-Burlington native Sarah Gallagher Recipient of Helena Harbridge Award-

Richmond Hill, Ont. (February 8, 2018) – The Canadian Junior Golf Association (CJGA) is pleased to announce the winners of the 2017 CJGA National Order of Merit, presented by TaylorMade. The CJGA National Order of Merit, presented by TaylorMade is a ranking system that awards points based on a player’s position at each CJGA event.  Events are tiered based on the size and strength of the field.

Additionally, the CJGA would like to congratulate Sarah Gallagher of Burlington, Ontario this year’s recipient of the Helena Harbridge Award. The award is named after Helena Harbridge, an outstanding junior golfer and CJGA alum that passed away in 2006 during her freshman year at West Georgia University.

“I am honored to have been named this year’s recipient of the Helena Harbridge Award. This past year I have worked very hard on my game with my coach Bradlee Ryall” said Gallagher.  “I was very pleased with my seasons results and enjoyed playing in many CJGA events. One of the highlights of my season was being chosen to play for Team East in the DeLaet Cup held in Saskatoon” Gallagher added.  “Helena was an amazing young golfer, an exceptional student, and a role model for all junior golfers. It is great that the CJGA helps her legacy continue through this award.  I would like to thank my parents, grandparents, and coach for all their help and support.”

Winners of the Helena Harbridge Sportsmanship Award receive a gorgeous custom trophy courtesy of Lorry Moffatt at Classic Awards as well as a complimentary life time membership to the CJGA.

2006 – Lauren Bowerman-Ritchie (Ontario)
2007 – Juanita Rico (Alberta)
2008 – Jocelyn Alford (Alberta)
2009 – Thea Hedemann (Saskatchewan)
2010 – Shannon Lee Greenshields (Quebec)
2011 – Marlies Klekner-Alt (Ontario)
2012 – Molly Molyneaux (Prince Edward Island)
2013 – Genevieve Stelmacovich (Ontario)
2014 – Bria Jansen (Alberta)
2015 – Michelle Kim (British Columbia)
2016 – Emily Romancew (Quebec)
2017 – Sarah Gallagher (Ontario)

“We are excited to announce the 2017 award winners and recognize them for their achievement” said Reegan Price, CJGA Director of Tour Operations. “Our Helena Harbridge Award embodies the characteristics of Helena in sportsmanship, dedication, and contribution to the game.  The CJGA National Order of Merit adds depth to our competitions and allows juniors to challenge their abilities and strive for success.”

CJGA JUNIOR TOUR

Bantam Boys U15

The winner of the Bantam Boys (U15) division Peter Blazevic from Mississauga, ON played a full season with the CJGA with wins at the David Hearn Junior Championship, presented by KIA, the Larry Ungerman Cup, the DeLaet Cup Team East Qualifier and CJGA Junior at Heron Point.

Bantam Girls U15

Sarah Gallagher from Burlington, ON finished the season on top of the Order of Merit with wins at the David Hearn Junior Championship, presented by KIA, the Larry Ungerman Cup & the CJGA Mizuno National Junior Golf Championship.

Junior Boys U19

Romi Dilawri from Ottawa, ON worked his way up on the Order of Merit with a pair of runner up finishes at the David Hearn Junior Championship, presented by KIA and the Greg Norman Champions Golf Academy Series. Romi also won one of the David Hearn Junior Series, presented by KIA events.

Junior Girls U19

Tiana Cruz from Richmond Hill, ON finished atop the Junior Girls Order of Merit with wins at the Golfweek Canadian Junior Invitational, the Larry Ungerman Cup, the David Hearn Junior Championship, presented by KIA and the CJGA Mizuno National Junior Golf Championship.

CJGA LINKSTER TOUR

Novice Boys U9

Eddie Gu from Aurora, ON claims the Novice Boys Order of Merit title with first place finishes at the following events CJGA ClubLink Linkster Series at Rattlesnake, CJGA ClubLink Linkster Series at Wyndance & the CJGA Linkster Mid-Season Championship.

Novice Girls U9

Tierra Elchuk from Kelowna, BC has won the Novice Girls Order of Merit with wins at the CJGA BC Linkster Fall Series at Pitt Meadows, IMG Academy Junior World Championships Qualifier & CJGA BC Linkster Series at Greenacres.

Atom Boys U11

Jager Pain from Toronto, ON closes out the 2017 season on top of the Atom Boys Order of Merit. Jager had first place finishes at the US Kids Golf World Golf Championship Qualifier, the CJGA Linkster Mid-Season Championship & the CJGA Linkster Tour National Championship.

Atom Girls U11

Alexa Oullet from Toronto, ON finished in 1st place in the following events to move her to the top of the Aton Girls Order of Merit. CJGA Ontario Linkster Series at Turnberry, CJGA ClubLink Linkster Series at Rattlesnake, CJGA Ontario Linkster Fall Series at Rolling Hills, US Kids Golf World Championship Qualifier & the CJGA Linkster Tour National Championship.

Peewee Boys U13

Jordan Hwang from Richmond Hill, ON wins the Peewee Boys Order of Merit with wins at the FCG Callaway World Championship Qualifier & CJGA Ontario Linkster Series at Rolling Hills.

Peewee Girls U13

Mia Wong has won the Peewee Girls Order of Merit, winning the CJGA Ontario Linkster Series at Conestoga, CJGA Ontario Linkster Series at Bathurst Glen & CJGA Ontario Linkster Fall Series at Rolling Hills.

Bantam Boys U15

Ryan Nelson from Pickering, ON has won the Linksters Bantam Boys Order of Merit after first place finishes at the CJGA Ontario Linkster Series at Winchester & CJGA Ontario Linkster Series at Rolling Hills.

Bantam Girls U15

Roycee Southerland from Unionville, ON finishes atop the Linkster Bantam Girls Order after finishing atop the field at the following events: The US Kids Golf World Golf Championship Qualifier, CJGA Ontario Linksters at Maples of Ballantree & CJGA ClubLink Linkster Series at Country Club.

Helena Harbridge Award

The Helena Harbridge Award is an award dedicated to the memory of Helena Harbridge, a CJGA alumna, who passed away in 2006 during her freshman year at West Georgia University.  The award exemplifies the traits that Helena exhibited throughout her career, both on and off the course: sportsmanship, dedication, and contribution to the game of golf. Each year, the Canadian Junior Golf Association selects one female junior member for this award.  The award recipient will be one that holds the same characteristics that Helena exemplified.  The recipient of the award will also receive a lifetime membership with the CJGA.

About the 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 cjga.com.

For more information please contact:
Brad Parkins
Chief Operations Officer
Canadian Junior Golf Association
1-877-508-1069
brad.parkins@cjga.com