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 1^st 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. 

Championship Schedule

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

McLennan Ross Alberta Junior Tour – April 1 @ 12pm

Registration for the #1 competitive onboarding junior tour in the province will open on April 1^st 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

UpSwing by Alberta Golf – April 1 @ 7am

Registration for Alberta’s premier recreational events will open on April 1^st 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

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.

2025 Men’s Super Senior Recap

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.

Championship Registration opens April 1

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

“Golf, It’s Good for You” was the tagline introduced by Golf Canada with the launch of its Golf & Health campaign in 2024. This concise and effective message clearly captured the campaign’s purpose—but just how beneficial is golf, really? A closer look at the game reveals a wide range of physical, mental, and social benefits that contribute to overall well-being.

Golf & Health Website

Physical Benefits

According to a study conducted by the R&A, golf offers numerous physical health benefits. Beyond improvements in strength and balance, the sport can:

• Burn up to 2,000 calories during an 18-hole round
• Add up to five years to a person’s life expectancy
• Help reduce the risk of more than 40 chronic illnesses, including cancer, diabetes, and stroke

Golf can also help players achieve the recommended goal of 10,000 steps per day, making it an effective and enjoyable form of physical activity.

Mental Benefits

Golf provides significant mental health benefits in addition to its physical advantages. The same study found that outdoor activities help reduce stress levels and promote a sense of calm—an especially important benefit observed during the COVID-19 lockdowns. Golf also helps to:

• Promote focus and concentration
• Enhance overall mood
• Reduce the risk of anxiety and depression through social interaction

Most notably, participation in golf has been shown to reduce the risk of dementia by 37 percent.

Social Benefits

The social benefits of golf are equally compelling. The game can be enjoyed by individuals ranging in age from 4 to 104 and enhances social well-being for participants of all skill levels. Golf encourages connection, introduces opportunities to meet new people, and adds enjoyment and structure to daily routines.

Research also indicates that 80 percent of golfers report greater satisfaction with their social lives compared to non-golfers.

While snow may cover the ground during the winter months, Golf Canada’s recent launch of Just Swing—which focuses on expanded golfing opportunities beyond the traditional course—allows players to enjoy many of these benefits year-round through simulators, driving ranges, and other golf-related activities.

Golf Canada Just Swing Website

So the next time you’re looking for an engaging and active pursuit, remember: Golf—it’s good for you.

The 2026 Alberta Men’s Senior Championship is returning to a very familiar host from the last few years and one that has gained some national attention – Trestle Creek Golf Resort. The Alberta Men’s Senior Championship is a popular event on the schedule and one that has become increasingly competitive. The event is open to males aged 55+ as of the first day of the Canadian Men’s Senior. The event has three regional qualifiers that non-exempt players must register for and compete to make the event. 

2026 Championship Schedule

The Men’s Senior Championship is known for its social environment with many of the players looking forward to the event to see all their friends after long winters apart. Despite this, the event is still ripe with competition for the championship and most importantly, the interprovincial team. The Men’s Senior Interprovincial team has been on an impressive run of success at the Canadian Championship over the last 20 years, with nine interprovincial team wins, a runner-up finishes last year, a third-place finish, and a pair of 4^th places. With names like Floyd Kilgore, Howard Broun, Brian Laubman, Grant Oh, Senan Foley, and Alberta Golf Hall of Famers like Frank Van Dornick and David Schultz, there’s no surprise the event is tough to win. Last year, saw David Schultz and Kevin Temple duel it out for the championship. Temple found a way to win the event, his first title since his Mid-Amateur and Mid-Master victories in 2015. He’ll look to defend his title against old foes like Brian Laubman, David Schultz, and Senan Foley. 

