The 90th Alberta Open Championship wrapped up yesterday, and what a special week it was. From challenging weather and leaderboard movement to a playoff finish for the Men’s Championship, there was no shortage of excitement throughout the week. Let’s take a look at everything that happened.

Round 1

Round one started cold and gloomy, but that didn’t stop the morning wave from heating up on the course.

On the Women’s side, Jayla Kucy jumped out to an early lead with a 74 (+2), while familiar names such as Sydney Bisgrove, Tessa Ion, and Camilla Ruesga-Rojas remained only a few shots back.

On the Men’s side, Brendan MacDougall’s return to Alberta Golf events was highlighted by a stunning 65 (-7). Dillon Batsel, Brett Jones, and Hunter Thomson followed closely behind, all remaining within a few shots of the lead.

In the afternoon, the skies opened up and play was delayed due to lightning. Players were eventually able to return to the course, but despite everyone’s best efforts, two groups were required to return the following morning to complete their final two holes.

Round 2

The rain from the previous day continued for most of Day Two. The two groups that had not completed their opening rounds returned in the morning to finish before preparing to head back out onto the course.

Due to the rain and pooling water around the course, play was suspended for another hour. Play eventually resumed and was completed, and the day even turned into a beautiful evening, with the sun shining on the afternoon groups.

Kucy remained focused and continued to display impressive golf, firing a 71 (-1) to extend her lead to five shots.

The Men’s leaderboard received plenty of attention as MacDougall fired a 69 to reach 10-under par. Thomson posted the low round of the day with a 66 to join MacDougall at the top, while Batsel continued his steady play with another 67 to complete the three-way tie for the lead.

Final Day

The final day followed a similar story to the opening round, starting off cold before rain moved in during the afternoon.

In the Women’s Division, Kucy faltered slightly with a 75, her highest score of the week, but was able to right the ship and fend off a charging Bisgrove, who fired a 71 to finish second. She remarked that is was a great way to end her Alberta season as she heads back to school on Monday. “I felt like I was playing well all week throughout my bag, but my lag putting really helped including making some bombs” she added when discussing her play this week.

In the Professional Division, Shaye Leidenius and Sarah Armstrong battled throughout the week, but Leidenius was able to fend her off thanks to her impressive opening rounds of 76 and 74. Leidenius went home with the $3,000 first-place professional cheque.

The Men’s Division had no shortage of fireworks, and the back nine had everyone watching the leaderboard as several players remained in contention.

At the turn, it looked like it was going to be a two-person race, with MacDougall and Batsel pulling slightly away from Thomson. Everything changed on No. 15, when Thomson went on a run of three consecutive birdies to tie MacDougall for the lead.

On the 18th, MacDougall and Thomson both hit impressive third shots, leaving themselves with almost identical putts. MacDougall drilled his for birdie, leaving it up to Thomson to match him.
“I didn’t think I made it,” Thomson remarked with a chuckle after the round.

But he did.

After the cards were signed, a playoff was needed to determine the Alberta Open Champion.
The playoff hole, No. 18 on Raven, was a little wet but ready to go. The two players hit identical drives and second shots, but their third shots were a little different. Thomson came out of the bunker a little long, while MacDougall was hitting from the fairway and left himself with a 10-footer.

It seemed like the advantage was with MacDougall until a great up-and-down from Thomson and a narrowly missed putt from MacDougall meant it was back to the tee.

Once again, the players played the hole almost identically. Their approach shots impressed all the dedicated fans gathered around the green, but Thomson had the edge, leaving himself with a very short putt.

MacDougall hit his eight-footer and, once again, narrowly missed. This left Thomson with a tap-in to become the Alberta Open Champion.

After the round, Thomson mentioned how nice it was to be home following a busy stretch with the PGA TOUR Americas. He also reflected on the significance of the victory, saying, “how cool is it that my name is on something that Moe Norman also won.”

