Justin Wood has had a year to remember in 2014.
In his last eligible year with the Maple Leaf Junior Tour, Wood dominated on the course. He won several events, earning him a berth at the 2014 MJT Boston Pizza National Championship at The Legacy Golf Resort in Phoenix, Ariz. Nov. 14 to 16.
"Golf Sask supports golfers attending a Golf Canada event by offering a championship subsidy for players who attend nationals," said Brian Lee, executive director for Golf Saskatchewan. "The players who attend nationals can then apply for the National Athlete Assistance from Golf Sask. "
Lee added Wood had a great summer and has built up momentum heading into the fall.
"As a later-aged participant (19) in the MJT, Justin will have some advantages over the other players. He should be able to draw on his experience from playing in the Saskatchewan Men's Amateur and Golf Canada's National Men's Amateur Championships."
Wood also was named Alberta College Athletic Conference golfer of the year. As a second-year business administration student, this is an impressive feat as not only are students committed to their studies, but they commit time to practice and games. Wood was also named Lethbridge Kodiak September athlete of the month, along with fellow female golfer Lisa Reid. Both golfers received $250 from the ACAC to assist with their educational goals.
Wood, along with Reid, received Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association All-Canadian honours as well.
Wood headed to CCAA Nationals in Quebec, representing the Lethbridge Kodiaks, with one goal in mind. Mother Nature had other ideas. After a windy opening day, Wood struggled on the 18th hole, putting him in deep hole and forced him to rebound on subsequent rounds. However, the same hole that challenged him on the first day was the one that helped bring him up in the standings on day two. The skies opened up on day three, putting the event on hold. After heavy rains with more forecast of the same, organizers had no choice but to cancel the national event sending all the golfers home without a winner being declared.
Wood still has one more event this season to focus on - the Canadian national championship event held in Phoenix, Ariz. earned from his season with the Maple Leaf Junior Tour.
"It was an honour to be recognized as All-Canadian as I was amongst some great players, said Wood. "It was unfortunate the weather didn't co-operate in Quebec to complete our national event. I am now focusing on Phoenix. "
Wood added, "After the Phoenix nationals event I'll probably take some time away from my clubs and focus on fitness in the gym. Then, slowly, start hitting balls again later in the year."