Friends Before Foes: The Culture Of the Men’s Senior Championship

The 2026 champion will have to play well for three days in August and that will be no easy feat at a golf course that is well known to this group of competitors. Trestle Creek has become a renowned host in Alberta. Having hosted the Alberta Open in 2019, the Men’s Mid-Master Championship in 2024, and a Golf Canada NextGen Championship in 2025. The course has proven it’s abilities to host all ages. The course offers 27 holes and a 9-hole par 3 track, built by Brad Dupuis of Dupuis International Design. The courses rolling hills, water hazards, and the extreme undulating greens will present challenges for all players as hitting the right spots on both tee shots and approaches will be key. Putting will also come to the forefront as players will have to ensure they’re not turning routine two putts into a dreaded three putt or much worse. 

Trestle Creek Golf Resort Website

As we approach the 2026 championship season and all the snow birds come home, preparation will ramp up for the seniors in Alberta as the coveted Men’s Senior Championship will again be up for grabs. The 2026 winner will have their name etched among some of the greats in our province and join a cherished tradition of competition and camaraderie.

As we settle into 2026 and enjoy an unseasonably early taste of spring across the province, Alberta Golf is pleased to share several key initiatives and upcoming developments for the year ahead. Below is an overview of what members and stakeholders can expect in the coming season.

High-Performance Support

Each year, Alberta Golf announces its identified High-Performance players ahead of the holiday season. The primary objective of the High-Performance Program is to support these athletes in achieving their developmental and competitive goals, while also providing guidance throughout the post-secondary scholarship process.

In 2026, Alberta Golf is advancing this objective by launching work on a new pilot program designed to equip athletes with comprehensive tools to support these ambitions. This initiative is being developed in collaboration with Golf Recruitment Portal, an organization founded by former NCAA Division I golfers who bring firsthand experience navigating the recruitment process.

MORE INFO ON Golf Recruitment Portal

The pilot project will focus on creating a centralized platform where Alberta golfers can:

• Build personalized athlete profiles accessible to college coaches
• Access an extensive database of coaches’ contact information
• Develop and showcase highlight videos

Additional details will be shared directly with eligible High-Performance athletes, with a broader program rollout planned in future years following evaluation of the pilot.

UpSwing Continues Its Upward Momentum

For more than a century, one of Alberta Golf’s core business priorities has been the delivery of high-level provincial championships. However, the majority of Alberta golfers are recreational players. In fact, approximately 675,000 golfers fall into this category, making it the province’s largest market segment. UpSwing was created with these golfers in mind.

Launched in 2021 as a series of recreational events, UpSwing has experienced significant growth over the past five years. This momentum is expected to continue in 2026, with the platform expanding beyond recreational events.

For event organizers, UpSwing is undergoing enhancements to function as a comprehensive ticketing and registration system, making it accessible to a wider range of event operators. UpSwing will also continue its strong commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion through its DEI Grant Program. Over the past two years, this program has distributed more than $37,000 in funding to support 40 inclusive golf initiatives, with continued investment planned for the upcoming season.

In addition, UpSwing Activation programs will remain a priority, offering golf courses and event operators engaging and innovative on-course activities.

For players, flagship UpSwing events at Banff Springs, Stewart Creek, Crowsnest Pass, Sundre (Ladies Event), Canmore, and Silvertip will all return in 2026. Registration for these events opens on April 1.

Competition Updates

Provincial championships remain central to Alberta Golf’s mission, providing players with the opportunity to test their skills against top competition across the province. In 2026, pace of play will once again be emphasized through the continued use of the Tag Marshal system.

The Men’s Mid-Master Championship will see notable changes, with the introduction of two qualifying events. This adjustment is intended to alleviate the pressure created by the previous open registration model, which regularly saw more than 200 golfers register on April 1. Exemptions for the championship will remain unchanged, with invitations issued in early March. Host venues for both the championship and qualifiers will be announced at a later date.

Following the successful introduction of a female division at the Alberta Open in 2025, the championship will once again feature both male and female competitors in 2026, reinforcing its status as a true provincial Open. Alberta Golf will invest additional resources into the event to further elevate its premier championship experience. Efforts to grow female participation on both the amateur and professional sides will continue. Further announcements will be shared through Alberta Golf’s social channels in the coming months.

