Humphreys’ Scorching 66, 67 Headlines Hot Scoring From Great Field In MJT Nicola Wealth Classic
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- Category: Inside Golf
- Published: 2021-07-28
KELOWNA, British Columbia — The MJT Nicola Wealth Classic at Okanagan Golf Club, which ran in Kelowna, BC, saw over 100 elite players compete for titles in six divisions on Canada’s number-one played Junior Golf Tour, in a successful tournament highlighted by perfect scoring conditions, sizzling low scores, and a competitive atmosphere showcasing young talent.
“The BC Interior Swing is something that the MJT really looks forward too,” said MJT Tournament Director, Chris Hood. “We saw excellent scoring in all divisions, with great bonds and memories made.”
Kelowna local and 2020 MJT Player of the Year, Cooper Humphreys, turned up the heat in the MJT Juvenile Boys Division winning both the title and low overall score for the competition. The 16-year-old player blazed his way around the Bear Course at Okanagan Golf Club, shooting outstanding scores of 66 and 67 (133), including holing out for eagle on day two on the 17th hole to take a late lead in the tournament. Humphreys, who has won the championship title at the MJT Okanagan event for the second year in a row now, made an eagle and 12 birdies over the 36 holes this time around. “I felt pretty good going into the tournament because even though I wasn’t striking the ball well, my scrambling was good,” said Humphreys. “I would say that all parts of my game were pretty solid for this tournament.” Vernon, BC’s Ryan Vest, 15, finished as runner-up in the division just one shot behind, recording similarly spectacular scores of 68 and 66 (134).
More incredible scoring was recorded in the MJT Peewee Boys Division, where 12-year-old Jaden August, of Pitt Meadows, BC, fired a new personal best two-day tournament score to win his third consecutive MJT title in his last three starts. August shot 68 and 66 (134), making 14 birdies in the competition. “I always feel happy about getting the opportunity to play on the MJT,” he said afterwards. “I feel very happy to get the win and I was able to keep my rounds together.” Runner-up in the division was Jim Zhu, 12, of Vancouver, BC (74, 75=149).
A record-setting fourth win in four years in the MJT Okanagan event went to MJT veteran Kyle Mayner, 18, in the Junior Boys Division. The Kelowna, BC, golfer, who will making his university golf debut this fall with Simon Fraser University, fired rock-solid rounds of 68 and 72 (140) for a three-shot victory. “It was my mental game and keeping my composure down the stretch that was the key,” commented Mayner. “I was coming off a back injury and dealing the mental and physical aspects of that, but I stayed resilient and got the win.” Edmonton, AB, player Blake Reimer, 18, finished the division in second place with scores of 72 and 71 (143).
Competing in her fourth year on the MJT Junior Tour, 17-year-old Jessica Ng, entered the winner’s circle for the first time at the MJT Nicola Wealth Classic at Okanagan Golf Club. The Vancouver, BC, golfer earned her first career MJT title after shooting excellent scores of 69 and 72 (141), making six birdies through two days. “I’ve worked really hard this past year on my game,” commented Ng. “My game was feeling pretty solid going in and it feels amazing to come out with the win and shoot some great scores.”
The MJT Bantam Boys Division had just one shot separate the top three players. Emerging on top, after coming from behind to earn his first ever MJT title on his birthday, was 13-year-old Austin Krahn, of Christina Lake, BC. Krahn, who has started to blossom as a consistent top contender on the MJT, fired great rounds of 73 and 71 (144) to inch out the win. “It feels amazing to win because it was my first time ever winning on the MJT,” commented Krahn, who appreciated the moment and support from his family and friends. “I came into the second day three shots behind and I knew I had to come back and that’s exactly what I did.” Vancouver, BC’s Emil Liddell, 14, (72-73) and Surrey, BC’s Harvey Liu, 13, (71-74), finished tied for second just one stroke back (145).
Hui Yu, 13, claimed her second consecutive win in the MJT Girls U15 Division after carding scores of 80 and 76 (156). The Burnaby, BC, player took home the title in both MJT Interior Swing events at Rivershore Golf Links and Okanagan Golf Club this past week. “I felt confident going into this tournament after just winning the last one,” mentioned Yu. “I feel awesome and relieved to get the win once again on the MJT.” Tierra Elchuk, 11, of Kelowna, was runner-up in the division (82, 80=162).
Booster Juice BounceBack Awards for best improvement in score in round two over round one went to Kobe Menzies of Coldstream, BC, Harry Yoon of Vancouver, and Jackson Boyd of Victoria, BC.
The MJT Junior Tour in BC next heads to Chilliwack for the three-day World Amateur Golf Ranked MJT Odlum Brown Classic at Chilliwack Golf and Country Club on August 3 to 5. More details can be found online at www.maplejt.com.
About Nicola Wealth
Nicola Wealth is a wealth management firm dedicated to serving the complex needs of high-net-worth families, entrepreneurs, and professionals. Today, the firm operates offices across Canada advising institutions, multi-generational families, and accomplished individuals of all professions and backgrounds. Nicola Wealth is responsible for over $10 billion in assets under management (AUM); investing in a wide range of asset classes including hard asset real estate, private equity, private debt, commercial mortgages and more. For more information, please visit www.nicolawealth.com.
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.