The Alberta Golf Foundation and Alberta Golf are pleased to announce the distribution of $78,000 in scholarships to the following 44 students.

 Scholarships are made possible through contributions from AGLC as well as from the following funds: 

• Vic Baer Memorial Golf Fund at Calgary Foundation 
• Marg Condon Memorial Fund 
• R.E. & Betty Courage Memorial Fund 
• Festival Family Scholarship Fund 
• Frank Lindsay Memorial Fund 
• Jeff Llewellyn Memorial Fund 
• Charles C. Reid Memorial Scholarships Fund at Calgary Fdn. 
• Bob Rintoul Memorial Fund 
• Lola Rozsa Memorial Fund 
• Christa Spahmann Memorial Fund 

For more information about the Alberta Golf Foundation, click the link below.

https://www.albertagolffoundation.org

This article was originally published on the Golf Canada website by the National Allied Golf Associations (NAGA)

The National Allied Golf Associations (NAGA) will host its Hill Day in Ottawa on May 26th, to coincide with National Golf Day. NAGA delegates will be meeting with Members of Parliament and Senators to highlight the Canadian golf industry’s unprecedented economic and social momentum.

As a coalition of Canada’s five major golf associations – Golf Canada; National Golf Course Owners Association (NGCOA) Canada; the Club Management Association of Canada (CMAC); Professional Golfers Association of Canada (PGA of Canada); and the Canadian Golf Superintendents Association (CGSA) – NAGA advocates for the sector with a single, unified voice.

Golf serves as a key pillar of the Canadian economy, generating more than $23 billion in total economic impact and $4.7 billion in tax revenues. The industry supports 239,000 jobs, including employment for 45,000 students annually, and helps to raise over $382 million for charitable causes.

“The sector has undergone a historic transformation since 2020. Today, golf is much more than a seasonal pastime; it has evolved into a year-round cultural force, an economic engine, and an accessible, mainstream platform for community connection enjoyed by over 6 million players,” said Kathryn Wood, Chair of NAGA. “Alongside these economic and social benefits, the industry is deeply committed to protecting and enhancing our role as stewards for the environment.”

Through sustainable turf management practices across 2,100 golf courses in Canada—90% of which are publicly accessible—the industry acts as stewards for almost 250,000 acres of greenspace, playing a leading role in wildlife conservation and carbon sequestration.

“As an accessible, outdoor activity for Canadians of all ages and abilities, golf serves as a primary vehicle for preventative health and social connection, particularly within rural and remote communities where local courses often act as the primary hubs for social infrastructure,” said Wood.

NAGA welcomes the opportunity to work with parliamentarians, senators and the public service to capitalize on the sport’s momentum by expanding accessibility for all Canadians, fostering industry-wide innovation, and bolstering the sector’s contribution to healthy communities, responsible resource management, and environmental stewards from the grassroots to the international stage.

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.

On April 29, a historic milestone was reached within the Canadian golf industry as the PGA of Canada announced that Tiffany Gordon of Calgary, Alberta, will serve as the association’s first female president. The announcement followed the organization’s Annual General Meeting, which was held virtually.

For those within Alberta’s golf community, the news comes as little surprise. Tiffany Gordon has long been a respected leader and influential figure in the province’s golf landscape. Her journey in the game began with a decorated amateur career, highlighted by three ACAC championships and recognition as Female Athlete of the Year while studying Business Administration at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology.

Following graduation, Gordon began her professional career at Cottonwood Golf & Country Club, where she excelled in a variety of leadership roles, including Head Professional, General Manager, Executive Professional, and Director of Operations. She later transitioned to a teaching role with the Golf Academy before moving to Carnmoney Golf Club, where she currently serves as Director of Clubhouse Operations.

Tiffany Gordon Carnmoney BIo

Gordon’s distinguished résumé reflects both longevity and excellence. Over a 35-year career in the golf industry—including more than 25 years as a Class A professional in Alberta—she has earned numerous accolades. These include the 2005 Club Professional of the Year Award, serving as PGA of Alberta Board President from 2009 to 2011, being named Business in Calgary Magazine’s Business Leader of the Year in 2016, and receiving the Golf Canada Distinguished Service Award in 2024. She has also contributed extensively through committee work and is widely recognized for helping shape the brand and culture of the PGA of Alberta.

