Hockey sticks. Curling brooms. Toques. Maple syrup. Snow shoes. Just a few examples of made-in-Canada items you might expect to find on a store shelf near you. Golf gear made in the Great White North? Not so much.  

However, things on this front are starting to change. From coast to coast – and even right here in Alberta – talented people just like you are sensing an opportunity to jump into an under-served market area. In fact, there are more Canadian golf products out there than you might think. 

“We’ve tripled our membership in the last year, or so,” says Dustin Rivers, CEO of the Canadian Golf Brands Alliance. The alliance, which is a non-profit organization that was founded approximately five years ago by brothers Jeff and Todd Bishop of the Dormie Golf Workshop, seeks to bring awareness to the many (mostly under-the-radar) golf brands in the country. 

“We now have over 60 companies in the alliance,” says Rivers, who is based in Ottawa, Ontario. “Besides the awareness piece, which is significant, we try to do everything we can to help assist our Canadian companies in the marketplace. There are many markets around the world that are open to working with Canadian brands. And, certainly, selling Canadian golf products to Canadians only makes sense. In fact, more and more golfers are trying to be loyal to Canadian products. The ‘Buy Canadian’ trend has momentum. However, there are still many people out there that don’t really ‘walk the talk’ when it comes to that. The work is far from over when it comes to promoting Canadian brands in the golf industry.”  

Not surprisingly, the alliance represents a broad swath of companies that sell numerous types of products to golfers. Tees, headcovers, hats, shirts, hoodies, golf carts, gloves, pull carts, and beverages are just a sampling. And, although many of the companies do acquire their raw materials from outside the country, make no mistake, these are Canadian brands that are owned and operated by Canadians.

Although Alberta is not exactly a hotbed for homegrown golf companies, there are a number that have thrown their hat in the ring. Three prime examples are:

During my research I discovered approximately a dozen Alberta companies that are manufacturing a product or products that are targeted to golfers. However, some of the companies are not golf specific.

As you might expect, all three of the aforementioned companies sensed an opportunity to deliver a unique product in an under-serviced area. For example, at family-run JQ Golf, it’s all about junior golf. 

JQ Golf Clothing Co.

“Our kids just couldn’t find golf clothing that appealed to them,” says Jaqueline Strang, who owns the small, home-based company with her husband, Jeff. “To top it off, as a family with three kids, we just couldn’t justify spending $100 on golf shirts for our kids. And we knew other parents of junior golfers felt the same.” 

So, together with their three kids, the Strangs started their company in their home in Airdrie. The premise was simple: fun and affordable golf apparel for junior golfers. “Our kids are a big part of the design process,” says Jaqueline. “They design clothes they want to wear. It’s been pretty rewarding to do this as a family.” JQ Golf also produces affordable golf apparel for men and women, many with the same kid-friendly patterns and colours. Their clothing is available in over 20 pro shops in Alberta with more on the way. They also sell plenty of clothing through their website.

JQ Golf Clothing Co.

FTR Golf Cars

In terms of selling a unique Canadian product that fills a void in the market, FTR Golf Canada – founded by golf professionals, Sean Mills and Garrett Fraser – certainly fits the bill. The company, which is based in Wainwright, Alberta, manufactures luxury golf carts that feature plenty of innovation that just isn’t available on the market.    

Their carts feature Solar Drive technology, premium leather seating, LED headlights, brake lights, side mirrors, turn signals, automotive dash with bluetooth speakers, independent front suspension, leather-wrapped steering wheels, and plenty of other unique, state-of-the-art features. 

FTR Golf Cars

Cover & Hyde

Speaking of premium leather, Cover & Hyde, which is based in Canmore, is a proudly-Albertan company that makes genuine leather golf goods. While they specialize in beautiful hand-crafted leather headcovers, they also make birdie-juice cases, rangefinder cases, hats, pouches, and shirts. They also do plenty of custom orders, such as logoed bag tags, with their premium leather products. 