Registration for all championships and qualifiers opens on April 1 at 9:00 a.m. The current championship schedule is available below.

Championship Calendar

Women’s Programming Exploration

As part of Alberta Golf’s continued commitment to growing women’s participation, efforts in 2026 will extend beyond high-performance programming. Significant work will be undertaken to expand women’s golf initiatives, including:

• Aligning with Golf Canada’s She Plays Golf brand
• Exploring new event concepts tailored to women in business and college alumni communities
• Supporting existing female-only programs through the UpSwing platform

The Women’s Amateur Championship at The Hamptons Golf Club in Calgary will also be a focal point, as Alberta Golf explores new strategies to enhance value, enjoyment, and participation.

Off-Course Golf Expands Nationwide

In alignment with Golf Canada’s newly launched national off-course golf strategy, Alberta Golf is proud to support and engage with the growing off-course golf community across the province.

Alberta Golf and Golf Canada recognize and endorse all forms of golf and encourage Canadians to experience the sport year-round through off-course opportunities. These include golf simulators, driving ranges, short-game facilities, mini golf, virtual reality golf, and golf-themed video games. By complementing traditional on-course play, off-course golf creates accessible pathways for new participants and supports lifelong engagement with the sport.

Just Swing Press Release

Alberta’s Next Generation

Maintaining golf’s position as the number one participation sport in Alberta requires continued investment in the next generation of players.

The McLennan Ross Alberta Junior Tour continues to grow annually, with no signs of slowing in 2026. The upcoming season will feature more than 25 tour stops, including the return of River Bend to the schedule. Educational showcases for new junior golfers, the Level 1 Rules Program, and the Tour Championship at Wolf Creek will further strengthen the tour’s success. Registration opens on April 1 at 12:00 p.m., with the full schedule to be released next month.

Beyond the Junior Tour, Alberta Golf remains committed to expanding the Youth on Course program, allowing juniors to play for just $5. Alberta Golf will also continue to align with First Tee programming across the province, ensuring strong grassroots development and increased access to the game for young golfers.

Youth On Course

Mclennan Ross Alberta Junior Tour

Level 2 Rules Seminar

At the start of every season, Alberta Golf puts on a Level 2 Rules Seminar for those who decide to take their rules education to the next level. This year, the Level 2 will be held at Willow Park Golf & Country Club on March 20,21, and 22. More details including how to register, what requirements, and what to expect can be found at the link below.

Referee Pathway

Alberta Golf looks forward to an exciting and impactful 2026 season and thanks its members, partners, and volunteers for their continued support.

CPKC Women’s Open Comes Back to Alberta

The best female players in the world are coming back to Alberta, as the CPKC will be held at the Royal Mayfair Golf Club in Edmonton. The CPKC Women’s Open is Golf Canada’s flagship female event and the only Canadian stop on the LPGA Tour. Just recently it was announced that the Stollery Children’s Hospital in Edmonton was named the 2026 charity partner of the event.

2026 Stollery Children’s Hospital Announcement

Information for the event including tickets, volunteering, can all be found at the link below.

CPKC Homepage

The Alberta Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship will celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2026—an ironic milestone given that the event was originally established for male golfers aged 40 and over, prior to the creation of the Mid-Master Championship. Today, the Men’s Mid-Amateur is open to the province’s top male players aged 25 and older as of the first day of the national championship. Fittingly, the provincial championship will return in 2026 to the course that hosted the inaugural event in 1986: Wolf Creek.

The first championship was won by Alberta Golf Hall of Famer Ken Tamke, and over the years the event has been captured by many of the province’s standout players, including Frank Van Dornick, Floyd Kilgore, Senan Foley, David Schultz, and numerous others. In more recent editions, Edmonton Country Club’s Neil Thomas has claimed back-to-back titles and will be seeking to become the first player to win three consecutive Alberta Men’s Mid-Amateur Championships. Among the challengers is Alex Cartwright, who recently relocated to Calgary and earned a spot on Alberta’s interprovincial team in his first year in the province. A Canmore native, Cartwright previously spent five years competing on the University of Victoria golf team. Michael Valk, a member of the 2025 interprovincial team, will also be in pursuit of his first Mid-Amateur title as one of the newer competitors in the field. Meanwhile, established regulars such as Galvon, Markiw, DenBraber, Werre, Lefaivre, and Hollman will no doubt look to play spoiler to the emerging contenders.

