November 15th, 2006

Markham, Ont. It was only three years ago when an emerging golf talent – Vernon, B.C. product, Chris Baryla – first made a name for himself on the international stage. 

As a junior at the University of Texas-El Paso (UTEP), Baryla surprised the Canadian golfing community by qualifying for the U.S. Open.  Despite just missing the cut at six-over, his strong showing earned him an exemption into the Canadian Open where he was the first Canadian amateur golfer to make the cut since Doug Roxburgh 20 years earlier.

Fast-forward three-years later and Baryla, a CJGA alumnus who was featured in the 2004 edition of Jr. Golfer magazine, is making headlines again – this time on the Nationwide Tour.

The 23 year-old former CJGA Team Canada member has earned his Nationwide Tour card for 2007 after playing some outstanding golf over the summer. Through a series of Monday qualifying events, he has shown that hard work, determination, and trust does pay off. 

Baryla, who began 2006 with no status on the Nationwide Tour, competed in 18 events earning $120,229 – good enough for 51st spot on the money list and a spot in the Tour Championship.  He led after the second round of the tour finale before fading to 10th spot.

Statistically, Baryla ranked second in birdie average at 4.25 and fourth in putting average at 1.742.  In the Nationwide Tour’s all around ranking, which includes driving distance and accuracy, putting average, birdie average, eagle average, scoring average, and sand save percentage – Baryla was ranked 8th.  His top finish was a fourth place result at the Legend Financial Group Classic in September.

Don’t expect Barlya to settle for his exempt status on the Nationwide Tour as he will compete in the second round of PGA Tour Qualifying School at Oak Valley Golf Club in Beaumont, Calif. from November 16th to 19th.  If he manages to continue his hot play, he will become the first male CJGA alumnus to earn playing privileges on golf’s grandest stage, joining the lone female, the LPGA Tour’s Alena Sharp.

With fellow CJGA alums James Lepp and Richard Scott also announcing their intentions to turn professional after both enjoyed standout amateur careers, the CJGA graduate list continues to grow in prestige. 

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 our National Founding Partner, HSBC Bank Canada.

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