“Our leather is all sourced right here in Alberta,” says Jeremy Gordon, who founded the company in 2020 with close friends, Kevin Jenken and Jonas Gordon. “Our focus is to make high-quality products that last. We also strive to make products that are simple in design and representative of our Alberta roots. We have a passion for our western heritage and we feel that each piece we design reflects the strength, character, and timeless style of our homeland.” To shop Cover & Hyde products visit their website.

Cover & Hyde

Unquestionably, golfers in Alberta should rightfully have plenty of pride in the strength, quality, and history of the game in our province. Supporting Alberta-made golf products can only help the cause.   
 

In 2026, Alberta Golf proudly celebrates a significant milestone as the McLennan Ross Alberta Junior Tour marks its 30th season. Since its inception in 1996, the Tour has provided thousands of young golfers with their introduction to competitive golf while helping develop skills that extend far beyond the course.

Looking Back

For this section, Alberta Golf spoke with Alberta Golf Hall of Fame member Dunc Mills, recipient of the 2023 Distinguished Service Award for his contributions to junior golf in Alberta.

The foundations of the McLennan Ross Alberta Junior Tour were laid in the fall of 1995 when Ryan Vold, the original Director of Golf at Wolf Creek Golf Resort, Randy Parker of Par-Comm Marketing, and Craig Martin of the Edmonton Sun envisioned a province-wide junior golf circuit. With golf experiencing rapid growth throughout Alberta, the timing was ideal.

Recognizing the need for financial support, Parker approached Rod McLennan of McLennan Ross. The Edmonton-based law firm immediately embraced the concept. As McLennan noted in the 1997 edition of Alberta Golfer, “The idea of helping kids in golf was very appealing to us.” Additional support came from Spirit Water and the Alberta Golf Association.

That same spring, Dunc Mills joined Par-Comm and was later appointed the Tour’s first Director. “The goal has always been to provide a learning environment for young players entering competitive golf,” said Mills. “We wanted to coordinate opportunities across the province and help juniors develop before advancing to higher levels of competition.”

The inaugural season featured nine events, culminating in the Tour Championship at Wolf Creek Golf Resort. Chris McTavish and Michelle Semonick became the first Tour Champions. Demand grew quickly, expanding the schedule to 14 events the following year and continuing to grow with additional corporate support.

Over the next 25 years, Mills became synonymous with junior golf in Alberta. Many future standouts, including Todd Halpen, Greg Seifert, Michael and Andrew Harrison, Ryan Swelin, Will Bateman, and Jaclyn Lee, competed on the Tour. Yet Mills believes the Tour’s greatest success extends beyond producing elite players.

“I’m just as proud of those who continue to enjoy the game, as I am of those who pursued it professionally,” he said. “The Tour’s legacy is as much about helping build better people as it is about developing better golfers.”

The Acquisition

In 2017, Alberta Golf conducted a review of its programming and identified junior golf as a key area for growth. The McLennan Ross Alberta Junior Tour presented a natural opportunity to build upon an already respected platform.

The acquisition was finalized in 2018, and Alberta Golf assumed operational control in 2019, with Mills remaining as Tour Director. The transition introduced a centralized registration system while preserving the Tour’s longstanding mission as Alberta’s premier entry point into competitive junior golf.

The Present and Beyond

Following his induction into the Alberta Golf Hall of Fame in 2023, Mills stepped away from the Tour, with MacKenzie Baustad assuming the role of Manager of Junior Golf.

While participation had steadily increased since the acquisition, the Tour experienced significant growth in 2024 and 2025. New initiatives enhanced the player experience, including elevated prizing, custom merchandise, branded scorecards, specialty events, and expanded player recognition.

Today, the McLennan Ross Alberta Junior Tour remains Alberta’s leading competitive onboarding tour for young golfers. Players benefit from professionally managed tournaments, dedicated scoring areas, on-site rules officials, and educational opportunities designed to prepare them for future competition.

Recent additions include the successful Level 1 Rules Program, which saw more than 80 participants complete the certification in 2025, as well as Information Days featuring dedicated parent education sessions led by Alberta Golf’s Director of Athlete Development. The introduction of a U11 division has also created a welcoming competitive environment for the province’s youngest golfers.

