Jones Goes Low In MJT Alberta Series Event At Desert Blume Golf Course
- Details
- Category: Inside Golf
- Published: 2021-09-11
MEDICINE HAT, Alberta — Canada’s number one-played Junior Golf Tour was in Medicine Hat to host the two-day MJT Alberta Series at Desert Blume Golf Club. Junior golfers from across the province competed for titles in six divisions while getting their last opportunities to gain valuable points on the MJT Order of Merit presented by RBC and qualify for the MJT National Championship presented by TaylorMade and adidas Golf.
After opening the tournament with a round of 69, 15-year-old Brett Jones pulled away from the field, recording a score of 71 (140) to finish with a six-shot win in the MJT Juvenile Boys Division. Jones put together two rock-solid rounds of golf to take the title and the low overall score for the competition. “I was hitting my wedges close,” commented Jones, when asked about the strongest parts of his game. “Getting the win here gives me more confidence going into the next tournament.” Zachary Haydamack, 16, of Rocky View County, AB, shot 69 and 77 (146) to finish runner-up.
Holding on for a one-shot victory in the MJT Junior Boys Division was 17-year-old Reid Casavant, of Westlock, AB. Casavant fired rounds of 72 and 75 (147) and saw himself having the lead after the day one, then climbed back up for the win towards the end of his second round. “My wedge play was very good,” commented Casavant, who was dialed in from shorter range. “I was a little nervous coming into the tournament but felt relieved after getting the win.” Joe Kelly, 17, of Innisfail, AB, recorded scores of 73 and 75 (148) to take home second place.
The MJT Bantam Boys Division saw 14-year-old Parker Riou, of Strathmore, AB, enter the winner’s circle for the first time this year. After earning two top-five finishes on the MJT Alberta circuit in 2021, Riou carded 70 and 74 (144) to earn his first MJT title this season. “I was nervous coming into the tournament, but I’m happy I got the job done,” commented Riou, who won by a four-shot margin. “I hit a lot of good shots with my irons and most parts of my game were good enough for this tournament.” Local Medicine Hat golfer Owen Bruins, 14, recorded rounds of 73 and 75 (144) to finish runner-up.
Taking home the championship title in the MJT Peewee Boys Division by three shots was 12-year-old Jackson Fabris. The Strathmore, AB, golfer fired a pair of 82s (164), good enough for his first 2021 MJT win after numerous top five finishes. “The course was amazing and in great condition,” commented Fabris. “I was driving the ball well and putting the ball well and that gave me confidence during the rounds.” Connor Riou, 11, of Strathmore, AB, finished second with scores of 85 and 82 (167).
In the Girls Divisions, Gabrielle Roznicki, 15, of Calgary, AB, shot scores of 78 and 80 (158) to win her first MJT Girls 15-19 title of the year. “The part of my game most responsible for the win was my short game,” commented Roznicki. “I felt confident going into the tournament as I made some swing changes right before the tournament which really helped my game.” Aliyah Hull, 12, of Chestermere, AB, recorded scores of 88 and 89 (177) in the MJT Girls U15 Division.
More details can be found at www.maplejt.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.