Great drama was experienced when 100 young golfers participated in the bear delayed Maple Leaf Junior Golf Tour’s (MJT) Bow Valley Credit Union Classic at the iconic Banff Springs Golf Course on the weekend.
Among the field was Jaxon Lynn, 16, of Sylvan Lake who won the Juvenile Boys 15-16 division after firing rounds of 73-75 (148). Forty golfers were competing in the division during the two day event.
“I made three birdies in a row to finish the first day, and that really got me going,” he said. “It is very nice to finally get a win.”
Lynn continued his impressive play, following a playoff loss in the MJT event at Lacombe the previous weekend.
Lynn’s score was also third best of the 69 boys ages 15-19 who competed in the heavily wait-listed tournament.
Besides the spectacular scenery of the world-class, stunningly beautiful location which created a dramatic backdrop for every shot, some of the golfers had to contend with a grizzly bear and the resident herd of elk.
MJT Tournament Director Trent Matson said there was a 30 minute delay during round one when a grizzly bear walked onto a fairway after a group of girls had teed off. They were playing their second shots while a park ranger was shooting above the bear and a ‘bear banger’ was utilized. “They all hit perfect shots,” he quipped.
The next MJT event takes place in Olds June 21-22 and is a qualifier for the FCG San Diego Junior Amateur Championship.