Nesbitt, Sturgeon, Taylor, Baranesky and Wills Win on MJT Mini Tour at Moon Lake

By THE MAPLE LEAF JUNIOR GOLF TOUR

SASKATOON, Saskatchewan — A successful launch of the Boston Pizza-presented Maple Leaf Junior Golf Tour’s Mini Tour in Saskatchewan last month saw an encouraging response from young golfers ages 12 and under, facilitating the introduction of a Mini Tour stop at every remaining MJT event in the province this season.

Last weekend’s tournament at Moon Lake Golf and Country Club in Saskatoon on June 29 saw boys and girls ages of 6 to 11 competing for titles in five divisions, and for direct exemptions into the MJT Mini Tour National Championship presented by Ford in British Columbia later this summer.

Talent potential was soaring in the MJT Boys U8 Division where eight-year old, Austin Nesbitt, of Pilot Butte, SK, shot an 86 to win by three shots over seven-year old, Keaton Kreklewich (89), of Melville, SK. Nesbitt grabbed his second consecutive victory on the MJT Mini Tour. “I had a lot of fun making new friends,” commented Nesbitt after the tournament. “I like playing on the Mini Tour and I was happy to improve my score from the last tournament.”

Lucas Sturgeon, of Saskatoon, SK, carded 80 to win the MJT Boys 9-10 Division. The nine-year old player attributed his win to his fine performance on the greens, “I made some long putts including a 39-footer during my round!” Sturgeon, who played on the Mini Tour in Alberta last year, now wins his first Saskatchewan Mini Tour event in his hometown.

The MJT Boys 11-12 title was captured by Saskatoon’s Coben Taylor. The 11-year old golfer shot a 90 at Moon Lake to win by seven shots over 11-year old, Lyndon Ross (97), of Shaunavon, SK. “I’m happy because it’s my second tournament win,” said Taylor, who is expected to play more events on the MJT Mini Tour this summer and down the road before graduating to the Junior Tour.

Poppy Hudye Baranesky, 10, of Saskatoon, carded 110 to claim the MJT Girls 9-10 Division. Baranesky, who finished runner-up at the MJT Mini Tour at Chinook Golf Club, entered the winner’s circle with her win at Moon Lake. “This was my first ever tournament win and I feel so happy,” said Baranesky, after receiving her trophy. Finishing in second place was Saskatoon-local,  nine-year old, Grace Odnokon (118).

Chloe Wills, 11, of Kyle, SK, came out to shoot 122 in the MJT Girls 11-12 Division. Wills commented on the MJT Mini Tour, saying, “I like playing in the tournaments because they’re run well.”

Full results including PLYR Closest-to-the-Pin competition winners are posted on the MJT website here. Invitations to the MJT Mini Tour National Championship will be sent once the regular season finishes.

The next MJT Mini Tour in Saskatchewan stays in Saskatoon, at Dakota Dunes Golf Links on July 22. Registration is online at www.maplejt.com


About the MJT
The non-profit Maple Leaf Junior Golf Tour presented by Boston Pizza 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 presented nationally by Boston Pizza and supported by valued Premier, Tournament and Product Partners. The MJT hosts close to 80 events across Canada, including free Ford Go Golf Junior Clinics, the MJT Mini Tour for 7 to 12 year olds, the Collegiate Tour for 19 to 23 year olds, and multi-day events for competitive players aged 11 to 18 which are also qualifiers for international competitions. The program offers annual awards, scholarships, and frequent player incentives to help reward player's 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 provincial, national, university and professional level. For more information, see www.maplejt.com.