The Low Amateur competition on the Men’s side was a two-horse race throughout the entire week between the defending Men’s Amateur Champion and the previous Men’s Amateur Champion. The two had also just come off a battle at the top of the Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship. Tobias Buffam was able to best Brett Jones with a birdie on his final hole.

With Tobias claiming the first Morse Cup Team spot and Brett claiming the second, Jesse Galvon will round out the 2027 Morse Cup Team.

The full leaderboard for all divisions can be found below.

Full Leaderboard – 90th Alberta Open

A Tremendous Host

With all the delays and inclement weather throughout the week, Priddis Greens Golf & Country Club was a tremendous host. The club showcased its amazing attention to detail, assisting with moving players and getting them onto the course when required.

They also did an incredible job supporting Alberta Golf’s newest addition to The Open, the exclusive Players’ Lounge. The lounge provided players with breakfast, lunch, and dinner throughout all three days of the championship.

The support from Priddis Greens throughout the week cannot be understated, including the tremendous efforts of the many volunteers who were present throughout the championship.

Notable Highlights

• The 90th Alberta Open Men’s Championship was won with a birdie on the second playoff hole.
• This marks the first time, to Alberta Golf’s knowledge, that an amateur has technically claimed all three Morse Cup Team spots through winning the Alberta Men’s Amateur Championship, winning Low Amateur at the Alberta Open, and being the best Alberta finisher at the Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship.
• Jayla Kucy’s win is her first Alberta Golf victory since 2020, when she won the U15 Girls’ Championship. She has had several close calls over the past few years, including two top 10 finishes in the Women’s Amateur, one of which saw her get an interprovincial team spot in 2025.
• This is the second time that the Alberta Open Women’s Division has been won by an amateur player.

One of Alberta Golf’s oldest and most prestigious championships is set to tee off for the 90th time this week, and the venue selected for this milestone edition is no stranger to the bright lights that come with an event of this calibre.

Priddis Greens Golf & Country Club will host the Alberta Open Championship from August 11–13, setting the stage for what promises to be one of the most exciting editions of the championship yet.

Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the 90th Alberta Open.

The Course

While relatively young compared to some of Alberta’s most historic golf clubs, Priddis Greens Golf & Country Club has quickly established itself as one of the province’s premier golf destinations.

Set against a stunning natural backdrop with the Rocky Mountains on the horizon, the facility offers an exceptional blend of beauty and performance. From its impressive practice range and performance centre to a clubhouse overlooking the surrounding landscape, every aspect of Priddis Greens reflects a commitment to high-level golf.

With 36 holes available to members, the facility has become a destination worthy of hosting some of the biggest events in Canadian golf. That reputation was further cemented through three successful editions of the CPKC Women’s Open, giving Priddis Greens valuable experience on the national stage and preparing the club for another major week of competition.

For the Alberta Open, players will compete exclusively on the Raven Course. While only one of the club’s two courses will be in play, as John Wilson explains in his interview, the Raven will provide more than enough challenge for the field.

Click the link below to read the full interview with John as part of the 2026 Alberta Golf Yearbook, where he discusses the appeal of the Alberta Open, the challenges players will face at Priddis Greens, and what makes the club such a special place to host this championship.

2026 YEarbook Preview – The Alberta Open

The Event

The Alberta Open brings together some of the province’s best players, giving professional and amateur competitors — men and women — the opportunity to compete for a provincial championship on the same stage.

On the men’s side, a field of 102 players will compete through the first two rounds before the field is cut to the top 60 and ties for the final round, where the 2026 Alberta Open Men’s Champion will be crowned.

The Women’s division will feature no cut, with the entire field competing across all three rounds.

By the end of championship week, multiple titles will be awarded across both divisions, including Low Amateur, Low Professional, and the Alberta Open Men’s and Women’s Championships.

The Alberta Open has experienced its share of highs and lows throughout its long and storied history, but as the championship approaches its 90th edition, it enters this milestone year with considerable momentum.