2025 Men’s Mid-Amateur Recap

Whoever ultimately prevails in 2026 will be tested not only by the field, but by the venue itself. Known to many Albertans as “The Wolf,” Wolf Creek presents a formidable challenge regardless of which course hosts the championship, a decision yet to be confirmed. The Old Course, the original Rod Whitman design, is described on the club’s website as “a pure inland links course winding in and out of the Wolf Creek bed.” Tour-tested and strategically demanding, it places a premium on creativity, precision, and thoughtful shot-making. Across the road, the Links Course represents an evolution of classic design principles. With wider fairways and striking natural beauty, the course is carved through expansive natural sand dunes and features rolling contours that reward both power and finesse.

Wolf Creek has long been a premier championship venue in Alberta, hosting a wide range of prestigious events. It served for many years as the home of the Alberta Open during its Canadian Tour era, has welcomed multiple Golf Canada events including NextGen tournaments, and has hosted the McLennan Ross Alberta Junior Tour Championship. Most recently, Wolf Creek earned widespread praise from competitors after hosting the Alberta Men’s Senior Championship.

Regardless of the course selection or the final field, the 2026 Alberta Men’s Mid-Amateur champion will need to outduel a deep roster of talent and successfully tame the teeth of the Wolf over three demanding days, from July 21–23. In doing so, the winner will not only join the distinguished list of past champions of one of Alberta’s most popular events, but also secure a lasting place in the history of one of the province’s finest golf courses.

Wolf Creek Golf Resort Website

With the arrival of the New Year, the golf season is just a few months away, and shortly thereafter, the 2026 Championship season will be underway. From players to watch and potential repeat champions to new events and compelling milestones, we have you covered with the 2026 Championships: Stories to Watch.

Chasing History

As attention turns to 2026, several notable players will have more than just another title at stake.
Brett Jones made history last year with his victory at Paradise Canyon, becoming just the 15th player to win back-to-back Amateur Championships and cementing his place among the province’s greats. In 2026, Jones will pursue a rare three-peat in the province’s oldest championship. A victory would place him on an even more exclusive list alongside Bob Wylie, Henry Martell, and Munroe Hunter—the only players to have accomplished this feat.

Sydney Bisgrove faces a tall challenge in 2026 following an impressive 2025 season. After a narrow miss at the Women’s Amateur, she captured the inaugural Alberta Open Women’s Championship. In 2026, she will have the opportunity to complete her trophy collection by winning the Women’s Amateur and becoming the first player to hold both the Women’s Amateur and Women’s Alberta Open titles simultaneously. Dubbed the “Sydney Slam,” the achievement would make her the first female to do so and only the second person overall, joining Henry Martell, to hold both Amateur and Open titles at the same time.

Wes Heffernan experienced a minor setback in his pursuit of history at the Alberta Open in 2025, but redemption could be on the horizon in 2026 as the championship heads to Priddis Greens. Heffernan currently sits at seven Alberta Open victories—just two shy of the record set by Stan Leonard in 1955. Could 2026 be the year he moves one step closer?

The Alberta Open

The 90th edition of the Alberta Open will build on the momentum of last season’s successful championship. The introduction of a Women’s division proved to be a major success, with more than 20 players testing their skills against the province’s top female professionals and amateurs. Alberta Golf will continue to focus on growing this division in 2026, including an increased purse for female professionals to attract additional talent. With Priddis Greens set to host on August 11 to 13, participation is expected to rise across all divisions.

