Several of Alberta’s former high-performance athletes are beginning to make their mark on the professional stage, with at least three players set to compete on the PGA Tour Americas this season.
Calgary native Hunter Thomson, who turned professional in May 2025, enjoyed an impressive debut campaign on tour. Competing in 10 events, Thomson made five cuts, recorded three top-25 finishes, and added a top-10 result. His consistent play secured a position inside the top 80 on the season standings, earning him full membership on the PGA Tour Americas for the upcoming year. Thomson’s transition to the professional ranks followed a standout collegiate career at the University of Michigan, highlighted by a victory at the 2024 Canadian Collegiate Invitational and a top-25 finish in the PGA Tour University rankings. That performance granted him access to PGA Tour Americas events late last season, ultimately leading to his full status for 2026.
Hunter Thomson wins Canadian Collegiate Invitational
Joining Thomson with full membership is Brady McKinlay of Lacombe. McKinlay closed out his amateur and collegiate career in strong fashion, highlighted by a breakthrough 2022 season in which he captured the Alberta Men’s Amateur title and followed it with three consecutive collegiate victories. After turning professional, he was named to the 2024–2025 Team Canada professional squad. McKinlay secured his PGA Tour Americas membership through Q-School, finishing in a tie for second at the California qualifying event.
Carter Graf of Sylvan Lake has also earned status through Q-School, finishing in a tie for 14th at the Alabama event. His result provides conditional membership, granting him limited starts throughout the season as he looks to improve his position and build momentum toward full status in the future. Will Holan from Edmonton also has conditional membership this year after his top 25 finish at the Alabama Q School Event.
Alberta’s presence on the PGA Tour Americas could grow even further. One final qualifying site remains, with competition set to conclude on April 3 at a second event in California. Rycroft native Max Sekulic is in the field and will look to join this accomplished group of Albertans competing on the professional circuit.