2026 U17 Championship Host Club Spotlight: Connaught Golf Club
The U17 Championship enters its second year as a standalone event following a successful debut in 2025, which featured a field of 100 players. When combined with the 80 participants from the U15 and U13 Championships in 2025, the previously unified event experienced growth of more than 40 players. In 2026, the U17 Championship will head south to Connaught Golf Club from August 24–26, where players will look to contend with the region’s challenging winds.
About The Course
Connaught Golf Club is a storied venue within the province and has been one of Medicine Hat’s premier golf courses since its inception in 1922. The club was named after the Duke and Duchess of Connaught, who founded the school located just north of the course.
History of Connaught Golf Club
The layout presents a strong test for Alberta’s young players, featuring tree-lined fairways and subtly contoured greens that place a premium on short game and putting. With five different tee sets and combination options, the course accommodates a wide range of skill levels, while stretching to 6,900 yards from the back tees, ensuring no shortage of demanding driving holes.
Connaught is no stranger to hosting major events, having most recently welcomed the 2022 PGA of Canada Senior Championship. For Alberta Golf, this marks a return to the venue for the first time since the 1982 Men’s Amateur, won by Ken Wasslen.
About The Event
The U17 Championship is open to juniors aged 16 and under as of August 1, 2026. Now contested over three days, the event provides another valuable WAGR-ranked opportunity for players pursuing post-secondary recruitment. The championship is open to both male and female competitors, who will compete within their respective divisions. With no national event linked to this provincial championship, participants will be competing solely for provincial honours. Yardages will be comparable to those of the U19 Championship, offering another significant test for Alberta’s next generation of talent.
In The Field
A look at the field reveals no shortage of contenders. On the girls’ side, a new champion will be crowned, as two-time defending champion Saylar May has aged out of the U17 category. Alessandra Sundquist is expected to be among the favourites following an impressive performance at the 2025 U19 Championship. Danika Horcica, the 2025 U15 Girls’ Champion, will also be a strong contender, along with Camilla Ruesega-Rojas, winner of the 2024 U13 Girls’ Championship. Additional notable players include Lexi Blair, Shylee Kostiuk, Elle Bannister, and others.
On the boys’ side, Chase Strang enters as the favourite as he looks to defend his 2025 title. He will face strong competition from two-time U15 Boys’ Champion Bennett Love, as well as Jayden Arnold, who finished third at the Canadian U15 Championship last year. Benson White, the 2025 Alberta Open Low Amateur and the youngest member of the Alberta Morse Cup Team, is also in the field. Other players expected to make an impact include Jack Hargreaves, Jeevin Dhaliwal, and Jayden Popik.
With several months remaining until the championship and registration newly opened, additional contenders are expected to emerge. For now, players will continue preparing with the goal of claiming the U17 Boys’ or U17 Girls’ Championship titles in August.
What Events Can I Play: Event Eligibility FAQ’s
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.
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.
2026 All Abilities Host Club Preview: The Broadmoor Golf Course
The Alberta All Abilities Championship will celebrate its fourth year in 2026, as the event returns north following its 2025 stop in Calgary. The championship will once again be hosted at the familiar Broadmoor Public Golf Course in Sherwood Park.
As one of Alberta Golf’s newest competitions, the All Abilities Championship has been met with strong support and steady growth. In 2025, the field expanded to 30 participants, complemented by a clinic delivered in partnership with adaptive golf organizations to further foster community engagement. The championship is open to participants of all genders, ages, and handicap indexes, and features both gross and net competitions. Reflecting the event’s continued growth, separate male and female divisions will be introduced in 2026. Players must be registered with, and hold a Players Pass from, the European Disabled Golfers Association (EDGA). The two-day championship is EDGA-ranked, offering competitors the opportunity to earn valuable points. Notably, Alberta remains one of only five provincial associations in Canada to offer an event of this kind.
Broadmoor Golf Course, a mature 18-hole facility operated by Strathcona County in Sherwood Park, has become a strong supporter of adaptive golf in recent years. In addition to hosting the 2024 Alberta All Abilities Championship, the course welcomed the 2023 ASSRA AMP Open. Broadmoor has also developed a reputation for its junior programming, earning recognition as a 2026 finalist for First Tee Location of the Year.
Competitive storylines heading into 2026 are compelling. Bob MacDermott, winner of both adaptive events previously held at Broadmoor, returns as a leading contender. Kiefer Jones, a two-time Alberta All Abilities Champion, is also expected to be near the top of the leaderboard. On the women’s side, Emma Bittorf brings valuable championship experience, having captured the net title in both 2023 and 2025. Emerging players Rachel Adamis and Nha Truong, who competed in last year’s event, will look to build on their early involvement.
Bigger than The Game: The Adamis Family Story
In 2026, Alberta Golf remains committed to expanding the adaptive golf community while continuing to enhance the championship experience. Building on the momentum of recent growth, the organization is focused on ongoing development through research and collaboration with leading events and associations in the adaptive sport landscape.
