Golf Canada has set an impressive stretch goal of having 30 professional golfers at the highest levels of the sport by 2032.

The World Junior Girls Golf Championship is a huge part of that target.

Credit Valley Golf and Country Club will host the international tournament from Sept. 30 to Oct. 5, with 24 teams representing 23 nations — Canada gets two squads — competing. Lindsay McGrath, a 17-year-old golfer from Oakville, Ont., said she’s excited to be representing Canada and continue to develop her game.

“I’m really grateful to be here,” said McGrath on Monday after a news conference in Credit Valley’s clubhouse in Mississauga, Ont. “It’s just such an awesome feeling being here and representing our country, wearing all the logos and being on Team Canada.

“I’ve always wanted to play in this tournament, so it’s really special to me.”

McGrath will be joined by Nobelle Park of Oakville, Ont., and Eileen Park of Red Deer, Alta., on Team Canada 2. All three earned their places through a qualifying tournament last month.

“I love my teammates so much,” said McGrath. “I know Nobelle and Eileen very well. I’m just so excited to be with them. We have such a great relationship.”

Shauna Liu of Maple, Ont., Calgary’s Aphrodite Deng and Clairey Lin make up Team Canada 1. Liu earned her exemption following her win at the 2024 Canadian Junior Girls Championship while Deng earned her exemption as being the low eligible Canadian on the world amateur golf ranking as of Aug. 7.

Deng was No. 175 at the time, she has since improved to No. 171 and is Canada’s lowest-ranked player.

“I think it’s a really great opportunity,” said Liu. “We don’t really get that many opportunities to play with people from across the world, so it’s really great to meet new people and play with them.

“It’s great to see maybe how they play and take parts from their game that we might also implement our own games.”

Golf Canada founded the World Junior Girls Golf Championship in 2014 to fill a void in women’s international competition and help grow its own homegrown talent. The hosts won for the first time last year when Vancouver’s Anna Huang, Toronto’s Vanessa Borovilos and Vancouver’s Vanessa Zhang won team gold and Huang earned individual silver.

Medallists who have gone on to win on the LPGA Tour include Brooke Henderson of Smiths Falls, Ont., who was fourth in the individual competition at the inaugural tournament. She was on Canada’s bronze-medal team in 2014 with Selena Costabile of Thornhill, Ont., and Calgary’s Jaclyn Lee.

Other notable competitors who went on to become LPGA Tour winners include Angel Yin and Megan Khang of the United States, as well as Yuka Saso of the Philippines, Sweden’s Linn Grant and Atthaya Thitikul of Thailand.

“It’s not if, it’s when they’re going to be on the LPGA Tour,” said Garrett Ball, Golf Canada’s chief operating officer, of how Canada’s golfers in the World Junior Girls Championship can be part of the organization’s goal to have 30 pros in the LPGA and PGA Tours by 2032.

“Events like this, like the She Plays Golf festival that we launched two years ago, and then the CPKC Women’s Open exemptions that we utilize to bring in our national team athletes and get the experience has been important in that pathway.”

The individual winner of the World Junior Girls Golf Championship will earn a berth in next year’s CPKC Women’s Open at nearby Mississaugua Golf and Country Club.

Both clubs, as well as former RBC Canadian Open host site Glen Abbey Golf Club, were devastated by heavy rains through June and July as the Greater Toronto Area had its wettest summer in recorded history.

Jason Hanna, the chief operating officer of Credit Valley Golf and Country Club, said that he has seen the Credit River flood so badly that it affected the course’s playability a handful of times over his nearly two decades with the club.

Staff and members alike came together to clean up the course after the flooding was over, with hundreds of people coming together to make the club playable again.

“You had to show up, bring your own rake, bring your own shovel, bring your own gloves, and then we’d take them down to the golf course, assign them to areas where they would work, and then we would do a big barbecue down at the halfway house,” said Hanna. “We got guys, like, 80 years old, putting in eight-hour days down there, working away.”

Two Canadian squads will headline a field of 54 competitors on 18 teams representing 17 countries competing Oct. 10-15 in the celebrated return of the prestigious global golf competition

From Golf Canada

MARKHAM, Ont. – Canada is set to host a global showcase of the world’s best junior golfers as the seventh edition of the World Junior Girls Championship, presented by Sargent Farms, will be contested October 10-15, 2022, at Angus Glen Golf Club in Markham, Ont.

In total, 54 athletes on 18 teams representing 17 countries—including two teams from host nation Canada—will compete for the team and individual titles. The event marks the celebrated return of the prestigious global competition after two years of cancellation due to the pandemic.

