Canada's #1 Junior Golf Tour

 

On Canada Day weekend, the executive-length Scarlett Woods Golf Course in Toronto, ON, buzzed with excitement as the Maple Leaf Junior Golf Tour, Canada’s number one Junior Tour, took center stage. The Ontario circuit of the MJT Mini Tour for 12U players welcomed a surge of new faces on Sunday, June 30, attracting nearly 40 enthusiastic young athletes who competed across six age divisions from ages seven through 12.

 

The tournament not only showcased the impressive skills of junior golfers in Canada but also featured closely contested matches that highlighted their talent and dedication on the course.

Each of the six division winners, if not already exempt, qualified for the MJT Mini Tour National Championship at Tsawwassen Springs Golf Club in Tsawwassen, British Columbia, this August. Winners of the MJT Closest-to-the-Pin Competition are posted on the website here; scores from the top finishers and quotes from winners are detailed below.

 

The next MJT Mini Tour event in the province is at Sawmill Golf Course in Fenwick on July 7. More information on the tournament and the entire Maple Leaf Junior Golf Tour program can be found online at www.maplejt.com.

 

1. Lanai Park (8), Oakville, ON | 72

2. Islay Oh (8), Toronto, ON | 80

3. Grace Black (8), Paris, ON | 108
 

Eight-year-old Lanai Park extended her winning streak on the MJT, effortlessly pulling away from the competition in the MJT Girls 8U division. Displaying poise beyond her years, Park delivered a stellar performance, stating, "I just focused on the golf even though I was under pressure." When asked about her thoughts on the MJT tournament, she added, "Good job, keep up the good work."

 

1. Fiona Lin (9), Markham, ON | 78

2. Matea Boras (9), Burlington, ON | 80

3. Brinley Lau (10), Toronto, ON | 82

 

Nine-year-old Fiona Lin from Markham, ON, shared her secrets to success in the MJT Girls 9-10 division, revealing, "I did practice rounds to prepare physically, and I calmed myself down when I got stressed." When asked how she stays so cool under pressure, she added, "My dad comforts me, and I take deep breaths." It looks like Lin's winning formula is equal parts preparation, deep breathing, and a dash of dad's encouragement. 
 

1. Angelina He (10), Toronto, ON | 73

2. Sophia Noh (10), Richmond Hill, ON | 74

3. Annie Wang (11), Newmarket, ON | 79

 

Angelina He, 10, from Toronto, ON, credited her success in the MJT Girls 11-12 division to a simple yet effective strategy: "Taking deep breaths before each shot." When asked about her future plans, He confidently stated, "My plans are golf. My win means I did good and tried a lot." He's approach combines mindfulness with determination, leading to big wins on the green. 

 

1. Ethan Cai (8), North York, ON | 89

2. Logan Metzen (7), Etobicoke, ON | 96

3. James Plunkett (8), Guelph, ON | 97

 

Ethan Cai, 8, from North York, ON, showed remarkable maturity and strategy at the MJT tournament. When asked about his key to success, Cai quipped, "Stay focused and pay attention to hills and slopes." Commenting on the competition, he noted, "Lots of pressure from players as they're good golfers." Cai's keen eye for terrain and ability to handle pressure like a seasoned pro make him a rising star on the MJT circuit. 

 

1. Derek Zhao (10), Maple, ON | 70

2. Harrison Doucet (10), Scarborough, ON | 75

3. Atlas Chou (9), North York, ON | 81

 

Ten-year-old Derek Zhao from Maple, ON, clinched yet another victory at the MJT tournament. When asked about his winning strategy, Zhao shared, "Before this tournament, I prepared physically by practicing a lot." Commenting on his mental game, he added, "I just remind myself to focus and not get distracted." Zhao's dedication to both physical preparation and mental focus paid off with a MJT Boys 9-10 title.

 

1. Bentley McNamara (12), Woodstock, ON | 68

2. Niklas Zierik (10), Collingwood, ON | 70

3. Adam DiBernardo (11), Scarborough, ON | 74

 

Twelve-year-old Bentley McNamara from Woodstock, ON, celebrated another victory on the MJT circuit in MJT Boys 11-12, which has significantly boosted his confidence for upcoming tournaments. Bentley stated, "This win was back-to-back MJT wins, which will really help my confidence for the next couple of tournaments." Bentley shared, "This morning, I was at my home course at 6 o'clock in the morning, practicing a lot." His early morning commitment clearly paid off, demonstrating that dedication and determination are crucial for success on the golf course. 
 

MJT Mini Tour National Championship (highest ranked player not already exempt): Ethan Cai, Fiona Lin, Harrison Doucet, Sophia Noh, Adam DiBernardo

 

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