Registration opens on April 1 at 9am for the All Abilities and all of Alberta Golf’s championships.
2026 Women’s Senior Host Club Spotlight: The Ranch Golf & Country Club
The Alberta Women’s Senior Championship is largely seen as the most consistent group of competitors, as every year the championship brings together many of the same golfers every year. The women always show up for three days of competition, but most importantly the camaraderie. The group cheers each other on, stay for food after each round as they wait for other players to finish, and are always excited for the next year. This year the group will be treated to a trip up north from July 29-31 to The Ranch Golf & Country Club, one of Alberta’s premier tournament facilities.
The Ranch Golf & Country Club is a top level facility within the province, famed for its commitment to player experience. The course has hosted multiple Canadian Tour events in its time, but most recently hosted the 2024 Alberta Men’s Super Senior Championship and before that hosted the 2019 Alberta Women’s Amateur. The Ranch features a full-length, par-71 course that will challenge and delight even the most experienced golfer. In 2021, Score Magazine ranked The Ranch Golf and Country Club #1 Best Value Public Golf Course in Edmonton,
and #2 in Alberta. Designed by Western Golf Projects to offer the golfer variety, the course features traditional challenges that test your skills with mature natural forest, ponds, and stone creek beds. For a little taste of Scotland, the architect has interwoven numerous links style holes.
As the course still lays under the recent snowfall that hit most parts of Alberta, the competitors are surely still gearing up for the event. In 2025, Daniela Pacheco won her first Alberta championship with an impressive final day score of 71 to rocket up the leaderboard. Alberta Golf Hall of Fame Jackie Little won the Super Senior Championship in 2025, continuing to add to her trophy case, while Ena Spalding won the Diamond Division for the second time in three years. This year, those same names will look to repeat their success but there will be a long list of players looking to play the role of spoiler. Kim Carrington returned to the event after a long stint of injuries, now with a year under her belt the killer instinct is undoubtedly back. Gisselle Willimus returned to competitive golf after an extended period away. Other favourites include the consistent Lynn Kuehn, Lisa Hall, Connie Evans, two-time champion Celina Lam, and plenty more. The eventual winner will have to navigate a tough test at The Ranch with so much variety to the course players will need to stay on their toes.
2025 Women’s Senior Championship Leaderboard
Lynn Kuehn, Daniela Pacheco, and Gisselle Willimus
The Women’s Senior Championship is for females aged 50+ as of the first day of the Canadian Women’s Senior. The event also has the Super Senior Championship, for players aged 60+, and the Diamond Division for those aged 70+. The event also places the competitors into flights based on their Handicap Index, ensuring players are competing with and against similar skill levels ensuring an enjoyable experience. As mentioned, this event is much bigger than just a trophy. The energy at the Women’s Senior Championship is always one of excitement and happiness with everyone seeing old friends after long cold winters. The event is open to any females with a Handicap Index of 30.0, with registration opening on April 1st at 9am.
April 1 Registration Opens: FAQ’s and Need To Know’s
With only a month remaining before registration opens for all Alberta Golf events, here’s some important items to know ahead of time to make sure you don’t miss out this season!
Alberta Golf Championships and Qualifiers – April 1 @ 9am
Registration will open on April 1st at 9am for all events. All participants need an active Golf Canada membership with a Handicap Index. If you’re entering an event that is age based, please ensure your birthdate is listed in your account and is accurate. Players can register through the Alberta Golf website for each event or can do it directly from the Golf Canada app by clicking on the Competitions tab in the drop-down menu.
Some things to be aware for the 2026 Championship season:
- The Men’s Mid-Master Championship will now have two regional qualifiers prior to the championship. Exemptions have already been sent out for those who are exempt from last year.
- Those who qualify for a championship will have their qualifier registration fee rolled into the championship fee, leaving them with a smaller fee to play in the event. All participants at qualifiers will also get a $25 Food and Beverage Gift Card
- All participants at qualifiers will also get a $25 Food and Beverage Gift Card
Common Issues and How To Fix Them
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Inactive Golf Canada Account
If you’re a member at a golf course or facility, reach out to them directly to get your Golf Canada account reactivated. If you’re a Public Player, you can renew your membership yourself by logging into your account.
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Age/Date of Birth Issues
This likely means your birthdate is incorrect in your account. You can edit this in your account by logging on to your account on a computer and clicking Account Settings from the drop-down menu. You can also get your course or facility to fix this for you.
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Handicap Index
If you have scores from last year, you can enter them into your Golf Canada account and change the date so they’re from last year. You only need 54 holes worth of scores to get a Handicap Index, and they can be any combination of 9-hole or 18-hole scores.
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Credit Card Issues
Golf Genius uses a pending registration model, so when a player registers, they are put on this pending list. When on the pending list, multiple charges will show up but one charge is the card authorization and the other is a refund for that authorization. Your card will not be charged until you’re confirmed in the event. Once you’ve been confirmed, the charge will go through on your credit card and the other charges will be removed in 5-10 business days. You will not be charged if you’re on the waiting list!
