Oakville, Ont. (July 3, 2016) – Canadian Junior Golf Association (CJGA) Team Canada has completed their training and arrived in sunny South Carolina for the North America Cup (NAC). After a long journey, CJGA Team Canada arrived at the Oldfield Club in Hilton Head, South Carolina last night. The North America Cup’s first round will commence today, July 3, 2016 and run until July 6, 2016. CJGA Team Canada is looking to make 2016 another winning year.
Beginning in 2003, the North America Cup was created between the CJGA and the International Junior Golf Tour (IJGT). The two developed a partnership to enhance the international opportunities for junior golfers in both Canada and the United States. This event is unique to both countries as it is the first international junior event to take on a Ryder Cup format. The inaugural event took place at Weston Golf and Country Club in Toronto, Ont. Since then, the tournament has grown into a coveted event for junior golfers.
In the past, many notable golfers have played at NAC such as PGA Tour Professional, Rickie Fowler, a member of the victorious Team USA in 2005 as they defeated Team Canada 20-8. Morgan Hoffman also competed in the 2005 event on Team USA, as well as Mitch Sutton, a former member of the Canadian National Amateur Development Team, competed on Team Canada in 2007.
CJGA Team Canada has taken home four wins since 2003, two of which were in the last two years. This year will be no different as the team puts in extra practice before the tournament in hopes of bringing home the trophy for the third year in a row. The 2016 CJGA Team Canada’s roster includes 10 junior golfers from western and central Canada. CJGA is proud of the team that has been created this year. Some of the players had the opportunity to sit and share a bit about their experiences in junior golf.
Native to Brazil, Esther Lee, 17 of Maple Ridge, B.C., made the move to Canada three years ago and has been on the path to professional golf since. Training with her coach, she has been working hard during the 2016 season to qualify for NAC. She has also played for Team B.C. in the North Pacific Cup
“I’m really excited for the alternate shots part of the tournament,” explained Lee. “I’ve never played that before.”
Mathias Krauss, 14, from Ancaster, Ont., has been busy with practice not just for NAC but also for the 2016 season. He has put in hours with his coach over the winter to shave some strokes off of his game. He proved that hard work does pay off, as he has been shooting low and qualifying for high profile tournaments such as NAC.
“I’ve never been to South Caroline before, and I hear their courses are beautiful,” said Krauss. “I’m excited to perform at NAC and build up my golf resume.”
Mitchell Thiessen, 17 years old from Chilliwack, B.C., has proven his worth during the 2016 season as he consistently sits in the top 3 positions. Playing golf since he was four, his dad has been his biggest influence. This will be Thiessen’s first time at NAC
2016 CJGA Team Canada Roster
Boys Under 19
Shayne Simpson (Belleville, ON)
Vincent Brunet (Ottawa, ON)
Braydon White (Barrie, ON)
Taylor Beckstead (Alliston, ON)
Mitchell Thiessen (Chilliwack, BC)
Michael Ikejiani (Minesing, ON)
Boys Under 15
Vick Gu (Markham, ON)
Mathias Krauss (Ancaster, ON)
Girls Under 19
Esther Subin Lee (Maple Ridge, BC)
Lucy Liu (Vancouver, BC)
Leading CJGA Team Canada is Glen Hall, a graduate of the Sports Administration program at Laurentian University. He first came to the CJGA as a Tournament Operations Assistant. This will be his second year with the CJGA. His past experiences include working the 2014 RBC Canadian Open, 2014 CP Women’s Open, 2015 Great Waterway Classic, the Nova Scotia Open and hosting Team Canada for the 2015 Euro Junior Golf Cup and the 2015 Junior Canada Cup.
“I am very excited to be involved with CJGA Team Canada for the North America Cup. We have a great group this year competing against IJGT Team USA and I am confident we will battle to retain the title for a third straight year,” explained a confident Hall. “The team has been training hard in preparation for the event and will be ready for anything Team USA throws our way. ”
Matthew Mueller, from Barrie Ont., also came to the CJGA as a Tournament Operations Assistant. As a graduate of the Sports Administration program, now has the title of Assistant Team Manager for Team Canada for the North America Cup.
Running their training camp was Brad Kinvig. Now in his 6th year working with team CJGA for NAC and his 11th year with Canadian PGA. Kinvig is the Head Coach of renowned ClubLinkster’s junior golf program at the Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Ont. His passionate and easy-going personality and desire to help others have led to success for both he and his students.
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About Canadian Junior Golf Association
The Canadian Junior Golf Association (CJGA) is a “registered Canadian amateur athletic association” (RCAAA) not-for-profit registered federally with Revenue Canada. The 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
Its National Partner, Freedom 55 Financial, which provides financial security advice and planning for Canadians, generously supports the Canadian Junior Golf Association.
For Additional Information:
Jordyn Battista
CJGA Communications Assistant
1.877.508.1069
jordyn.battista@cjga.com
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