“Together with our partners at Golf Ontario and Sargent Farms, Golf Canada is extremely proud to celebrate the return of the World Junior Girls Championship,” said Mary Beth McKenna, Golf Canada Director, Amateur Championships and Rules. “This championship has become a world-class showcase featuring some of the most promising young athletes from around the world. It is an honour to welcome these talented juniors—many whom we know will go on to great success in the professional game—back to Angus Glen and support these Canadian and international talents in their golf journey.”

“The World Junior Girls Championship has become a signature event on our championship calendar and there is a great excitement in welcoming this outstanding group of athletes from around the world to compete for an international title on Canadian soil,” said Golf Ontario CEO Mike Kelly. “Angus Glen has proven itself time and again to be a world-class host and a championship-worthy venue that will be ready to challenge the world’s best junior golfers.”

Canada’s lead coach will be Jennifer Ha of Calgary, Alta., who is currently the Assistant Coach of the Team Canada – NextGen Squad. The supporting coach will be PGA of Canada professional Emma de Groot, a native of New South Wales, Australia and resident of Hamilton, Ont. who is currently the director of women’s development with Modern Golf.

Canada 1 includes 18-year-old Angela Arora of Surrey, B.C., 17-year-old Lauren Kim of Surrey, B.C., and 15-year-old Michelle Liu of Vancouver. Arora, who finished T20 at the 2019 World Junior Girls Championship, made it to match play of the 2022 US Women’s Amateur, finished runner-up at both the Pacific Northwest Women’s Amateur and NextGen Selection Camp, and also won the NextGen Pacific Championship. Kim, who finished T52 at the 2019 World Junior Girls Championship, had a 2022 season highlighted by a runner-up finish at the Canada Summer Games, a third-place finish at the Canadian Women’s Amateur and a T33 individual result at the World Amateur Team Championship. Liu, who qualified for her second CP Women’s Open in 2022, made it to match play at the US Junior Girls Championship, finished 7th at the Texas Women’s Open (pro), and was the winner of Golf Canada’s recent NextGen Selection Camp.

The Canada 2 squad is represented by 16-year-old Yeji Kwon of Port Coquitlam, B.C., 14-year-old Michelle Xing of Richmond Hill, Ont. and 13-year-old Anna Huang from Vancouver. Kwon earned a spot on the team by winning the 2022 Canadian Junior in a season that also included a ninth-place result at the Toyota Junior World Cup. Xing, who finished third at the NextGen Selection Camp, won the 2022 Ontario Junior Girls Match Play and finished runner-up at the Ontario Juvenile Girls Championship. Huang’s notable results include a T4 finish at the Canadian Junior, a T22 finish at the Canadian Amateur, a victory at the Toyota Tour Cup and a T3 finish a the NextGen Selection Camp.

This year’s field for the World Junior Girls Championship, presented by Sargent Farms, is highlighted by 11 competitors ranked inside the World Golf Amateur Rankings (WAGR) top 100, including the tournament’s top-ranked player, Germany’s Helen Briem (no. 13). Spain is the lone country with all three players ranked inside the WAGR top-100 with Sweden next at two top-100 players. A full list of competitors, including their WAGR position, is here.

With two victories (2015 & 2019) in the event’s six-year history, Korea has won the most team competition titles, followed by the USA (2014), the Philippines (2016), Spain (2017), and Italy (2018). A history of past winners is available here.

Canada’s best finish in the team competition was third in 2014 and fourth in 2018.

Several players who have competed in the World Junior Girls Championship have gone on great success on the LPGA Tour, led by Canadian Brooke Henderson, a 12-time LPGA winner and world no. 6 who finished fourth in the individual competition at the inaugural championship hosted in 2014.

Other notable competitors who became LPGA Tour winners include world no. 2 Atthaya Thitikul of Thailand, who won back-to-back World Junior titles in 2018 and 2019, and world no. 35 Yuka Saso of the Philippines who won the 2016 World Junior title. Other former World Junior competitors who have gone on to win on the LPGA Tour include Hannah Green of Australia and Maja Stark of Sweden.

In addition, 12 players who competed in the 2022 CP Women’s Open at Ottawa Hunt and Golf Club are alumni of the World Junior Girls Championship.

Angus Glen Golf Club, which will host the World Junior Girls Championship for the third time, is home to two 18-hole championship golf courses in Markham, Ontario. The North and South courses offer variety, beauty, and challenges. Angus Glen has been ranked as one of the top 80 golf courses in the world outside of the United States. It was home to the 2002 and 2007 Canadian Open and an official host of the 2015 Toronto Pan/Parapan American Games. The 2022 World Junior Championship will be contested on the South course.

