Bratvold’s Playoff Win Highlights MJT Alberta’s Season-Opening Ford Series In Stony Plain
- Details
- Category: Inside Golf
- Published: 2021-06-23
STONY PLAIN, Alberta — After a six-week delay to the start of the Alberta golf season due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Maple Leaf Junior Golf Tour was able to safely kick-off its 2021 Alberta junior tour circuit on June 12 and 13 with the MJT Ford Series at Stony Plain Golf Course in Stony Plain. Junior golfers were vying for titles in six age divisions as well as the chance to win a new Ford vehicle in a Hole in One contest on the second day. The MJT Ford series event also featured the season’s first Go Golf Free Junior Clinic presented by Zender Ford which offered a wonderful opportunity for kids to receive free instruction from PGA of Alberta Professionals.
In the tournament, an exciting contest between Medicine Hat’s Sam Bratvold, 19, and Spruce Grove’s Connor Kurysh, 19, required extra holes to determine the winner of the MJT Junior Boys Division, after both Albertan players fired identical rounds of 71 and 73 (144) over the two days. After matching birdies on the first two playoff holes, another birdie by Bratvold on the fourth extra hole sealed the deal, earning him his first 2021 MJT title. “It feels great to win the first tournament of the year,” commented Bratvold, who saw his putter roll hot down the final part of his second round. “I felt really good on the greens, and I made some key putts down the stretch.”
16-year-old Kye Fisher, of Leduc, AB, showed off his consistency in the MJT Juvenile Boys Division at Stony Plain recording scores of 72 and 73 (145) for the win. Fisher made nine birdies throughout the 36-holes event where six of those came on the front nine in both rounds. “I’m excited to start the season out with a win,” said Fisher, who finished with a four-shot victory. “I enjoyed the competitiveness, and the course was in great condition.” 14-year-old MJT veteran player Tate Bruggeman, of Edmonton, shot 69 and 80 (149) to finish in second place.
The MJT Girls 15-19 Division witnessed 17-year-old Brooke Brezovski, of St. Albert, AB, come from behind to take home the division title and the low overall girls score. Brezovski fired rounds of 74 and 71 (145), including an eagle to open her second round and six birdies along the way. “It’s a great confidence booster to win the first tournament of the year,” she said. “I enjoyed the nice weather, my playing partners, and making eagle on the first hole of my second round.” 15-year-old Jayla Kucy, of Camrose, AB, shot 73 and 75 (148) to finish second while 2020 MJT Alberta Order of Merit winner Jenna Bruggeman, 17, of Edmonton, AB, finished in third place with scores of 74 and 75 (149).
Only one shot separated the top three competitors in the MJT Bantam Boys Division at Stony Plain Golf Course. Emerging on top with scores of 76 and 77 (153) was 13-year-old Peter Hlushak, of Spruce Grove. Hlushak made six birdies on his way to a second career MJT junior tour win. “After being away for so long, I really enjoyed playing in a competitive round with my friends,” commented Hlushak. “It feels really good to get the win and even better to come up clutch on the 18th hole.” Finishing tied for second place just one shot behind were 13-year-old Brae Rogalczyk (80-74=154), of Innisfail, AB, and 14-year-old Kern Mateo (79-75=154), of Calgary, AB.
After a stellar season last year including earning the 2020 MJT Alberta Order of Merit title, 11-year-old Eileen Park, of Red Deer, picked up the 2021 season right where she left off earning her first win in the MJT Girls U15 Division. Park recorded scores of 81 and 76 (157) for her third career MJT junior tour victory. “I’m so happy that all my efforts paid off,” commented Park. “I was making putts from everywhere and throwing darts into greens.”
The MJT Peewee Boys Division saw 11-year-old Lucas Sturgeon, of Saskatoon, SK, earn his first MJT junior tour victory with scores of 84 and 82 (166). Sturgeon, who has seen some success on the MJT mini tour in previous years, stepped up in his transition onto the junior tour with the win at Stony Plain. “I enjoyed winning, but also making more friends,” commented Sturgeon. “The highlight of my tournament was making my birdie [on 15].”
The Booster Juice BounceBack Awards for the best improvement in score from round one to round two went to Eileen Park, Cassandra Ogden of Calgary, Trent Wesley of Lethbridge, AB, Maciver Davis of Sherwood Park, Jace Shannon of Forestburg, AB, and Kye Krall of Calgary.
Full results can be viewed here. Canada’s number-one played junior golf tour continues right away next week with the MJT Alberta Junior Preview presented by Junior Golf Hub at Carstairs Golf Club in Carstairs on June 19 and 20. More details can be found on the website at www.maplejt.com.
About Ford
Ford of Canada employs over 23,000 talented individuals in the fields of finance, sales and marketing, information technology, manufacturing and engineering, and human resources. This diverse workforce is responsible for the manufacturing and assembly operations that bring 320,000 vehicles and 425,000 engines to market. At Ford we are proud to be Canada’s longest-established automaker and remain committed to building a strong future in Canada. www.ford.ca.
About the MJT
The non-profit Maple Leaf Junior Golf Tour is Canada’s number one-played 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 valued Premier, Tournament and Product Partners. The MJT hosts close to 90 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.