As the Tour celebrates its 30th anniversary, it continues to honour its roots. Four original tour stops—Nanton, Lacombe, Innisfail, and Ponoka—along with the Tour Championship host site, remain part of the schedule today.

Three decades after its founding, the McLennan Ross Alberta Junior Tour continues to shape the next generation of golfers and leaders. Alberta Golf looks forward to building on that legacy for years to come and welcoming future generations as they begin their competitive golf journeys.

Alberta Golf and the Alberta Golf Hall of Fame are pleased to announce the induction of Ernie Afaganis and John Down as the newest members of the Alberta Golf Hall of Fame.

Afaganis and Down will be formally honoured on October 27 at the Calgary Golf & Country Club, where both will receive the Distinguished Service Award in recognition of their outstanding contributions to golf in Alberta through their distinguished careers in sports media.

Both men bring extensive and accomplished résumés to the Hall of Fame and share a lifelong passion for amateur sport, particularly the game of golf. Throughout their careers, Afaganis and Down provided comprehensive coverage of the sport across Alberta, helping to elevate the profile of both amateur and professional golf while shining a spotlight on countless athletes, events, and achievements. Their commitment to storytelling and promotion of the game has left a lasting impact on Alberta’s golf community.

Already members of the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame, Afaganis and Down are fitting inaugural inductees into the newly established Media category of the Distinguished Service Award.

2026 Inductee Bios

Ernie Afaganis

Born in Lethbridge in 1933, Ernie Afaganis became one of Alberta’s most recognizable voices in sport through a distinguished media career that spanned decades. After completing university, he moved to Edmonton in 1953 and spent nine years working in private radio and freelancing before joining CBC in 1961.

Afaganis quickly became a champion of amateur sport, dedicating much of his career to increasing its visibility and helping athletes and organizations gain greater recognition. His impact on golf was particularly significant. From 1961 to 1986, he served as the voice of the Canadian Open, bringing the country’s premier golf championship into homes across Canada.

In Alberta, Afaganis became closely associated with the game through his long-running television program Par 27. The popular Alberta-based series, which featured golf-themed content and contests, aired for 26 years and played an important role in promoting and growing the sport throughout the province.

Beyond his media contributions, Afaganis was an original member of The Glendale Golf & Country Club and served on the club’s board of directors, further demonstrating his commitment to the game.

His outstanding contributions to sport and broadcasting have been recognized through numerous honours, including induction into the Canadian Football League Hall of Fame, the Lethbridge Sports Hall of Fame, and the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame. He has also received a Lifetime Media Award and has been recognized in the CBC Hall of Fame.

John Down

Born in 1944, John Down began his journalism career in Saskatchewan’s newspaper industry before moving to Alberta in 1972 to take on the role of sports editor with the Journal. Over the course of a distinguished career, he became one of the province’s most respected sports journalists, earning particular recognition for his coverage of golf and chuckwagon racing.

Down was a passionate supporter of amateur golf and dedicated significant attention to the sport at the regional, provincial, and national levels. In addition to covering professional tournaments, he helped shine a spotlight on amateur competitors and events, providing valuable exposure to players and organizations across the country.

During golf’s peak popularity in the 1980s and 1990s, Down played a leading role in expanding golf coverage in Alberta’s newspapers. He produced numerous golf-specific sections for both the Sun and the Herald, including the popular BackSwing series that appeared in the Calgary Sun. Through his writing, he informed, entertained, and connected Alberta’s golfing community while helping to grow interest in the game.

A strong advocate for amateur sport throughout his career, Down’s contributions to sports journalism were recognized in 2006 when he was inducted into the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame.

Future Nominations

The Alberta Golf Hall of Fame is now accepting nominations for the 2027 induction class and future consideration. Nominations will remain open until November 30, and completed nomination forms can be submitted via email to taylor@albertagolf.org.

Nomination Form

As another championship season gets underway, Alberta Golf is proud to welcome a new group of Summer Coordinators to the team. From championship operations to digital communications these individuals will play a key role in delivering a successful summer across the province. Bringing a passion for golf, strong leadership, and diverse experiences to the organization, each coordinator adds a unique perspective to the Alberta Golf team. Throughout the season, they will work closely with staff, volunteers, and host facilities to help create exceptional experiences for players and participants alike. Get to know the faces behind the championships with a closer look at Alberta Golf’s 2026 Summer Coordinators.

