News Release
JEAN MAINVILLE SINKS BIRDIE ON SECOND PLAYOFF HOLE TO WIN CN FUTURE LINKS ATLANTIC CHAMPIONSHIP
July 27, 2006
O’Leary, P.E.I. (RCGA) – Jean Mainville of Scoudouc, N.B., sank a dramatic birdie putt on the second playoff hole to win the CN Future Link Atlantic championship.
Mainville edged out Kheed Ng of Thornhill, Ont., when his 12-foot putt found the bottom of the cup while Ng had already tapped in his short par putt.
16-year-old Mainville played solid, making-up five strokes on Ng during today’s action.
“I played really well for 15 holes today and then started to get the shakes on 16,” said Mainville. “But when that birdie putt dropped I forget about the bad holes.”
Along with nerves, Mainville cited a possible case of early admiration for a late bogey on 17.
“I started to think about winning a little too early,” added Mainville.
Ng finished second with a tournament-total 226, while Brian Churchill-Smith of Oakville, Ont., finished third, four shots back of the lead.
Mainville and Ng will square-off again, August 6 to 10 at the Canadian Junior Boys Championship held at Sussex Golf and Curling Club in Sussex, N.B.
Tara McFadden of Thomasburg, Ont., sunk a dramatic seven-foot putt on Mill River’s 416-yard par-4 18th hole to claim the Junior Girls title.
Despite coming-off of two consecutive bogeys, McFadden stepped up to the tournament-winning putt confident, sitting a single-shot ahead of defending champion Laura Harris of New Minas, N.S.
Harris had started the day third, eight-shots back of the lead, but crept into contention by firing a championship-low even-par 72.
“Laura was on fire out there. I made some bad bogeys and she kept making pars to cut away at my lead” said McFadden. “I just wanted to play the best I could out there. Today I could have played better, but it was good enough for the win.”
McFadden hopes the win will bring her added confidence as she prepares to travel to Bathurst, N.B., to battle Canada’s top junior girls at the Royale National Junior Girls championship, held August 7 to 11 at Gowan Brae Golf and Country Club in Bathurst, N.B.
Mirielle LeBlanc of Meteghan River, N.S., started the day second but finished third at 238, three-shots back of the lead.
Brett McKinnon of Glace Bay, N.S., continued his stellar play during today’s final round, carding an 87 to claim top honours in the Bantam Boys division.
McKinnon was dissatisfied with his putting today, but managed to get the flatstick working to finish with two solid par-saving putts.
“I was pretty happy to make that six-footer on 17,” said McKinnon. “But making the long-bender on 18 to seal the championship was even better.”
McKinnon was undoubtedly excited after capturing his first Future Links title.
“I’m so excited right now,” said 12-year-old McKinnon. “Winning this tournament is a big deal for me.”
Irene Jung of Bedford, N.S., cruised to victory in the Bantam Girls division, finishing well ahead of Brecken Anderson of Calgary.
Click here for a complete listing of final results.