The following is a list of competing countries in the seventh annual World Junior Girls Championship, presented by Sargent Farms:

Austria, Belgium, Canada (2), Chinese Taipei, Colombia. Denmark, England, Finland, France
Germany, Ireland, Italy, Mexico, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and Wales

Practice rounds for the 72-hole competition will take place October 10-11, with the first round of play set for Wednesday, October 12. The tournament’s closing ceremony will immediately follow the conclusion of play on Saturday, October 15.

Admission to the competition is free. Additional information regarding the seventh annual World Junior Girls Championship can be found on the competition’s website.

ABOUT THE WORLD JUNIOR GIRLS GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP

The World Junior Girls Golf Championship, presented by Sargent Farms is an annual event conducted by Golf Canada in partnership with Golf Ontario. The international competition features three-player teams of 18-and-under athletes. As host country, Canada will field two of the tournament’s 18 teams competing over 72 holes for both individual and team honours. The championship is conducted with support from Sargent Farms, the Golf Canada Foundation, Sport Canada, Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport, the International Golf Federation, the PGA of Canada, the R&A, and Levelwear. Admission and parking for the World Junior Girls Golf Championship is free. For more information, visit www.worldjuniorgirls.com.

• 30 –

Media Contact:

Dan Pino
Senior Director, Communications
Golf Canada
(m) 416-434-5525
(e) dpino@golfcanada.ca

Korea’s Seo-yun Kwon defeats Nobilio in playoff for individual title 

OTTAWA – Few could have predicted the wild finish that took place on Friday for the World Junior Girls Championship at The Marshes Golf Club.

In thrilling fashion, the Spanish team fired a collective 4-under par (140) to erase an eight-stroke deficit, forcing a playoff with the Korean squad. As light rain began to fall, both teams headed back to the par-4 18th in pairs to conduct the first playoff in World Junior Girls Championship history.

The Spaniards kept their foot on the gas, with two of the first three team members making birdie on the hole to put the trio at 2 under. The Korean team was then forced to hole out for eagle to continue the match, but their approach missed the green to the right.

“If I would not have made that putt, my teammates might not have been as motivated as they were,” said Elena Arias, the first Spanish team member to birdie the playoff. “I just hit the putt like the other times I had played the hole. It just looked so clear to me and went in but I was so nervous.”

Dimana Viudes followed in the second playoff group, capping her 3-under bogey-free round with a birdie of her own.

“It is like Elena said, her putt really gave me confidence because knowing that we already had a birdie was a great start,” said Viudes, who finished in fourth place individually. “I was very nervous but at the same time calm as well. I was just lucky enough to pull off the shot.”

The win marks the first World Junior Girls Championship medal for Team Spain, which is something not lost on the team’s coach.

“This is a dream come true. To beat a strong team like Korea is something else,” said Nacho Gervas, Team Spain coach. “They are so strong that at times you feel like you are playing for second place. I told them (Spain) they had the game to do well today and if we played our game you never know what can happen.”

Republic of Korea’s Seo-yun Kwon, the 54-hole leader, headed into the final round with a two-stroke advantage over Italy’s Alessia Nobilio. Kwon had built a clear advantage on the day before running into trouble on the par-5 14th with a triple-bogey.

Nobilio took advantage of Kwon’s mishap by making birdie on the 14th to briefly hold a one-stroke lead, until giving a stroke back on the next hole. The pair took scores of 9 under to the last hole, forcing another playoff to be commenced after the team event was decided.

With Korea losing the team event, Kwon was determined to come out on top. The 16-year-old missed the green on her approach but went up-and-down for par, beating out Nobilio who slipped with a bogey.

“At first I was angry with myself because I was leading by a few strokes and made one mistake,” said Kwon. “Even though I won the individual medal, I am a little disappointed in myself because if I had done a little more, we could have won the team championship so it is bitter sweet. This is my first win at an international tournament so right now I am so happy.”

Rounding out the team medallists was the trio from Sweden, who finished the tournament at 9 under par, five strokes shy of Spain and Korea. Spain’s Blanca Fernández took home the individual bronze medal, posting a final-round 71 to close the tournament at 7 under par.

Céleste Dao from Notre-Dame-de-L’Île-Perrot, Que., finished as the low Canadian with a share of 24th place at 6 over for the tournament.

In 2018, the World Junior Girls Championship will return to the Ottawa area at Camelot Golf and Country Club next September.

Additional information and full results from the competition can be found here.

Italy’s Nobilio shoots low-round 68 to sit two back in second place

OTTAWA – The playing conditions tightened up on moving day in the World Junior Girls Championship, with high winds bringing temperatures down 20C from the opening two rounds at The Marshes Golf Club.