Connor Czirjak Junior Tour Coordinator

Connor Czirjak has just completed his third year at the University of Minnesota Crookston, where he is pursuing a Bachelor of Commerce in Business Management with a minor in Marketing. Connor is also a member of the university’s Men’s Golf team, the Golden Eagles. In the fall, his team achieved back-to-back victories at the Newman University Invite and the Missouri Western State University Holiday Inn Classic.

This summer Connor is most excited to connect with all the juniors on the tour because he once competed as a junior himself, making this opportunity feel like a full-circle moment. He is eager to learn about the business side of golf since he has spent so much time on the player side.

A fun fact about Connor: he is a past provincial championship winner with Alberta Golf, claiming the 2021 U17 Boys’ Championship

Kye Krall Championships Coordinator

Kye Krall recently completed his Bachelor of Commerce degree at Lewis-Clark State College, where he majored in Business Management. He is also a member of the college’s Men’s Golf team, the Warriors. This past year, Kye found success both individually at the Warrior Spring Invitational and as a team at the Cascade Collegiate Conference Championship, placing first in both tournaments.

Kye is most excited to give back to an organization that provided him with opportunities as a junior and amateur, allowing him to form new relationships with players province wide. He hopes to gain a comprehensive knowledge of his coordinator role, particularly regarding the intricate details of competitions.

A fun fact about Kye: he is a lifelong, diehard fan of the Edmonton Oilers.

Hailey Schopper Communications Coordinator

Hailey Schopper recently completed her Bachelor of Arts degree at the University of Calgary, majoring in English with a minor in Communications and Media Studies. During university, she volunteered with the student-run newspaper, The Gauntlet.

Hailey is excited to spend time outdoors on golf courses while meeting new people. She has primarily experienced the recreational side of golf, so she is eager to engage with the competitive side of it. She hopes to learn more about sports communication and how to effectively communicate with athletes through digital platforms.

One fun fact about Hailey: she was a ten-pin bowler for over ten years and competed at Nationals twice.

Trevor Schotanus Volunteer Coordinator

Trevor Schotanus has just finished his third year at the University of Guelph, studying Sports and Event Management as part of the Bachelor of Commerce program. Throughout university, he participated in intramural spikeball, with his team finishing second in playoffs last year.

Trevor is most excited to work on golf courses throughout the summer. With several years of experience in the golf industry, he is eager to deepen his knowledge of how tournaments integrate with host clubs to ensure a positive experience for both members and players.

A fun fact about Trevor: he once played nine holes in 45 minutes.

ElleGolf, a pioneering women’s golf program in Alberta, was founded in 1997 by Lori McDonald with a vision to create a welcoming, supportive, and enjoyable environment for women to learn and play the game. Recognizing that golf can often feel intimidating for newcomers, McDonald established ElleGolf to remove barriers to entry—drawing from her own early experiences in the sport.

Since its inception, ElleGolf has introduced more than 5,000 women across the province, primarily in Calgary and Edmonton, to the game of golf, fostering a strong sense of community while promoting confidence, skill development, and fun.

Elle Golf Website

“ElleGolf has truly been one of the great honours of my life,” said McDonald. “What started in 1997 as a five-year plan grew into a 30-year journey filled with laughter, learning, connections, and so many wonderful relationships.”

As ElleGolf approaches its 30th anniversary, McDonald is embarking on the next chapter of its evolution. Alberta Golf has officially acquired the program, marking a significant step in its continued growth and long-term sustainability. As part of the transition, Alberta Golf will work with McDonald throughout the 2026 season to gain insight into ElleGolf’s programming and its impact within the Calgary golf community. Full operational responsibility will transfer to Alberta Golf in 2027, with a strong commitment to preserving the program’s legacy and core values. Phil Berube, Alberta Golf’s Chief Executive Officer recognized Lori’s hard work and passion over the last 30 years saying “Getting started in golf requires patience and someone to lend a hand and lead the way. Lori’s ability to connect with people and her passion for developing the women’s game over the past 30 years has resulted in so many new players taking up the sport in our province”.