Her leadership extends beyond the PGA of Alberta. Gordon served on the Alberta Golf Board of Directors from 2012 to 2022, playing a key role in strengthening governance and supporting the development of major initiatives, including UpSwing by Alberta Golf, the organization’s recreational golf platform. Her commitment to community is equally notable, with involvement in charitable efforts supporting organizations such as Kids Against Cancer, Cystic Fibrosis, Alcove, and Easter Seals Alberta.

A dedicated advocate for growing the game, Gordon has consistently championed opportunities for women and junior golfers. Her contributions through programs such as Golfaround, love.golf, Carnmoney’s women’s and junior initiatives, her own TAG Pro Golf Program, and the Jerry Miller 5 Wood Foundation for Junior Development have been both impactful and widely recognized.

Gordon’s philosophy is straightforward: passion and involvement drive education and growth. As the PGA of Canada’s 51st President, she brings a wealth of experience, insight, and leadership. Her longstanding commitment to the game ensures she will guide the association with both purpose and perspective.

Tiffany Gordon PGA of Canada Bio

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

Alberta Golf – March 18, 2026

The Annual General Meeting of the Voting Members of the Alberta Golf Association was held virtually on Wednesday, March 18, 2026. As part of business conducted during the meeting the following individuals were elected to the Board of Directors:

2026 ALBERTA GOLF BOARD OF DIRECTORS

• Shane Abel, The Winston Golf Club
• Brent Bailey, Windermere Golf & Country Club
• Morgan Bell, The Glencoe Golf & Country Club
• Jennifer Biernaskie, Public Players Club
• Kim Carrington, Cottonwood Golf & Country Club
• Kendra Koss, Earl Grey Golf Club
• Brian Laubman, Highlands Golf Club 
• Chris Leach, Valley Ridge Golf Club
• Ross Nesbitt, Country Hills Golf Club
• Bob Paley, Kananaskis Country Golf Course

Three Board Members had their terms come to an end at this year’s AGM: Mark Bamford, Ken Knowles and Lorraine Moster. The three were acknowledged throughout the proceedings for their commitment to Alberta Golf over the past ten years.

Alberta Golf is pleased to announce the addition of four new Board Members: Bob Paley, Morgan Bell, Brian Laubman, and Shane Abel. Click on the drop downs below for more about each of the new incoming Board Members

2026 ALBERTA GOLF OFFICERS

The Board of Directors met after the AGM and named the following officers:

• President: Brent Bailey
• Vice President and Treasurer: Ross Nesbitt
• Secretary: Jennifer Biernaskie

Golf Canada’s President Adam Daifallah and CEO Laurence Applebaum were also in attendance and provided the audience with their comments about the strength of the existing relationship between Golf Canada and Alberta Golf as well as the bright future that exists for golf in our country.

View the 2025 Annual Report Here

Alberta Golf is pleased to announce that Alberta will participate in the prestigious North Pacific Junior Girls Match Play in 2026. The tournament will take place May 21–23 at the North Course at Golden Eagle Golf Club in British Columbia.

History

The event was established in 1987 by Joan ‘Jo-Anne’ Teats, founder of the Washington Junior Girls Golf Association, in collaboration with Joan Green, a member of the British Columbia branch of the Canadian Ladies Golf Association. The tournament was created with the goal of encouraging girls to play golf in a fun and competitive environment.

The event has been held annually since its inception, with the exception of two years during the COVID-19 pandemic. Alberta has previously participated in the competition and captured the team title in 2002, with players such as Meaghan Leblanc, Jennifer Ha, and Nicole Forshner representing the province.

While the exact year Alberta last sent a team is unclear, participation is believed to have paused in the late 2000s.

NPJG Event History

The Event

The North Pacific Junior Girls Match Play follows a format similar to the Alberta–Montana Ryder Cup. Participating provinces and states traditionally bring teams of six junior girls to compete in a points-based match play format over two days, featuring four-ball, foursomes, and singles matches.

In 2026, the event format will be adjusted, with teams of four competing. In addition to Alberta, the participating associations will include British Columbia, Washington, and Oregon. The event alternates annually between host locations in Canada and the United States.

Team Alberta

Alberta will be represented by a strong lineup of junior golfers selected through the Alberta Golf High-Performance Program criteria. Eligible athletes who achieved the highest standing within the program’s selection process were chosen to represent the province.

Team Alberta for the 2026 North Pacific Junior Girls Match Play will include:

• Sela Ogada
• Alessandra Sundquist
• Olivia Johnson
• Raylee Denton

High performance criteria and bios

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