The non-profit Maple Leaf Junior Golf Tour (MJT) has launched its ninth season and is now accepting registrations for upcoming events including its kick off event May 5 and 6 at the Rebel Creek Golf Club in Petersburg.

Presented by Boston Pizza, the Maple Leaf Junior Golf Tour is Canada's only national junior program run exclusively by PGA Professionals. It encourages boys and girls of all ages to come and play in the professionally-run tournaments with the objective of improving golf skills, helping to build golfing resumes, learning sportsmanship and etiquette, and developing -- from an early age -- a lifelong enjoyment of the game.

The MJT rewards participation and performance with tee gifts, prizes, trophies and refreshments from an impressive list of sponsors including Boston Pizza, Olympus, Cleveland Golf, OGIO, Mr. Lube, Sundog Eyewear, Gatorade and more.

As part of the MJT's mandate to help develop junior golf in Canada, each tournament also features exemptions to international competitions with spots to Scotland, Mexico, USA and China featured at select events. Additionally, an Order of Merit points system qualifies players for the MJT Boston Pizza National Tour Championship at Nicklaus North Golf Club in Whistler, BC, at the end of each season.

Many of Canada's top junior golfers play the MJT and PGA Tour veterans Ray Stewart and Dave Barr are the Volunteer National Spokespersons. Local tournaments are run by CPGA Professionals, Dave Smallwood and Mike Skimson, who also run the Whistle Bear Performance Center in Cambridge.

Registration is on-going and the program offers a "try the Tour" option for new players or a 50 per cent membership rebate for frequent players. More information including entry forms can be found at www.maplejt.com or by calling 1-877-859-4653.