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Eligibility
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Registration Error Messages
A common problem is registering on tablets or phones. The Golf Genius system works best if you register using a computer. This can explain many problems and we highly recommend registering using a computer to avoid additional pressure or issues.
McLennan Ross Alberta Junior Tour – April 1 @ 12pm
Registration for the #1 competitive onboarding junior tour in the province will open on April 1st at 12pm. Players can register as a member of Golf Canada or as a non-member. The Tour is open to all junior golfers who are younger than the age of 19 as of August 1, 2026. We have separate age divisions for U11, U13, U15, U17, and U19 on both the male and female sides.
If you’re looking for more information on the Tour, the schedule, policies and procedures, or just want to learn more click the link below.
McLennan Ross Alberta Junior tour
Common Issues and How To Fix Them
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Age Requirements
Each age division represents the age you’re under, so U13 means you’re under the age of 13 as of August 1st. For non-members it’s very important to register for the correct age division, so if your child is turning 13 on July 31st, they should be registered in the U15 division for all tour stops. If you’re registering as a member of Golf Canada, please make sure your Date of Birth is correct in your account.
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Email & Preferred Emails
Lots of junior’s Golf Canada accounts have email addresses that may not get checked and this can cause confusion and frustration with parents and the players. When you register, please either edit the account to have your preferred email address listed or when you register please add in your preferred or parent email address to ensure no communications are missed this summer!
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Registering More Than One Player
If you plan to register more than one player, please use a different email or a different login for each registration. Golf Genius does not support duplicate email addresses for different registrations.
UpSwing by Alberta Golf – April 1 @ 7am
Registration for Alberta’s premier recreational events will open on April 1st at 7am. UpSwing events are open to all players, and there is no age or handicap requirements, it’s all about fun! You only need to be an UpSwing member to play. To create your account visit the UpSwing website link below.
Sign Up For An UpSwing Account
Frequently Asked Questions
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Is this a tournament?
No, UpSwing is focused on providing fun golf experiences for the golfers who prefer a relaxing round on the links. Keeping score is not mandatory, but there may be some fun challenges that you can take part in during the round…
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Can I book a group of two players and request to play with friends?
Yes! UpSwing is all about having fun, if you have a pairing request you would like to make, please send them to info@upswinggolf.ca after you register.
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What do I need to register for an event?
You just need an UpSwing account, no handicap index, no Golf Canada membership, just a free UpSwing membership!
2026 Men’s Super Senior Championship Host Club Spotlight: Coloniale Golf Club
The Alberta Men’s Super Senior Championship has been contested since 2002, when the Super Senior category was first introduced. Traditionally held in conjunction with the Alberta Men’s Senior Championship, the event is now entering its fourth year as a standalone championship. This year also marks a milestone for the host venue, as the Coloniale Golf Club welcomes its first Alberta Golf provincial championship.
Located just minutes south of Edmonton in the City of Beaumont, Coloniale Golf Club is an 18-hole championship links-style course that opened in 1993. The club’s mission has consistently focused on achieving the highest standards in course conditioning and customer service. In recent years, Coloniale has regularly earned a “4 Star Rating” from Golf Digest’s Places to Play. As it prepares to host its first Alberta Golf Championship, the course promises to provide a formidable test, with strategically placed bunkers and expansive lakes that challenge players to balance aesthetic appreciation with disciplined course management.
The Alberta Men’s Super Senior Championship is open to male golfers aged 65 and older as of the first day of the Canadian Men’s Senior Championship. Unlike the Men’s Senior Championship, the Super Senior division does not require qualifying; however, participants must hold a Handicap Index below 30.0. This year’s championship will be contested later than usual, taking place September 3–4. The event also features a Diamond Division for players aged 75 and older, providing an additional competitive opportunity for the most senior competitors in the field.
Despite not requiring a qualifying process, the championship consistently attracts a strong field of seasoned veterans and past champions. Notable competitors over the years have included Howard Broun, Terry Filewich, Tom Dixon, Floyd Kilgore, Kelly Risling, and Alberta Golf Hall of Fame members Frank Van Dornick and David Schultz. Recent championships have delivered memorable moments, including David Schultz’s three-hole playoff victory in the event’s inaugural standalone year, his come-from-behind win at The Ranch in 2024, and Norman Bradley’s clutch finish last season, where a surging Schultz finished just one stroke back.
Beyond the competition, the championship is also defined by camaraderie, as long-standing friendships are renewed each year before many participants head south for the winter. In 2025, a players’ banquet was held on the eve of the championship, with more than half the field in attendance. While the field will look forward to gathering once again at Coloniale in September, the greatest satisfaction will belong to the eventual champion—who successfully navigates a challenging course over two competitive days.
2026 U19 Championship Host Club Spotlight: The Coyote
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?