Bluffton, S.C.- Oh Canada what a day! In what can only be described as a simply dominating performance, CJGA Team Canada captured the Mizuno North America Cup today at Berkeley Hall Golf Club in Bluffton, S.C. after a stunning performance in the final round singles matches. With only a slim three point lead after two rounds, CJGA Team Canada captured 8 of the 14 singles matches, halving one, to bring the Mizuno North America Cup to Canada for the first time, winning the event by a final score of 17-11.
"All team members played fantastically today," said Richard Zokol, non-playing team captain. "The team really came together and their experiences here will go a long way to developing their golf game. I am very proud of the way all juniors performed," he added.
There was no shortage of excitement or drama during the final round as the majority of matches were undecided until the final two holes. Battleford, Sask. native Nevin Gloe clinched the cup for CJGA Team Canada with a clutch birdie putt on the 17th hole. The victory was his second of the event.
Several team members remained unbeaten over the three days. Kira Meixner of Richmond, B.C. captured her final round singles match 4 & 3. Tim Lew of Courtice, Ont, and Ryan Sevigny of Stittsville, Ont. dominated the Boys 15-16 Division, each capturing their final round singles matches 1 Up. Chris Frank of Saskatoon, Sask. also was unbeaten over the three days, punctuating his performance with a gritty 1 Up victory.
The performance turned in by CJGA Team Canada was an inspiring one. Team members came together from across the country, each earning a spot through a difficult qualifying process. It is safe to say that this experience is something they will never forget. Tomorrow, with trophy in hand, the team will leave together as champions.
Since its inception in 1906, Mizuno has established itself as one of the leading manufacturers and innovators in the golf industry. It's popular line of MP irons has become the club of choice for a number of top PGA Professionals. Mizuno offers golfers of all skill levels the proper equipment to best suit their game. Mizuno is a strong supporter of golf at the grassroots level and a proud sponsor of the Canadian Junior Golf Association and the Mizuno North America Cup. For information on Mizuno and its products please visit www.mizunocda.com.
About the CJGA:
Established in 1993, 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 the game. Through its six stage competitive developmental program, the CJGA introduces the game to juniors as young as five and offers competitive multi-day events for the more advanced golfer. In 2004, the CJGA will conduct over 90 tournaments across Canada. Included in the tournament schedule is a number of qualifying events for international tournaments initiated to give juniors the chance to represent their country, to test their skills against the rest of the world and to give them the opportunity to gain exposure to college coaches. The CJGA is a not-for-profit "registered Canadian amateur athletic association" with Revenue Canada.
For more information on the CJGA, please call 1-877-508-1069 or look us up on the web at www.cjga.com.
About the IJGT:
Founded in 1995, the International Junior Golf (IJGT) Tour is for junior golfers ages 19 & under. The IJGT provides exceptional junior golfers with the opportunity to develop and showcase their competitive skills while setting high standards to preserve the traditions and integrity of the game. The IJGT hosts 45 events all over the United States from September to the end of May at some of the countries finest golf facilities. For more information on the IJGT please visit www.ijgt.com.
For Additional Information:
Rick Betts
Director, Media Relations and Communications
Canadian Junior Golf Association
1.877.508.1069
rick.betts@cjga.com
