Brandon’s Zostrianos Giordani-Gross Wins Junior Boys Division at 2024 MJT National Championship

(Photo Credit: Golf Manitoba)

Zostrianos Giordani-Gross, a young golfing talent from Brandon, Manitoba, has claimed victory in the Junior Boys Division at the 2024 Maple Leaf Junior Golf Tour (MJT) National Championship, held at Orange Lake Golf Resort in Kissimmee, Florida. The tournament brought out the best in Giordani-Gross, showcasing his skill, mental toughness, and years of dedication to the sport.

Early Beginnings in Golf

Giordani-Gross first swung a club as a child, but it wasn’t until age 11, playing at the Souris and Glenwood Community golf course, that he became captivated by the game. By 12, he began playing competitive tournaments on Gary Poole’s Westman Junior Golf Tour, marking the start of a promising journey in the sport. Now a college golfer, he spends around 8 hours a day practicing, often followed by a gym session, and in the past year has played approximately 90 rounds of golf.

Influences and Training

Inspired by Rory McIlroy, Giordani-Gross has worked to build a compact, powerful swing, similar to the one that has defined his favorite player. Growing up, he practiced extensively at Shilo Country Club and Mulligan’s driving range, clocking in around 4 hours daily. Now, even in winter, he keeps his game sharp with indoor sessions, spending nearly 2.5 hours each morning at Evo Golf before school. His dedication to constant improvement includes a focus on making putts inside 10 feet and increasing his driver distance, key areas that contributed to his recent success.

Winning Mindset and Strategy

Giordani-Gross attributes much of his success to his mental strength, emphasizing the importance of staying calm, consistent, and trusting his game plan. “I try to be my biggest fan during rounds, and it’s rare to see me get frustrated,” he said. This self-discipline proved crucial during the championship, as he followed a well-defined strategy of aiming for the center of the green and avoiding short-sided misses. With small greens at Orange Lake’s Legends course, this approach allowed him to control his scores, turning potential bogeys into pars by focusing on placement and staying within his comfort zone.

Reflecting on a Memorable Win

Reflecting on his win, Giordani-Gross expressed his excitement and gratitude. “I’ve been competing in MJT tournaments for many years, and to win the national championship means a lot. It’s a huge confidence boost and a stepping stone in my amateur career.” Sticking to his strategy over three days, he avoided the temptation to become overly aggressive, instead trusting his swing and focusing on mental composure—qualities he believes are essential for future success. Giordani-Gross finished the 54 hole event at 2-under par 214, one stroke better than Austin Krahn of British Columbia.

Looking Ahead

While his game shows few weaknesses, Giordani-Gross remains committed to refining his putting and increasing his driving distance, understanding that these skills will be vital as he continues his journey in competitive golf. This championship win has solidified his standing as one of Canada’s rising stars, and the Brandon community looks forward to his bright future in the sport.

With a dedication to both mental and physical preparation, Zostrianos Giordani-Gross has demonstrated that he has the determination and talent to excel at the next level. His MJT National Championship victory is a testament to years of hard work and a strong mental game—qualities that make him a role model for young athletes in Canada. Congratulations to Zostrianos on this remarkable achievement!