The Alberta U19 Championship is an event perpetually circled on junior golfers’ calendars—a true proving ground for Alberta’s emerging talent looking to put both competitors and potential post-secondary programs on notice. Beyond identifying the province’s best, the championship offers athletes a chance to reinvent themselves each year, returning after a long winter of practice and improvement. There is perhaps no better venue for such an event than a familiar favourite undergoing its own transformation. Welcome to The Coyote Golf Club, formerly known as Coyote Creek Golf Club, host of the 2026 Alberta U19 Championship.
The Coyote Golf Club is one of Alberta’s most scenic courses, tucked away in Central Alberta in the town of Sundre. Sundre itself is no stranger to hidden gems, with Sundre Golf Club also calling the community home. The Coyote is a championship layout designed by renowned architect Gary Browning, whose portfolio includes Stewart Creek, Copper Point, and the redesign of Pinebrook Golf & Country Club. The course offers an accessible layout for golfers of all skill levels while presenting elite players with a memorable test filled with both challenge and reward. Coyote GC is also well versed in hosting provincial championships, most recently serving as host of an Alberta Mid-Amateur qualifier, and previously the 2023 Alberta Women’s Senior Championship, which was won by Celina Lam in rainy conditions. While the course competed under a different name at the time, juniors in 2026 will be tasked with navigating the same demanding challenges.
The U19 Championship has often seen favourites rise to the occasion. Recent examples include Saylar May’s victory following her 2024 U17 Championship win, and Tobias Buffam’s 2025 triumph after knocking on the door in 2023. Heading into 2026, Saylar May once again stands as the clear favourite on the girls’ side. After capturing two championships in 2025 and earning a spot at Golf Canada’s Selection Camp, she enters highly regarded. Other contenders include Alessandra Sundquist, who made her first interprovincial team appearance last year; Sela Ogada, the 2024 U15 Girls’ Champion; and Danika Horcica, who will look to continue adding to her growing trophy case.
The championship is also known for unexpected breakthroughs, and 2026 features a group of hungry juniors quietly compiling impressive resumes. Chase Strang brings a string of strong finishes, including a 2025 U17 Championship. Bennett Love is a two-time U15 Boys’ Champion with a third-place finish at the Canadian U15 Championship, while Jayden Arnold continues to build momentum with consistent year-over-year performances. Most notably, Benson White may be poised for the biggest leap. Following an impressive summer, he capped off 2025 with a historic showing at the Alberta Open, becoming the youngest player ever to win Low Amateur, and will represent Alberta at the Pacific Coast Amateur in July.
The U19 Championship is open to both boys and girls who are under the age of 19 as of August 1st each year. The event does not require qualifying, with eligibility set at a Handicap Index of 25.0 or lower for boys and 30.0 or lower for girls. With registration opening April 1 and the championship scheduled for July 14–16, there remains ample time for both players and the course to prepare. Will a new name rise to the top at The Coyote, or will a familiar face fend off the challenges of a Central Alberta favourite?