Republic of Korea’s Seo-yun Kwon carded a 2-under 70 to keep the individual lead for the third consecutive day. She heads into tomorrow’s final round at 11 under for the tournament with a two-stroke advantage over Italy’s Alessia Nobilio.

“My mindset heading into tomorrow will be pretty much the same as what I have done in the past three rounds,” said the 16-year-old Kwon. “I won’t worry about what the other players are doing because I always set a certain goal for myself. So tomorrow I will do that and play for my goal.”

Nobilio carded one of two low-round 68s on the day, moving her into sole possession of second place. The 15-year-old caught fire with five-straight birdies before giving strokes back with a bogey on 13, and a double-bogey on the par-4 18th.

“I think I played perfectly until the last hole,” said Nobilio, the 41st ranked female in the World Amateur Golf Rankings. “I made five birdies in a row and my irons were always two meters from the pin, so that was my strength today. If I do my best I know that I can play good golf. I just need to concentrate until the last hole and everything will be fine.”

Nobilio’s efforts also helped lift the Italian team into a share of third place at 7 under, giving the trio a chance at what would be their first team medal at the World Junior Girls Championship. Caterina Don, who is currently tied for 26th, took home the individual bronze medal for the Italians in 2016.

“This is an important tournament for Italy,” added Nobilio. “Playing in a world championship and representing my country is just a dream for me.”

Spain carded a team-low 139 (-5) to move into second place at 10 under par, eight back of the leading Korean trio. The Koreans will look to collect their second World Junior Girls title at The Marshes – they captured the 2015 tournament here by a commanding 18 strokes.

Leading the Canadians in the field with a share of 26th at 4 over is Céleste Dao from Notre-Dame-de-L’Île-Perrot, Que.

The final round of tournament play will see players tee off at 8 a.m. Additional information and full results from the competition can be found here.

Eleven of the world’s top 100 to compete in fourth annual championship

OTTAWA — A well-accomplished field of competitors will take to The Marshes Golf Club from Sept. 24-29 for the fourth annual World Junior Girls Championship. In total, 60 athletes will represent 19 countries – including two teams from host nation Canada.

“With our partners, we are proud to offer a world-class event for girls of this age group, where there are fewer opportunities for international competitions,” said tournament director Mary Beth McKenna. “These girls are some of the best juniors in the world and we are thrilled to host them in a tournament where they can continue their growth and development.”

This year’s field is highlighted by 11 competitors ranked inside the World Golf Amateur Rankings (WAGR) top 100. Among them are the tournament’s top two ranked players from Sweden: Amanda Linnér (No. 18) and Beatrice Wallin (No. 38). The pair will be joined by teammate Linn Grant (No. 84) — who was a member of the silver (2014) and bronze (2015) World Junior Girls Championship team medal winners. Both Linnér and Grant will make their second appearances at the championship.

In 2017, Linnér captured the ANNIKA Invitational Europe and France International U21 (Esmond Trophy), while also placing second at the ANNIKA Invitational USA. Wallin earned a second place finish at the France International U21 (Esmond Trophy) and Grant picked up wins at the Helen Holm Scottish Open Stroke Play Championship and German Girls Open.

The 2017 installment of the event will see numerous players return as 18 members of the field have played in at least one World Junior Girls Championship, including both the 2016 silver medallist Jennifer Chang (USA) and bronze medallist Caterina Don (Italy), who look to become the first repeat medallists in tournament history.

Led by the 91st ranked Chang, the American team will aim for another strong performance following last year’s third place result. Team USA will also feature 2017 U.S. Girls Champion Erica Shepherd (No. 162) and Gina Kim (No. 75).

While the Italian team does boast the defending individual bronze medallist, it could be another member who steals the show. Alessia Nobilio, who participated in the 2016 World Junior Girls Championship, comes into the tournament as the third-highest ranked player at No. 41 after a 2017 season that saw her win the International Juniors of Belgium and France International – Cecile de Rothschild Trophy. In addition, she and teammate Caterina Don (No. 127), won the Italian U18 Team Championship. Don also picked up individual honours with a win at the Italian Girls U18 National Championship. The two World Junior Girls Championship veterans will be joined by newcomer Alessandra Fanali, who currently ranks 112th in the WAGR.

In 2016, the Philippines captured the title by a nine-stroke margin on the strength of gold medallist Yuka Saso, who was the lone player to finish the tournament under par. This year, the defending champions will be paced by Harmie Nicole Constantino (No. 305), who won the Philippine Amateur Open. She will be joined by teammates Junia Louise Gabasa and Kristine Torrabla.

