Canada's #1 Junior Golf Tour

 

Nearly 80 junior golfers from the Atlantic Canada circuit of the non-profit Maple Leaf Junior Golf Tour (MJT), Canada’s #1 Junior Tour, competed under cool temperatures and overcast skies at Sussex Golf and Curling Club in Sussex Corner, NB, on the weekend, in either the MJT Mini Tour for 12U on June 8 or the Junior Tour for 19U on June 8 and 9. Results of the MJT Mini Tour stop are detailed here.

 

Despite unpredictable spring weather, the young players demonstrated skill and determination throughout the 18 holes of competition, underscoring the development of junior golf in the region and highlighting the MJT's ongoing commitment to nurturing future golf champions. Top finisher scores and quotes from winners are highlighted below; full results are posted on the MJT website here.

 

The next MJT Mini Tour stop in the province is at Amherst Golf Club in Amherst, NS, on June 22, 2024. To register or for more information, please visit the MJT website at www.maplejt.com.

 

 

1. Callum Burge (7), Amherst, NS | 87

2. Jameson Whitehead (7), Halifax, NS | 88

3. Bennett Doernbach (8), East Amherst, NS | 97

 

Callum Burge, a 7-year-old from Amherst, NS, demonstrated impressive preparation and focus as he edged out a one stroke victory in the MJT 8U Boys division. Burge attributed his success to his practice routine, saying, "I practiced a lot with my dad and best friend." To maintain his composure under pressure, he shared his strategy: "I slow down and take a practice swing."

 

1. Joshua Nickerson (10), Kentville, NS | 82

2. Alek LeBlanc (9), Dieppe, NB | 90

3. Alex MacDonald (9), Fall River, NS | 92

 

Joshua Nickerson, a 10-year-old from Kentville, NS, dominated the MJT Boys 9-10 division, showcasing resilience and focus as he cruised to a decisive victory. Nickerson credited his ability to stay composed under pressure to his father's encouragement, saying, "My dad helped me by saying positive things." Reflecting on his performance, Nickerson said, "I am feeling good. I will try to practice a lot. I am thankful for a good start to the season."

 

1. Andrew MacDonald (10), Fall River, NS | 73

2. Drew Marchand (11), Upper Tantallon, NS | 78

3. Eliot Bacon (11), Fredericton, NB | 89
 

Andrew MacDonald, a 10-year-old from Fall River, NS, sailed to victory with a stellar performance in the MJT Boys 11-12 division, finishing one-over-par. Fresh off a win in Chester, NS, MacDonald continued his impressive form by adding another MJT title to his collection. When asked about how he managed to stay focused and composed under pressure, MacDonald simply credited ‘my mom.’ Reflecting on his win, MacDonald stated he felt ‘happy’ with his accomplishment.

 

1. Ariyah Sock (7), Elsipogtog First Nation, NB | 120
 

Ariyah Sock, a 7-year-old from Elsipogtog First Nation, NB, demonstrated her dedication and skill in the MJT Girls 8U division. Sock shared that she ‘practiced compression with my irons – it makes the ball go higher and further on hill’ as part of her preparation. Reflecting on the event, she highlighted both the difficulty and beauty of the venue, noting, "The course was challenging and is really nice." 

 

1. Sophie Landry (10), Dieppe, NB | 120
 

Sophie Landry, a 10-year-old from Dieppe, NB, competed in the MJT Girls 9-10 division, and credited her ability to stay focused and composed under pressure to ‘talking with my playing partners and having fun with them.’ Landry added, "I am happy and will keep on practicing."
 

1. Brooke Shepard (12), Fredericton, NB | 111
 

Brooke Shepard, a 12-year-old from Fredericton, NB, showcased steady golf skills in the MJT Girls 11-12 division. Referring to her preparation, Shepard shared, "I got a good night's sleep and a good breakfast and didn't exert myself before the tournament." Shepard expressed her enthusiasm for her performance in the event, stating, "It means a lot and I'm excited and ready for the next one."

 

MJT Mini Tour National Championship (highest ranked player not already exempt):  Jameson Whitehead, Alek LeBlanc, Drew Marchand

 

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