A New Era In The Seniors

The 2025 Women’s Senior Championship appeared to signal a changing of the guard. Daniela Pacheco captured her first Women’s Senior title and followed it with a remarkable season that included a Mickelson National Club Championship win and a top-20 finish at the Canadian Women’s Senior. As the 2026 championship approaches, she will undoubtedly enter as the favourite.

The 2025 season also marked the return of Gisselle Willimus to competitive golf. Gisselle was a prominent figure before her departure from the game. Any rust was quickly shaken off, as she secured a spot on the interprovincial team in her first year back.
Adding further intrigue, the 2026 Canadian Women’s Senior Championship will be hosted in Alberta at Pine Hills Golf Club. With the national championship being held in the West, new faces are expected to emerge in July as players look to earn their place in the field.

Men’s Mid-Master Makeover

One of the province’s most popular championships over the past five years is undergoing a format update. Beginning this year, the Men’s Mid-Master Championship (for players aged 40+) will feature both a North and South qualifier in the spring, with players required to earn their way into the championship. The existing exemption criteria will remain the same with exemptions being sent out in early March. This change will ensure that the strongest fields are assembled while eliminating the annual rush to register on April 1.

Men’s Mid-Amateur: 40th Anniversary

The Men’s Mid-Amateur (for players aged 25+) has long been a staple on the provincial calendar, and in its 40th year, the championship will return to Wolf Creek for a special celebration. “The Wolf” hosted the inaugural Men’s Mid-Amateur in 1986, where Alberta Golf Hall of Famer Ken Tamke claimed the first title.

In 2026, Neil Thomas will be aiming for his third consecutive Mid-Amateur victory. Should he succeed, he would become the first player to achieve a three-peat in the event’s history—no small task against the demanding layout of Wolf Creek.

The Overachieving U19’s

The U19 Championship once again promises excitement, but one junior in particular has the opportunity to continue an exceptional run. Saylar May completed the Junior Crown by winning the U15 Girls, U17 Girls, and U19 Girls Championships over a three-year span. In 2026, she has the chance to close out her junior career on a high note by successfully defending her U19 title.
Should she do so, the only remaining championships missing from her trophy case would be the Women’s Amateur and the Alberta Open Women’s Championship. Regardless of what lies ahead, her junior career already stands among the best seen in the province since the emergence of players such as Katy Rutherford and Kim Qually.
 

The 2026 Championship Schedule is nearing completion and registration has been set for April 1st at 9am.

2026 Championship Schedule

The 2026 Alberta Golf High Performance Program athletes were announced on December 1 based on the set 2025 Performance Criteria. The 98 players who made the list among Tiers 2 and 3 are some of the top players within the province and we’re looking forward to watching their continued development in 2026. 

Identified players can be viewed using the link below.

High Performance Program

About the Program

The objective of the High Performance Program is to support identified players reach their developmental and competitive goals while providing guidance in securing the most appropriate post-secondary golf scholarship. 

The program aims to achieve this through supporting athletes, coaches, parents, and facilities through a tiered identification program that provides developmental training opportunities, competition guidance, and funding support for players who qualify. 

Alberta Golf is committed to developing well rounded individuals as well as high performing athletes. The core values of the program are inclusiveness, respect, ethical practices, and support. Ensuring these values are in place is critical to the success of Alberta golfers. 

This year’s program has some minor changes including the naming of the tiers and adjusted age eligibility for players. We’re pleased to announce the 2026 criteria that will be used to identify the 2027 high performance athletes next fall.  We’ve also created documents that will help parents, players, and coaches to better understand how players achieve tier status. 

Performance Criteria: Explained

The performance criteria established for each tier are meticulously selected based on a range of predetermined requirements. These criteria ensure alignment with the Alberta Golf Competitive Roadmap and incorporate identified and ranked WAGR (World Amateur Golf Ranking) and JGS (Junior Golf Scoreboard) events. The focus is on providing athletes with opportunities at the local, provincial, national, and international levels, with an emphasis on Alberta Golf and Alberta-based competitions, alongside regional and national Golf Canada championships.