With all of the returning teams and players, the World Junior Girls Championship is also pleased to welcome two teams that will be making their debut in 2017, Chinese Taipei and Switzerland. Chinese Taipei will send Kuan-Yu Lin (No. 1096), Hui-Wen Chiu (No. 943) and Jo-Hua Hung (No. 379). The Swiss will feature Victoria Monod (No. 612), Elena Moosmann (No. 85) and Chiara Tamburlini (No. 376).

The strong international field will join the six players chosen to represent Canada. Monet Chun (Richmond Hill, Ont.), Ellie Szeryk (London, Ont.) and Céleste Dao (Notre-Dame Ile Perrot, Que.) will form Canada One, while Alyssa DiMarcantonio (Maple, Ont.), Euna Han (Coquitlam, B.C.) and Emily Zhu (Richmond Hill, Ont.) will make up Canada Two.

In addition to the four-round, 72-hole team and individual event, the World Junior Girls Championship will celebrate the game of golf and promote the development of junior girls golf. There will be a PGA of Canada coaching summit and Future Champions Clinic on Sept. 24. The opening ceremonies take place on Sept. 25 before the first round of competition on Sept. 26. Closing ceremonies will take place on Sept. 29 immediately following play.

Admission to the competition is free. Additional information regarding the fourth annual World Junior Girls Championship can be found on the competition’s website.

ABOUT THE WORLD JUNIOR GIRLS GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP

The World Junior Girls Golf Championship is an annual event conducted by Golf Canada in partnership with Golf Ontario. The international competition features three-player teams of 18-and-under athletes. As host country, Canada will field two of the tournament’s 20 teams competing over 72 holes for both individual and team honours. The event receives funding and support from the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport; Ottawa Tourism; the Golf Canada Foundation (Women’s Golf Fund); Sport Canada; the R&A; the International Golf Federation; the PGA of Canada; and Levelwear. Admission and parking for the World Junior Girls Golf Championship is free. For more information, visit www.worldjuniorgirls.com.

Saso shoots 70 to claim individual medallist

MISSISSAUGA, Ont. – The sun beamed through at Mississaugua Golf and Country Club to crown the Philippines as World Junior Girls team champions. Yuka Saso battled through a gusty day to claim individual medallist honours at the third edition of the annual event.

“I feel happy and honoured to win this trophy and this tournament,” said the 15-year-old Saso. “I feel happy [to be the gold medalist] because I was not expecting it, with this being [the Philippines’] first time in this tournament. Winning with this group is special because we have known each other since we were kids, so it makes me really happy.”

The native of Santa Rosa put forth another steady showing with a trio of birdies en route to a 2-under 70 final round. With a four-day total of 2-under 286, she completed the competition as the lone player to finish under-par. Alongside teammates Harmie Nicole Constantino of Taguig and Sofia Angela Legaspi from Quezon City, the trio combined to total 2-over 578 across the championship’s four rounds.

“This is the best feeling,” said Constantino, when asked about the team victory. “It is unexplainable to me, because no one expected it. We played our games and it turned out really well. We never had any doubts, we came here to win and we did.”

The significance of the tournament and the victory was not lost upon the 15-year-old Legaspi.

“It really means a lot to win this big event. It gives us a lot of experience and confidence. It also helps to get us college scholarships, so it is a big deal. The win could also inspire younger golfers in the Philippines to work hard and travel to events like this.”

The contingent representing last year’s winners, Team Korea, finished second – nine-strokes shy of the Philippines. The winners of the inaugural World Junior Girls Championship in 2014, Team USA, claimed third.

Jennifer Chang of Cary, N.C., opened the day with a share of sixth alongside Caterina Don of San Pietro Val Lemina, Italy. A 2-under performance propelled the 17-year-old Chang into the runner-up position, while a 71 moved the 15-year-old Don into third.

Céleste Dao from Notre-Dame-de-L’Île-Perrot, Que., and Richmond Hill, Ont., native Monet Chun shot identical 75s to finish with shares of 18^th as the top Canadians.

“Despite some difficult weather, we have had an exciting and memorable week,” said Tournament Director Mary Beth McKenna. “From our Junior Girls Skills Clinic and Coaching Summit with the PGA of Canada to a fantastic Junior-Amateur event with the Mississauga community and the tournament itself – we have showcased our sport in a positive light. I know all of our players have learned and grown through this competition and have gained some invaluable international experience.”

Additional information on the 2016 World Junior Girls Championship can be found on the tournament’s official website at www.worldjuniorgirls.com.

