Lucas Gatto of Burnaby won his age division at the Maple Leaf Junior Golf Tour British Columbia series at The Harvest Golf Club in Kelowna July 24.
The 17-year-old Gatto managed the challenging Harvest Club with strong, two consistent rounds of even-par 72, cruising to a five-shot victory in the boys' 17 to 19 division and the low overall title, which comes with a qualifying spot in the Golfweek junior tour's Fall West tour championship this December.
"The course was in great shape and I really enjoy the layout," said Gatto in a press release. "My ball striking was very good this week, and I am proud of winning with this strong group of players present."
Finishing tied for second place in the division at 149 were Steven Lee, 17, of Kelowna and Chris McEachran-Law, 18, of Coldstream, B.C. Gatto also won a skills award at the competition.
Christopher Ballesteros of Burnaby came out to play in his first junior tournament of the year, firing a fantastic final round of four-under-par to win the boys' 13-and-under division convincingly, with scores of 75-68.
"I feel great winning this title. It is a great confidence booster for me," said the 13-year-old Ballesteros.
Over 70 players took part in the two-day competition that finished up on Tuesday.
The MJT British Columbia schedule continues with the Dylan Reichelt Memorial at Hazelmere Golf Club in Surrey on Aug. 13 and 14, a qualifying event for the Future Collegians World Tour's PGA West event held in La Quinta, California this December.