The accompanying spreadsheet details the factors influencing the selection of placement requirements at the chosen events for each tier level. A primary focus in establishing the result criteria is the WAGR ranking of the event and the total field size. Based on these parameters, a specific finish, defined as a percentage of the overall field, is established for each tier, outlining the precise required placement to meet the criteria for that event.

For Alberta Golf events and selected NextGen events, the required results have been ‘boosted’ to create additional opportunities for players to achieve these standards. For example, in the Alberta Girls U19 event, which features a field of 30 players, the top 30% are recognized for achievement. This initial 30% would require a top 9 finish, however the boost increases the required result to a top 15 finish, thereby enhancing opportunities for participants to succeed and encouraging broader participation in provincial and regional events.

The performance criteria events and placing requirements are reviewed each season and required or necessary changes are made and communicated accordingly. 

Female Performance Criteria Breakdown

Male Performance Criteria Breakdown

Tier Names and Criteria

Tier 1 – International
Tier 1 players are those who excel at the national level, consistently achieving winning results. They are well-acquainted with national championships, regularly finishing in the top 10, and have celebrated victories in provincial championships. These players are on the brink of reaching their full potential as golfers and receive high-level coaching support to refine their skills.

2026 Female Tier 1 Criteria

2026 Male Tier 1 Criteria

Tier 2 – National
Tier 2 players consistently compete at the national level, successfully making the cut in national championships. At the provincial level, they are strong contenders in provincial championships and often represent Alberta on inter-provincial teams during national competitions. While they are still in development, these players possess well-defined golf games and focus on specific, actionable areas for growth, backed by substantial coaching support in most cases.

2026 Female Tier 2 Criteria

2026 Male Tier 2 Criteria

Tier 3 – Provincial
Tier 3 players primarily participate at the provincial level, successfully making the cut in provincial championships. They are in the developmental stage of their golfing journey, working on building their overall games and gaining competition experience at various local and provincial levels. They benefit from the mentorship of club professionals and junior leaders for guidance in their development.

2026 Female Tier 3 Criteria

2026 Male Tier 3 Criteria

Tier 4 – Club
Tier 4 players are juniors competing at the club level, participating in club events and junior mini-tours, while receiving guidance from their local PGA Professionals. They are focused on honing their skills and gaining valuable experience in a supportive environment.

Age Eligibility

To ensure alignment with the program’s objectives, Tier 3 is now a U19 category which is split into 4 age identified categories: U19, U17, U15, & U13. These players are in the key development stages, and this age eligibility adjustment ensures the appropriate resources are applied to Alberta junior golfers.  

Tiers 1 and 2 are now reserved for those who are active university golfers or younger to continue the support of players who’ve come through the program and are currently on post-secondary golf scholarships. 

High-Performance Summits

With the 2026 identified athletes being named, Alberta Golf is pleased to announce the first two developmental opportunities for the athletes, the 2026 High-Performance Summits.

The summits aim to provide valuable insights into the Alberta Golf High Performance program, as well as opportunities for parents and players to engage with esteemed guest speakers. Past speakers have focused on crucial topics such as mental performance, fitness, game development, and past experiences as professional athletes. 

The summit details are below. Both summits begin at 11:30am and finish at 4:30pm with lunch being provided to parents and athletes. 

Calgary Region Summit – Saturday, January 10th at the Heritage Pointe Golf Club

 CALgary region hp summit registration

Edmonton Region Summit – Saturday, January 17th at the Windermere Golf & Country Club

EDmonton region hp Summit Registration

If you have any questions about the 2026 Alberta Golf High Performance Program, please connect with John Deneer, john@albertagolf.org 

Alberta Golf and its Board of Directors were seeking qualified candidates to fill upcoming vacancies on the Board in the late stages of 2025. The application window has closed for this year and anyone interested is welcome to apply in two years. Below is more information about the Board of Directors and a Q&A with Vice President Kendra Koss.