Philippines stays atop leaderboard in team competition

MISSISSAUGA, Ont. – Threatening skies cast over Mississaugua Golf and Country Club during the second day of competition came to pass during the third round. Howling winds and waves of rain wreaked havoc throughout a tough day at the World Junior Girls Championship. Yuka Saso of the Philippines conquered the difficult conditions to retake sole possession of the lead in the individual competition.

A steady 1-over 73 showing with a pair of birdies has Saso at even-par 216. The 15-year-old holds a three-stroke advantage over teammate Harmie Nicole Constantino of Taguig, Du Mohan of Fujian, China and Hee-Jung Lim of Paju, Korea.

“I am happy and honoured to have the lead,” said Saso, a native of Santa Rosa. “I wasn’t expecting it though.”

For a third consecutive day, Saso, Constantino and teammate Sofia Angela Legaspi of Quezon City, hold the lead in the team competition at a combined 1-over 433.

“It wasn’t anybody’s expectation for us to be on top at the moment,” said Constantino, mirroring her teammate’s sentiments. “It was a challenge being an underdog coming into the tournament, [and proving] that you are more than that.”

While team competitions can offer a different dynamic in golf tournaments, Constantino appreciates the opportunity to not only play with teammates, but also familiar friends.

“It feels good,” said the 15-year-old. “I have known Yuka since I was eight and we have been together since, so it feels good to be with her now.”

The trio representing Korea – the defending team champions – holds second at 9-over, while 2014 winners Team USA sit third at a combined 13-over.

Jennifer Chang of Cary, N.C., reiterated the importance of past experience when looking ahead to the final round.

“They have played this event before, so I definitely want to get some tips and learn from them and see what I can do to make the team better,” explained the 17-year-old, in reference to her teammates – 2014 individual champion Mika Liu of Beverly Hills, Calif., and Elizabeth Wang of San Marino, Calif., who played in 2015. “[A podium finish] is very important to us. To come out and represent the United States is big, so we want to make our country proud.”

Leading the Canadians in the field with shares of 15^th at 11-over are Monet Chun of Richmond Hill, Ont., and Céleste Dao from Notre-Dame-de-L’Île-Perrot, Que.

The final round of tournament play will see players tee off at 8 a.m. Additional information from the competition is available here.

The Philippines remains ahead in the team competition

MISSISSAUGA, Ont. – Cloud cover and blustery winds set the backdrop for the second round of the World Junior Girls Championship at Mississaugua Golf & Country Club. China’s Du Mohan carded a 2-under 70 to climb into a share of the lead alongside first-round leader Yuka Saso of the Philippines.

Du from Fujian, China, collected five birdies on the day, including a back-to-back pair on Nos. 15 and 16, to move to 1-under in the competition. Saso of Santa Rosa, Philippines, opened the day at 6-under, but the 15-year-old relinquished her lone hold of the lead following a 5-over showing.

“I putted very well today,” said the 14-year-old Du. “I had a lot of long downhill putts, but my distance control was very good. I was able to get the feeling [of the greens] very well and got five birdies.”

“I am very proud to be representing China,” she added. “I hope I can do my best and finish the week under-par.”

A second consecutive even-par round has San Pietro Val Lemina, Italy, native Caterina Don tied with Hee-Jung-Lim (Paju, Korea) and Harmie Nicole Constantino (Taguig, Philippines) in third.

The trio representing the Philippines – Saso, Constantino and Sofia Angela Legaspi of Quezon City – maintained its lead in the team competition at 3-under 285. Teams USA, Korea, Sweden and China are tied for second at 4-over 292.

The unique opportunity to play for her homeland is not lost upon Constantino.

“I’m really proud to play here and represent my country,” said the 15-year-old. “Of course, not all kids can play in this tournament, so being a part of it is really good for me.

“We are one of the [smaller] countries, we don’t have many players, so I’m really proud to say that I’m from the Philippines. We didn’t have much confidence coming here because there were bigger countries, so it’s really nice to be here and play this [well].”

Matching 73s from Céleste Dao of Notre-Dame-de-L’Île-Perrot, Que., and Surrey, B.C., native Hannah Lee have given the pair of Canada Two members a share of 18^th to lead the Canadian contingent.

The third round of tournament play will begin at 8 a.m. Additional information from the competition can be found here.

Golf Canada

MISSISSAUGA, Ont. – The world’s top female junior golfers will head to Mississauga for the third edition of the World Junior Girls Championship from September 25-30 at Mississaugua Golf & Country Club. Two teams of three athletes will don the red and white of the host nation as Canada competes for the title of World Junior Girls champion.

