Douro-Dummer, Ont. (September 14, 2016) – Round two of the Canadian International Junior Challenge (CIJC) at Wildfire Golf Club, saw cool, windy and overcast conditions for most of the day. However, junior golfers forged ahead in their quest to bring the Championship title back to their home country. Day two of the competition served well for Canadian Junior Golf Association (CJGA) Team Canada, who maintains the lead by one stroke over six-time CIJC champions, Team England.
The 2016 CIJC marks only the third time CJGA Team Canada has pulled ahead of Team England going into the final round of competition. “We had a good day, even with tougher conditions than yesterday”, said CJGA Team Canada Manager, Brad Kinvig. “The strategy going into tomorrow is to just play a simple game, stay on fairways and hit the greens. Hopefully that will get us there.” This will be CJGA Team Canada’s first CIJC win since 2009, if they are able to hold off the other international teams, after the third round.
It was a successful day in particular for CJGA Team Canada member Thomas Giroux, Joey Vrzich of Team USA and Jake Bolton of Team England. All three boys finished round 2 at 3 under 69. Giroux was tuned into his game today, following an impressive string birdies with an eagle on the course’s challenging twelfth hole. Not to be outdone, Vrzich ended round 2 with an eagle on hole 18, in addition to making four birdies throughout the day. Bolton also played a smart game, leaving no room for error as he saved par for all but one hole, as well as making four birdies.
“I played a little more aggressively today, but backed off when I needed to and that was key to shooting 3 under today”, said Bolton. While Bolton played a great individual game, he goes into the final day of competition with only one thing in mind. “I hope to play a similar game as today and see what happens, but the main thing is that the team does well.”
Unfortunately, round two proved to be a difficult day for three international teams. A few junior golfers from Colombia, Mexico and Costa Rica, found themselves at the bottom of the individual leader board. However, Alejandro Santibanes of Team Mexico, finished day two of the competition in third place, after posting a solid round of 71 (E).
Two-day team totals are now as follows: CJGA Team Canada is in the lead with 436, Team England not far behind at 437, Team USA in third at 444, as Mexico jumps ahead one spot over Colombia at 460. Team Colombia follows just two strokes behind at 462, while Costa Rica rounds out the field at 469. The competition remains tight as teams enter the third and final round, which resumes tomorrow at 8:30 am.
About the Canadian International Junior Challenge
The Canadian International Junior Challenge is one of the marquee events conducted by the Canadian Junior Golf Association (CJGA) and is the only multi-team international junior golf championship conducted in Canada. This highly recognized event was developed to provide elite junior golfers around the world the opportunity to compete in an international ranked event while experiencing Canadian culture in one of Canada’s finest regions. The event also promotes the building of international relations between juniors and golfing federations.
About Nike Golf Canada
Based in Thornhill, Ontario, Nike Golf Canada markets, sells and distributes industry leading Nike Golf golf equipment, apparel, balls, footwear, bags and accessories throughout Canada. Nike Golf is passionately dedicated to honouring and respecting the traditions and heritage of the game, and to providing committed golfers with the absolute best equipment in the game. For more information on Nike Golf Canada, visit www.nikegolf.ca.
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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 www.cjga.com.
The Canadian Junior Golf Association is generously supported by its National Partner, Freedom 55 Financial, which provides financial security advice and planning for Canadians.
For More Information:
Melissa Foong
CJGA Communications Assistant
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