In 2025, Alberta Golf introduced a Women’s division, creating another opportunity for female golfers to compete at the highest level in the province. The response has been encouraging. In just its second year, the division has grown enough to fill its field, offering a promising indication of what the future could hold.

As Alberta Golf looks ahead, there are plenty of opportunities to continue elevating the championship. Potential sponsorship opportunities, continued growth of the Women’s division and both championship purses, a renewed focus on the event’s rich history, official merchandise, and an enhanced player experience are all part of the conversation as the Alberta Open continues to build toward its next chapter.

The 90th edition is more than another tournament — it’s an opportunity to celebrate the history of the championship while laying the foundation for where it can go next.

The Players

There will be no shortage of local talent on either side of the field, with a number of Alberta’s top players set to compete for a championship at one of the province’s premier golf facilities.

With plenty of star power, experience and emerging talent in the field, the race for the Alberta Open title should be one to watch from the opening tee shot to the final putt.

Here’s a look at some of the notable names in the field:

Click the buttons below to see the pairings and tee times for Rounds 1 & 2.

Round 1 Pairings

Round 2 Pairings

The Alberta Open is drawing closer each day, and the 90th edition is shaping up to be one of the most memorable in the championship’s history. Over nine decades, the Alberta Open has experienced an eventful evolution—from serving as one of the province’s flagship championships in its early years, to periods of cancellation, to a stop on the Canadian Tour, and now to its current role as a true provincial open welcoming professionals, amateurs, men, and women alike. There is no more fitting venue to celebrate this milestone than Priddis Greens Golf & Country Club, which will host the championship August 11–13.

Designed by Alberta Golf Hall of Fame member Bill Newis, Priddis Greens is a modern facility with a distinguished history of championship golf. The club has hosted the Canadian Women’s Open—now the CPKC Women’s Open—on three occasions, first in 1999 and most recently in 2016 when fan favourite Brooke Henderson claimed the title. Hosting events of this calibre has become second nature at Priddis Greens, with many tournament traditions now part of its daily operations, from starters on the first tee and daily pin sheets to painted cups and other championship details. While competitors will only face the Raven Course, its challenging 18-hole layout will provide a fitting test for every player in the field.

Priddis Greens G&CC Website

The Alberta Open has become a true provincial championship with the addition of a Women’s Division in 2025, and the field continues to grow. This year’s championship has expanded from 20 competitors in its inaugural year to a full field of 40 players. The amateur contingent features many of Alberta’s brightest stars, including Saylar May (2025 U17 and U19 Champion), Tessa Ion (113th Alberta Women’s Amateur Champion), and Sydney Bisgrove, the inaugural Alberta Open Women’s Champion. Alexis Skyesong also returns to Alberta Golf championship competition for the first time since representing the province on the Women’s Interprovincial Team in 2018. On the professional side, Nicola Greaves, Jennifer Ha, Dorothy Schultz, and Sarah Armstrong headline a talented field competing for the title.

The Men’s Division is equally deep, featuring past champions and some of the province’s top talent. Wes Heffernan returns as a perennial favourite as he continues his pursuit of Stan Leonard’s record of nine Alberta Open victories. Defending champion Benson White, who also holds the distinction of being the youngest Low Amateur in Alberta Open history, will look to retain his title. Leading the amateur field is Tobias Buffam, fresh off his victory at the 114th Alberta Men’s Amateur Championship. The professional field also welcomes several Alberta players back home following their time on PGA TOUR Americas, including Hunter Thomson, Brendan MacDougall, and Max Sekulic. Another notable addition is Kiefer Jones, the world’s No. 1 blind golfer, who is set to make his Alberta Open debut.

With a championship-calibre venue and one of the strongest fields in recent memory, the stage is set for a memorable 90th Alberta Open. Players and spectators can also look forward to several new additions around the championship that will further enhance the event experience. One final qualifier remains, currently scheduled for July 20. Once that concludes, the field will be finalized, and anticipation will continue building toward the opening round on August 11.

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