“It is an honour to represent your country and we look forward to welcoming these players to Canada,” said Tournament Director Mary Beth McKenna. “The course is in fantastic shape and we are thrilled to host some of the world’s best juniors at this historic club. Our partners at Mississaugua and the communities in the surrounding area have come together to make this a truly memorable event for our competitors.

Representing Canada One will be Mississauga, Ont., native Chloe Currie who will look to translate home course advantage into success on the international stage. The member of Mississaugua Golf & Country Club has had a banner year, capturing the 2016 Ontario Juvenile Girls Championship before defending her Ontario Junior Girls title. At the national level, the 16-year-old Team Canada Development Squad member collected runner-up results at the CN Future Links Pacific Championship and the 2016 Canadian Junior Girls Championship.

Mary Parsons opened Golf Canada’s season by claiming victory at the 2016 edition of the CN Future Links Pacific Championship at The Dunes at Kamloops Golf Club in Kamloops, B.C. The product of Delta, B.C., came up just shy of the victory at her province’s Amateur Championship, collecting a second-place result, but then claimed an impressive six-stroke win at the B.C. Junior Girls Championship. The 17-year-old earned third-place at the 2016 Canadian Junior Girls Championship behind Currie.

Completing the Canada One contingent is Monet Chun of Richmond Hill, Ont. The 2016 Team Ontario member claimed her first CN Future Links title at the Quebec edition of the regional cross-Canada championships for junior golfers. The 15-year-old earned a share of second at her province’s amateur championship before finishing T11 at the national event for amateurs. Chun secured an eighth-place result at the Canadian Junior Girls Championship.

As the host country, Canada reserves the right to field two teams in the 48-player, 15-country competition. Céleste Dao earned her place on the Canada Two squad following an impressive season. A fifth-place showing at the Quebec Women’s Amateur Championship propelled the Notre-Dame-de-L’Île-Perrot, Que., native into a runner-up result at her province’s Junior Girls Championship. She tied for eighth in the stroke play component of the U.S. Girls’ Junior before claiming a share of sixth at Canada’s National Junior Girls Championship. The 15-year-old’s season culminated in a convincing nine-stroke victory at the Graham Cooke Junior Invitational.

Hannah Lee is returning for a second stint at the World Junior Girls Championship, having competed in 2015 at The Marshes Golf Club in the nation’s capital. The member of the National Team Development Squad secured a third-place finish at the CN Future Links Ontario Championship. She excelled at the provincial level, claiming fourth at the B.C. Women’s Amateur before earning a T2 at the B.C. Junior Girls competition. An 11th-place showing at the national Junior Girls Championship and a season of lessons-learned garnered the Surrey, B.C., native the growth and experience she needed to emerge victorious at the B.C. Juvenile Championship.

The third and final member of Canada Two is Isabella Portokalis – the 2016 CN Future Links Ontario champion. The London, Ont., native’s 2016 season includes a T2 at the Ontario Junior Girls Championship and a share of seventh at her provincial Women’s Amateur. The 2016 Team Ontario member’s performance at the Canadian Junior Girls Championship earned her a T11 result before she collected a sixth-place finish at the Ontario Juvenile Girls’ Championship.

“Golf Ontario is excited to once again partner with Golf Canada to conduct this global championship at another of Ontario’s storied clubs – Mississaugua Golf & Country Club,” said Mike Kelly, Golf Ontario Executive Director. “We thank their membership and volunteer committees for all their hard work. We are thrilled for our athletes from Ontario who have been selected to represent Canada and wish them the best of luck.”

“These six athletes have had tremendous seasons and their selections to Team Canada are the result of their hard work and commitment to the sport,” said Jeff Thompson, Golf Canada’s Chief Sport Officer. “The Provincial Golf Associations, their home clubs, their parents and of course, the athletes themselves – their joint efforts have made this accomplishment possible and they should all be proud.”

While highlighting the work of those involved with the newest members of Team Canada, Thompson also spoke highly of the talented juniors from coast to coast.

“The selection of these teams was not an easy task. Across the nation, the level of skill shown by our junior-aged players speaks to not only the passion for golf in Canada, but also the excellent work done by golf facilities and our provincial partners to hone the skills of our athletes. We look forward to seeing these six players represent Canada against a number of the best juniors in the world.”

National Team Development Squad Women’s Coach Ann Carroll will once again lend her expertise to Canada One. Coach Mike Martz from the Golf Performance Centre at Whistle Bear will return to lead Canada Two.

