The Maple Leaf Junior Golf Tour (MJT) returned to Red Deer for the first time this season over the weekend.
On May 13-14, 122 golfers went head to head on the links at River Bend Golf Club to compete in the MJT Edge School Spring Classic.
In addition to battling for titles in six different age divisions, those participating had the opportunity to qualify for three major events. These include a PGA Tour Canada-affiliated MJT Future Stars in Edmonton, the Junior Americas Cup in Reno, Nev., and the IMG Academy Junior World Championship in San Diego, Calif. in July.
Of those who did well in the tournament includes 12-year-old Bennett Love from Red Deer who took home the MJT bantam boys division shooting 75 and 70 through two rounds.
His best day Sunday came on Sunday when he shot two under par to pull away to claim the division title. Love’s total score of 145 through the tournament placed him just four strokes ahead of Heritage Pointe’s Solomon Tong.
“It feels pretty good, especially because it was at home,” said Love in a media release. “(Winning on the MJT) helps me practice under pressure.”
With the victory, Love has been shortlisted for the IMG Academy Junior World Championship.
Fellow central Albertan 14-year-old Saylar May claimed second place in the girls’ U15 division with a 75 and 79-shot performance. Just finished just three shots behind Calgary’s Kali Yeske.