Our Board has the ultimate responsibility to ensure Alberta Golf remains accountable to all stakeholders. This includes the development and oversight of our strategic plan as well as the fiduciary duties that come with good governance, including monitoring our financial health and managing risks.

Phil Berube, Alberta Golf CEO

The Board of Directors serves as a strategic governance body, providing high-level guidance on long-term priorities and ensuring strong governance of Alberta Golf’s operational team.

As the provincial sport organization for golf in Alberta, Alberta Golf is a registered not-for-profit society representing more than 64,000 members. In partnership with Golf Canada, the national sport organization, we work to maintain golf’s position as Canada’s leading recreational activity. We are committed to preserving the integrity of the game at over 200 golf courses across the province and to promoting golf as an inclusive sport for all participants.

The Board convenes 10 to 12 times per year, including quarterly meetings, fundraising activities, committee sessions, and other engagements. Alberta Golf is particularly interested in applicants in this cycle with expertise in finance and/or human resources. Previous experience serving on a board of directors would be considered an asset.

I think what I enjoy most about seeing how our current Board of Directors interact with one another is the high level of respect they have for one another, the diversity of thought and opinions that emerge from their dialogue, and the confidence they demonstrate as individuals in asking the tough questions.

Phil Berube, Alberta Golf CEO

Current Vice President, Kendra Koss, provides insight with a brief Q&A to share what motivates her, what she enjoys about her role, and why she believes others should consider applying to serve on the Alberta Golf Board of Directors.

1. How long have you served on the board at Alberta Golf and how did you get started? 

I have served on the Alberta Golf Board since 2018. I am a passionate golfer, as well as parent of a previous high-performance player and very active at my club in all aspects of committee work as well as serving two terms on the Board. I was approached to consider the Alberta Golf Board and was keen to get involved at the Provincial Association level. 

2. What was the driving force behind being a member of the board? 

There were several factors that motivated me to become a board member. First, I wanted to give back to a sport that has given so much to me and my family. I was also excited about the opportunity to help shape policy and guide the strategic direction of the provincial sport association, while supporting and strengthening good governance. Lastly, I hoped to serve as an advocate for players and volunteers, and to help the organization navigate unforeseen or emerging challenges.

3. What do you enjoy about being on the board? What is the most rewarding aspect of serving on our Board of Directors? 

I enjoy being on the board because it allows me to see the positive impact our work has on players, volunteers, and the broader golfing community. I also value the collaborative environment—working closely with our leadership team, management, and fellow directors is both energizing and inspiring. Serving on a policy and strategy-focused board has provided significant opportunities for personal growth and learning, which I find incredibly rewarding. Finally, staying connected to the game I love at a provincial and national level, and contributing to the ongoing growth of the Alberta Golf legacy, is one of the most meaningful aspects of my role.

4. What general experience does someone need to serve on the board? Are there particular skill sets or experiences that we’re looking to add to our board?

The Nominating Committee has developed a formal recruitment process, that utilizes a skills matrix as well as some diversity targets. Ideal candidates have some previous experience with Boards of Directors and an understanding of our governance model where we focus on strategy and policy and leave operations to the management team. We are looking to add depth to our board and required backgrounds. We will be losing 3 seasoned directors in the coming months and have big shoes to fill! We will have a specific vacancy in human resources and will be looking to find a director with that background.  

5. Why should people apply to be a member of the Alberta Golf Board of Directors?  

People should consider applying to the Alberta Golf Board of Directors because it offers a meaningful opportunity to give back to the sport and to contribute to the future of golf in our province. It’s an excellent role for those who want to help shape and advance Alberta Golf’s vision, bring fresh perspectives, and influence high-level decisions that support the sport’s long-term success.

On a personal level, serving on the board is also a chance to connect with passionate, like-minded individuals while continuing to learn, grow, and develop as a leader. For anyone who wants to make a genuine impact while being part of a dedicated and engaged community, the Alberta Golf Board of Directors is an ideal place to get involved.