The inaugural World Junior Girls Championship in 2014 was held at Angus Glen Golf Club in Markham, Ont. Mika Liu of Beverly Hills, Calif., captured individual honours in leading Team USA to victory. Playing in her final event as an amateur, current World No. 3 Brooke Henderson of Smiths Falls, Ont., finished fourth as Canada One claimed bronze.

The second edition of the tournament was conducted at Ottawa’s The Marshes Golf Club where the trio representing the Republic of Korea completed a wire-to-wire victory to secure the team title. Paju-si, South Korea native Hye-jin Choi finished 12-under in claiming a seven-stroke victory. Choi is currently the No. 15-ranked amateur in the world and counts a victory at the 2016 Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship among her accomplishments.

In addition to the 72-hole team and individual competitions, the World Junior Girls Championship will celebrate the sport and focus upon the promotion and development of junior girls golf. Golf Canada will host a PGA of Canada coaches clinic and a girls skill development clinic in the days leading up to the competition’s first round on Tuesday, September 27.

Admission to the competition is free. Additional information regarding the third annual World Junior Girls Championship can be found on the competition’s website.

World’s top female juniors to gather in Ontario from September 25-30

MISSISSAUGA, Ont. – The stage has been set for the world’s best female junior golfers to put their skills on display at the third annual World Junior Girls Championship. Mississaugua Golf & Country Club in Mississauga, Ont., will play host to the tournament from September 25-30 as the world’s premier 18-and-under players gather to compete in both team and individual competition.

“We are thrilled to announce Mississaugua Golf & Country Club as the host of this year’s World Junior Girls Championship. The tournament is a great opportunity for Golf Canada to showcase another of the nation’s tremendous courses and to further the development and skill of this talented group of young women,” said Tournament Director Mary Beth McKenna.

Mississaugua Golf & Country Club boasts more than a century of rich history, having played host to a number of the country’s most prestigious championships. The course exemplifies the challenge and craftsmanship of renowned architect Stanley Thompson, who was instrumental in designing Mississaugua’s last round of major modifications in 1928. Stretching out over the Credit River, the 240-acre course has welcomed the RBC Canadian Open on six occasions – most recently in 1974.

Conducted by Golf Canada in partnership with Golf Ontario and supported by the International Golf Federation and the R&A, the 2016 edition of the World Junior Girls Championship will bring together 48 of the top 18-and-under female golfers from around the globe with 15 different countries slated to participate. As hosts of the event, Canada will feature two three-member teams in the competition.

“We could not be more excited to once again bring the World Junior Girls Championship to Ontario,” said Mike Kelly, Executive Director of Golf Ontario. “Mississaugua Golf & Country Club is an exceptional venue that will serve as a fantastic backdrop for this competition. We greatly appreciate the support of our generous sponsors and partners without whom this championship would not be possible. We look forward to seeing the Mississauga golfing community rally around this wonderful event.”

The inaugural World Junior Girls Championship in 2014 saw teams from across the globe take on Angus Glen Golf Club in Markham, Ont. Mika Liu of Beverly Hills, Calif., captured individual honours in leading Team USA to victory. Playing in her final event as an amateur, Brooke Henderson of Smiths Falls, Ont., finished fourth as Canada One claimed bronze.

The second edition of the tournament was staged at Ottawa’s The Marshes Golf Club. The team representing the Republic of Korea completed a wire-to-wire victory to secure the team title. Hye-jin Choi, a native of Paju-si, South Korea, registered a seven-stroke victory with a 12-under performance.

In addition to the 72-hole team and individual competitions, the World Junior Girls Championship will be a celebration of the sport with a specific focus on the development and promotion of junior girls golf. In the days leading up to tournament play, Golf Canada will host a PGA of Canada coaches clinic and a girls skill development clinic.

“This world-class competition provides us with the opportunity to foster the continued growth and collaboration between the world’s governing bodies in the sport,” said Scott Simmons, CEO of Golf Canada. “We are proud to once again conduct this championship in support of these fine athletes and to aid in raising the profile of junior girls golf.”

The competition’s first round will begin on Tuesday, September 27. The tournament’s closing ceremonies will immediately follow the conclusion of play on Friday, September 30.

ABOUT THE WORLD JUNIOR GIRLS GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP

The World Junior Girls Golf Championship is an annual event conducted by Golf Canada in partnership with Golf Ontario. The international competition features three-player teams of 18-and-under athletes. As host country, Canada will field two of the tournament’s 16 teams competing over 72 holes for both individual and team honours. The event receives funding from the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport; the Golf Canada Foundation (Women’s Golf Fund); Sport Canada; and the R&A. Admission and parking for the World Junior Girls Golf Championship is free. For more information, visit www.worldjuniorgirls.com.