler, MB | 86         

3. Lucas Krochak (12), Niverville, MB | 95

Tomas Scarcello, a 12-year-old from Winnipeg, MB, claimed his second win of the MJT season, stating his preparation was that he ‘slept lots and played 33 holes of golf yesterday.’ Scarcello credited his secret weapon, "my caddy," for keeping him composed under pressure. 

 

Qualified Players: 
 

MJT Mini Tour National Championship (highest ranked player not already exempt): 
Girls 8U: Did not meet scoring requirements

Boys 8U: Connor Hanska

Boys 9-10: Ethan Sitarz

Girls 11-12: Already qualified and runner up did not meet scoring requirements.

Boys 11-12: First and runner up already qualified and third did not meet scoring requirements.

 

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