The acquisition underscores Alberta Golf’s ongoing commitment to advancing women’s participation in the sport. Current ElleGolf members can expect continuity in programming and community experience, while plans for the future include expanding the program into new regions across the province. Alberta Golf also intends to leverage ElleGolf’s success to further support and strengthen other women’s golf initiatives throughout Alberta.

McDonald expressed confidence in the transition, emphasizing that this marks an evolution rather than a departure.

“I feel confident that Alberta Golf will honour what we’ve created while expanding these opportunities to other regions of the province,” she says before adding “it’s not goodbye. I’m looking forward to spending time with the women of ElleGolf out on the course”. 

She also extended her gratitude to the many partners and supporters who contributed to ElleGolf’s success over the years, including the late Al Ewen, whose early support and involvement were instrumental in the program’s development.

ElleGolf’s 2026 season is already underway, having officially launched with its Spring Orientation on April 20 at Sirocco Golf Club. The first classes are scheduled for April 28 at D’Arcy Ranch Golf Club, with league play beginning April 30 at Crystal Ridge and Valley Ridge Golf Clubs. The season runs through September.

While registration opened in March, new participants are still welcome to join and experience the program.

Elle Golf Program Registration

The golf season is just around the corner — at least we hope! Driving ranges are starting to open across the province, and courses are beginning to announce opening dates.

For many golfers, those first few rounds can feel a little rusty. And if you’re new to the game, jumping straight into a full round while keeping score can feel a bit overwhelming. The good news? There are plenty of fun, low-pressure ways to play that let you enjoy the game without worrying too much about your score.

Team Formats

Individual Format – Stableford

No matter your skill level, these formats are all about making golf more enjoyable, social, and stress-free — especially at the start of the season.

For other fun formats, click the link below!

Golf Canada Game Formats

With championship registration opening tomorrow for all Alberta Golf events, players—both new and returning—may have questions ahead of the big day. Common inquiries include what is required to register, which events are available to enter, and for younger competitors, which championships are most appropriate for their development. This guide is designed to provide clarity on each of these points.

What Do I Need For Registration

All Alberta Golf championships and qualifiers require participants to hold an active Golf Canada membership. It is important to ensure that your membership is current and not expired; if it is, please contact your home facility to have it renewed prior to registration.

Most events also require a valid Handicap Index. To establish a Handicap Index, players must have a minimum of 54 holes of submitted scores, which can be a combination of 9- and 18-hole rounds.

In addition, a valid credit card is required to complete registration, as the Golf Genius platform does not accept debit cards for payment.

Registration FAQs & Need TO Knows

What Events Can I Play In

With 14 championships and 14 qualifiers, each with varying Handicap Index and age requirements, determining eligibility can be a complex process. To assist players, Alberta Golf has developed a series of eligibility charts tailored to male, female, and junior competitors. These resources are designed to simplify the process and help identify the events that best match your profile.

Men’s Eligibility Information

Women’s Eligibility Information

Junior Eligibility Information

What Should I Be Playing This Year

For junior golfers focused on development, those pursuing post-secondary opportunities, or players unsure where to begin, Alberta Golf has created additional resources aligned with Golf Canada’s Long-Term Player Development Guide. These documents are intended to help athletes assess their current skill level and identify the most appropriate competitive pathway for the season.

High-Performance Roadmap: What to play & When

Junior Golf Development Pathway

Alberta Golf hopes this information helps ensure a smooth registration experience on April 1, and looks forward to welcoming players to the course this season.

As we get ready for the golf season, there’s lots of new golfers out there or people who are interested in the game but don’t know how to start learning. With snow still on the ground, there’s lots of indoor driving ranges, simulator facilities, and even mini putt courses you can check out to get your swing spring ready.

Find a Golf Course NEar You

Find an Off COurse Facility Near you

For now though, let’s do some classroom work and study on the basic golf terms you’ll come across this season!

