MJT Update

World Youth Team Challenge

Eighteen junior golfers represented Canada in Illinois

After qualifying on the Maple Leaf Junior Golf Tour (MJT), a contingent of junior golfers from across Canada recently competed in the 2008 World Youth Team Challenge, which ran June 7 to 10 at Bolingbrook Golf Club in Bolingbrook, Illinois, U.S.A.

The Canadian contingent went up against strong teams from South Africa, Mexico and the U.S., playing in age divisions from nine through 14 years of age for boys and up to 15 years of age for girls. Among the boys representing Canada were Henry Lee, age nine, from Coquitlam, B.C., Brendan Seys, 10, from Port Lambton, ON, Nathan Corrin, 11, from Moose Jaw, SK, Logan Yanick, 11, Courtenay, B.C., Matt LeMay, 12, from Waterloo, ON, Sam Hebert, 12, from St. Thomas, ON, Nav Bains, 13, from Surrey, B.C., Matt Gerber, 13, from Kitchener, ON, Derek Rucki, 14, from Chestermere, AB, and Truman Tai, 14, from Markham, ON. The girls included Porsche Campbell, 15, from Vancouver, B.C., Anna Young, 14, from Saskatoon, SK, Valentina Trillo, 13, from Port Moody, B.C., Jamie Oleksiew, 13, from Langley, B.C., Alyssa Getty, 11, from Leamington, ON, and Estee Deschamps, 11, from St-Isidore, ON.

The two player teams of boys and girls playing nine hole alternate shot matches and nine hole better ball matches proved to be a tricky format. After the preliminary matches, Canada finished fourth in their pool after losses to U.S.A., U.S.A. West Coast and a disappointing loss in a very close match to Mexico. Team Canada finally found the winning formula in their last match against the South African team winning with 10.5 points to 5.5 points to finish in seventh place overall.

MJT International Events Partner, Travel Underwriters, helped outfit the junior golfers who were under the guidance of veteran PGA Professional and MJT Tournament Director Dave Smallwood, together with co-team captain Mike Skimson, CPGA. Full results and more tournament information can be found on the World Youth Team Challenge website: www.ijgc.com or via www.maplejt.com.