Svensson Sparkles at CJGA Season Opener

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Surrey, B.C. (March 19, 2008) – A cold, wet, driving rain did nothing to slow down local golfer Adam Svensson who posted a remarkable 67 (-5) during Monday’s opening round at the Canadian Junior Golf Association’s (CJGA) Mizuno North America Cup Qualifier held at Northview G.C.C. in Surrey.  The former CJGA Team Canada member closed with a 71 (-1) on Tuesday to earn the first CJGA title of 2008 and firmly assert himself as a potential team member for the 6th Annual Mizuno North America Cup.

Competing in the Boys 14 – 16 Division as one of the flight’s youngest competitors, Svensson, 14, defeated his closet competitor, Andy Yang of Coquitlam, by eight strokes.  “I was able to stay warm and dry on Monday during the rain,” admitted Svensson, who also won this event in 2006 in the Boys 13 & Under Division.  “My ball striking and putting were awesome. I fell great about this year and the win gives me a lot of confidence.”  Former CJGA Team Canada member, Justin Shin of Maple Ridge, B.C. grabbed third spot in the division at 149 (+5).

In other divisional races, multiple CJGA winner, Joon Lee, 18, of Surrey posted consistent rounds of 73 and 75 for a 148 total (+4) and a seven-stroke win in the Boys 17 – 19 Division.  “The greens were slow because of the rain but the fairways were great,” said Lee.  “I hit my long irons very well this week.”

In the Boys 13 & Under Division, Kevin Kwon of Coquitlam, B.C. carded identical rounds of 72 (E) to win his first divisional title of 2008.  “I’m satisfied with the win,” said Kwon.  I concentrated a lot today.  In my mind, I started today’s round two shots down, not two shots up.”

Amanda Baker, 16, of Nanaimo, B.C. collected her second CJGA win at Northview in a tight race with defending champion Soobin Kim of Port Coquitlam.  Baker faced a two-stroke deficit heading into the final round but a four shot swing earned her the victory after rounds of 79 and 76 for a 155 total (+11).  “I didn’t putt all that well but overall I played pretty good for the first event of the year,” said Baker.  “The course was in great shape and I enjoyed playing it.”

Notes

Weather

First Round: Cold, rain, 4˚C
Final Round: Cloudy, 10˚C

• Adam Svensson has competed as a member of CJGA Team Canada at the Junior World Golf Championships in San Diego, CA seven times.  His best finish is a 3rd place result in 2006 competing in the Boys 11 – 12 Division.
• Joon Lee finished 19th at the 2007 Junior World Golf Championships.
• Kevin Kwon was a member of CJGA Team Canada West at the 2006 Lipton Brisk Canada Cup.
• The 162-yard, par-3 17th proved to be the most difficult hole at Northview with a scoring average of 3.86.
• The 492-yard par-5 12th was the easiest hole with a scoring average of 4.92.  Kwon made the only eagle of the week on the 12th during his final round.
• Division winners will receive 1000 Merit Points.
• Mizuno North America Cup Qualifying will wrap up on May 25th in Alberta.

LEXUS Skills Competitions Winners

Closest to the Pin

Girls – Rosie Jeon
Boys 13 & Under –Callum Robinson
Boys 14-16 – Justin Shin
Boys 17-19 – Michael Tomalty

Girls – Christine Wong
Boys 13 & Under –Callum Robinson
Boys 14-16 – Justin Shin
Boys 17-19 – Daniel Webbe

The CJGA will continue its March Break schedule on March 22nd and 23rd at Hazelmere G.C. in South Surrey.  The tournament is the first of two Junior Worlds Qualifiers in British Columbia.

About Mizuno
Mizuno has built a reputation for producing the best forged irons in the industry. Mizuno's popular line of MP irons has become the choice of many top players in golf and the PGA Tour. Mizuno has established a reputation in the game improvement area with the success of the MX series of irons. The company is also very well known for their wedges, woods, putters, bags and accessories.  For additional information please visit www.mizunocda.com.

About the CJGA
Registered federally as a not-for-profit association, the Canadian Junior Golf Association (CJGA) is dedicated to providing Canada's junior golfers with the necessary skills and knowledge required to lay a foundation for a future in competitive golf. Through its six-stage competitive development program that focuses on tournaments, clinics, international competitions, and mentoring programs with PGA Tour professionals, the CJGA introduces the game to juniors as young as five and offers competitive multi-day events for the more advanced golfer.  The CJGA acts as a feeder system to provincial and national competitions, collegiate and university golf, as well as professional and recreational golf. For more information please visit www.cjga.com.

The Canadian Junior Golf Association is generously supported by its National Founding Partners, HSBC Bank Canada and LEXUS.

For Additional Information:
Rick Betts
Director, Media Relations and Communications
Canadian Junior Golf Association
1.877.508.1069 Ext. 233
rick.betts@cjga.com