Scoring Terminology

Scoring in golf is based on the par of a hole. On all scorecards there’s a listed par for each hole and a total par for the course. Players will either be on par at the end of the round, over par for the round which would be the number of total strokes over the listed number for the course, or under par which would be the number of total strokes under the listed number. 

Types of Equipment

Golfers all have a variety of equipment on their person and in their bags to ready them for a round of golf. Here are the basics, besides a golf ball, that you’ll need to play a round!

Areas of The Course

Every golf course has different areas of the course that players should know. Under the Rules of Golf, there are only five areas but this can be confusing, so we’ve laid it out a little simpler than that!

Other Important Terms

Finally, we have a list of some just generic terms that you might hear when on the golf course or even taking a lesson!

This article was originally published by the USGA.

Ask golfers how the Rules of Golf impact their round, and almost all will say that they add strokes to their score. It’s not an unreasonable perspective. We are conditioned, especially in sports, to view rules as things to avoid breaking so we won’t be assessed some sort of penalty.

An offensive lineman holding a defensive end? Ten-yard penalty. Whack a player’s arm on his way up for a layup? Two-shot foul. A catcher’s glove interferes with a batter’s swing? Automatic first base.

Yes, there are penalizing elements of the Rules of Golf, but that’s not the end of the matter. Knowing the situations where the Rules can be used to your advantage can save you from difficult predicaments, and it’s a great way to enhance your golf experience and maybe even lower your score.

Are you taking advantage of these scenarios when you tee it up?

FULL USGA ARticle

Right-handed player taking relief for playing a left-handed shot

Right-handed player taking relief for playing a left-handed shot

The scenario: An errant tee shot comes to rest beside a tree that impedes your ability to take your normal swing. You decide your best option is to punch the ball back into play using a left-handed swing but in doing so, you’re now standing on the cart path.

The question: Since a left-handed swing is not your normal stance, would you be allowed to take free relief from the cart path?

The answer: Yes, because using an abnormal swing doesn’t preclude you from taking relief as long as the stroke you’re trying to make isn’t clearly unreasonable. Proceed by finding the nearest point of complete relief using a left-handed stroke. From that spot, you get a one-club-length relief area to drop the ball in.

The best part? After completing the relief procedure, you are then free to use a normal right-handed swing.

Free relief for ground under repair

The scenario: Your golf course is working on the drainage system in the middle of a fairway. Your tee shot avoids the marked-off repair area, but your stance doesn’t.

The question: Can you take free relief when the ground under repair interferes with your stance and not your ball?

The answer: Ground under repair is treated the same as a cart path in that if you have interference with your lie, stance or swing, you can play it as it lies or take free relief by finding the nearest point of complete relief and dropping a ball within one club-length of that spot.

Plugged ball

The scenario: A rainstorm left the course wet and soft. You crush your first tee shot down the middle of the fairway but when you get to your ball, you see that it’s plugged in its own pitch mark.

The question: Am I allowed to pick the ball up and take a drop for my second shot or do I have to play it as it lies?

The answer: You could play it as it lies – but why when free relief is allowed? Take your drop within one club-length of the spot right behind the ball that’s in the general area. You also have the option to clean the ball or change it out for a new ball.

Taking relief from the rough to the fairway

The scenario: You draw a bad lie in the rough, but a sprinkler head interferes with your stance. You wisely decide to take free relief. While your nearest point of complete relief is in the rough, you realize that your one club-length reaches the fairway.

The question: Are you allowed to take free relief from the rough and drop it in the fairway?

The answer: Absolutely! In fact, this is the exact scenario used in Clarification 16.1/1 in the Rules of Golf to illustrate that this is permissible. The rough and fairway are part of the same area of the course – the General Area – and if taking relief results in you getting better conditions, then it’s your lucky day. Feel free to drop and take your next shot.

To learn more about the Rules of Golf:

Level 1 Rules Academy

Rules of Golf Information Page

In case you missed it, the first Alberta Golf newsletter of 2026 went out last week! Click the link below for what’s coming in 2026.

THe Warm Up Newsletter