Ace, Playoff & Low Scores In 90-Player Field At MJT G&G Prodigy Series At Turner Valley
- Details
- Category: Inside Golf
- Published: 2021-08-09
TURNER VALLEY, Alberta — The Maple Leaf Junior Golf Tour’s MJT G&G Prodigy Series at Turner Valley Golf Club in Turner Valley, AB, which featured a full field of strong players, was highlighted by a hole-in-one, a playoff and hot scoring from the leaders. Players were vying for six division titles as well as valuable points on the MJT Order of Merit presented by RBC.
Calgary, AB, golfer Kye Krall, 16, completed the comeback in the MJT Junior Boys Division after firing great rounds of 71 and 72 (143) to win by two shots. “It was definitely my putter that was responsible for getting the win,” commented Krall. “I would have not been able to make those par saves and birdies which were the key to winning.” Cranbrook, BC, player Jonace Johnson, 19, was runner-up with scores of 69 and 76 (145).
A playoff was needed in the MJT Juvenile Boys Division after 15-year-old Jon Vinge, of Calgary, AB, and 16-year-old Zachary Haydamack, of Rocky View County, AB, finished tied at the top of the leaderboard at 147. Vinge shot 71 and 76 while Haydamack shot 75 and 72. Emerging victorious from the playoff was Vinge. “My driving was fairly consistent,” he said. “Going into the tournament I felt like I was making strides in my game and getting the win is a great way to get the game back.” The Juvenile Boys division also witnessed an exciting hole-in-one on Turner Valley’s Hole 5 on day one by Desmond White, 15, of Calgary, who finished the tournament with scores of 75, 81 (156).
The beat goes on for 14-year-old Charlie Gillespie who continues to shine in the MJT Bantam Boys Division, earning his second consecutive MJT victory at Turner Valley Golf Club. The Calgarian fired hot scores of 72 and 68 (140) to win in convincing fashion. “It feels great to get another win on the MJT especially with all the hard work and effort I’ve put in,” commented Gillespie. “After struggling through the front nine on the first day, I overcame all my negative thoughts and played some great golf on the second day.” Runner-up was Kohen Yeske, 14, also of Calgary (77, 74=151).
Aastha Savadatti, 14, of Calgary, won the MJT Girls 15-19 title by just a single shot after a close battle to the end. Savadatti shot 74 and 76 (150), holding on for her first MJT Junior Tour win of the season. “I was very excited going into this tournament,” said Savadatti, who had some confidence after her performance at the Canadian Junior Girls Championship one week before. “I remained calm and played each shot one at a time.” Brynne Davies, 16, of Calgary, AB, carded 77 and 74 (151) to finish the division in second place.
Calgarians dominated the MJT Peewee Boys leaderboard at Turner Valley. Recording scores of 76 and 79 (155) to win the title by a single shot was 10-year-old Jayden Arnold. “Going into the tournament, I felt like my game was solid and ready to go,” commented Arnold. “On the second day I got my driver working and made some key putts which got me the win.” Firing a pair of 78s (156) to place runner-up was 12-year-old Evan Evaskavich.
In the MJT Girls U15 Division, 12-year-old Eileen Park earned another win on the MJT Junior Tour, making that her fifth victory this season. The Red Deer, AB, young golfer fired rounds of 81 and 77 (158), continuing her impressive season on the MJT. “Most of my long putts went close to the hole,” commented Park whose lag-putting was impressive. “It feels great to get the win again on the MJT.”
The Booster Juice Bounceback Awards for best improvement in strokes in round two over round one went to Olivia Johnson of Calgary, Jadyn Gracie of Calgary, Tristan Howes of Lethbridge, Peyton Stahl of Priddis Greens, Massimo Crow of Lethbridge, and Cameron Beaton of Calgary.
The MJT Alberta Junior Tour next heads to Sundre for the MJT Edge School Showcase at Coyote Creek Golf Course on August 12 and 13. More details can be found at www.maplejt.com.
G&G Golf Company: G&G Golf is a wholesale supplier to the Canadian golf & corporate industry which also sells into Australia and the USA through its distributors and sales reps. It prides itself on being a people-first company that is passionate about the game of golf and all that goes into it. Whether you need fresh new ideas for your next golf event, or access to some of the top brands in North America, G&G is there for all your golf business needs.
Prodigy Headwear: Established in 2007 and designed in Vancouver BC, Prodigy Headwear was the beginning for the Prodigy brand. Combining low minimum orders with quick turnaround times, Prodigy Headwear has become a leader in the Canadian headwear industry. Various styles include, core, technical, lifestyle, fitted, visors, and specialty. With a strong variety of style, colours and fabrics, Prodigy Headwear is truly customizable.
Prodigy Apparel: Established in 2012 and designed in Vancouver BC, Prodigy Apparel has become a leader in the Canadian customized apparel market. Offering a strong variety of colours in hoodies, sweatshirts, long sleeves, and t-shirts. Prodigy Apparel provides fresh styles to a category that is often very traditional. Combining innovative styles with performance technologies, Prodigy Apparel offers a variety of quality apparel items designed for the golf market that are available year-round.
MXM Golf: Established in 1991, MXM Golf designs and manufactures value-driven golf accessories. MXM Golf offers the ultimate value driven golf accessories made from quality materials. Combining simplicity and unique styling MXM Golf offers over 20 different product categories from divot tools, umbrellas, bag tags, all the way to head covers and poker chips.
Big Max: BIG MAX was founded in 1994 and has grown into a global market leading push cart and golf bag brand and has been known as the leading golf cart manufacturer in Europe for more than 20 years now. Their innovative “Fold Flat” cart designs have been awarded the “Golf Digest Editor’s Choice Award for Best Push Cart” the last 3 years running.
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.