Golfers love new stuff.

New clubs. New balls. New places to play, or new additions at the course you call home.

So what’s new this season on Alberta’s golf scene? We’re glad you asked! 

New nine: Lac La Biche Golf Club

In early August, Lac La Biche Golf Club will debut a completely overhauled front nine, and regulars can hardly wait to test out the new tee-boxes and see flags in the new greens. The Alberta-based design duo of Bryan Ohnysty and Paul Crough put an emphasis on playability with their renovation work, adding width and introducing new angles. At the same time, they also enhanced the sightlines to really show off the natural setting. The new eye candy is especially noticeable as you size up your approach shot on the Par-4 fourth hole. Remember that old advice about keeping your head down when you swing? With the lake providing a beautiful backdrop, we wish you luck!

New 12: Sandy Point Resort Golf Club

If you love to check out new courses, you should be planning a road-trip this summer to Sandy Point Resort Golf Club, which is located on the west side of Gull Lake just outside Bentley. This new-kid-on-the block opened in June for its inaugural season. What sets Sandy Point apart? For starters, it is a 12-hole layout, only the second of its kind in Alberta, and plays to a par of 47. Six-hole rounds are also an option. You will enjoy the views of the lake, but try to keep your ball from going for a swim of its own in one of several on-course water hazards. Hole 12 is a 175-yard knee-knocker across a pond, an opportunity for a walk-off birdie.  

New clubhouse: The Winston Golf Club

It should be a challenge to steer a great round across the finish line, and a dynamite closing stretch is part of what makes The Winston Golf Club one of Calgary’s best tests. It shouldn’t, however, be tricky to navigate around the clubhouse, which is why a replacement was long overdue at this semi-private facility. The soon-to-be-opened new clubhouse at The Winston is a 21,000-square-foot stunner. The first floor of this two-storey walkout is all about golf, including a spacious pro shop, bright locker-rooms and year-round simulator bays. The upper level features dining, lounge and hospitality space. The view from the patio will be awesome, a perfect perch for recapping the stellar shots that sealed a low round. 

There is also a new clubhouse sprouting at Speargrass Golf Course in Carseland. It’s now fully framed and likely to be finished in the fall.

New name: The Coyote Golf Club

If you were tracking the leaderboards during the 2026 Alberta U19 Championships, you might have found yourself thinking, ‘Is this a new course? I don’t recognize the name.’ The Coyote is actually a familiar venue, just with fresh branding. This 18-hole setup in Sundre was formerly known as Coyote Creek Golf & RV Resort. The logo is awesome, so you might be tempted to buy a hat, shirt or ball marker. Outside the pro shop, you will discover why this is such a popular stop for both tournament competitors and green-fee guests — a peaceful setting in the pines, delicate approach shots that will get your pulse racing, and an expansive practice facility.    

New and improved: River Bend Golf & Recreation Area

There is nothing better than carding a birdie on one of the toughest holes on a golf course. And since you always pay a little extra attention when lining up those putts, you may find yourself admiring one of the new greens at River Bend Golf & Recreation Area in Red Deer, where they replaced four of the dance-floors while installing a new irrigation system. It’s now back to business as usual at one of Central Alberta’s most popular tracks after they operated as a modified nine-holer in 2025. One of the rebuilt putting surfaces is a beauty at No. 2, rated on the scorecard as the hardest assignment at River Bend. Can you be among the first to sink a birdie putt on this new green? 

New, but inspired by old: Edmonton Country Club

The members at Edmonton Country Club are still learning the nuances of what sometimes feels like a totally new course. After gradual reopenings in 2024 and 2025, this marks the first full season since a major renovation project that included all 18 greens and 63 bunkers. Those sand-traps are a bit of a throwback, because consulting architect Ian Andrew set out to mirror the style of the legendary Stanley Thompson, who left his mark at Edmonton Country Club in the 1940s. Thompson, we’re sure, would appreciate the flash facing and intricate shaping of these remodelled bunkers. Unless he was too busy admiring the enhanced views of the downtown skyline and river valley.  

New century: Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge

Last summer had double significance for Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge — this historic course celebrated its 100th birthday while also marking its grand reopening after a devastating wildfire in 2024. If you have a tee-time at this mountain masterpiece during Year 101, you will see how busy they’ve been. Recovery efforts since the fire have included the removal of more than 10,000 burned and damaged trees, the planting of hundreds of mature trees, the restoration of several green-sites to Thompson’s original design, the installation of a new irrigation system, the replacement of wildlife fencing and on-course furnishings, and the reintroduction of the short-game practice area. And that’s not even the full list. 

While we’re talking triple digits, congratulations are also in order to Canmore Golf & Curling Club. Staff and members at this popular mountain hangout celebrated their centennial in the spring.

This is a small sample of new features in Alberta, so get out there and check out everything courses have to offer.

We’re a bit biased, of course, but we think this is the best time of year.

The fairways and greens are now open. The birdie putts are starting to fall. Competitive golfers are preparing and game-planning for their big events, daydreaming of winning a provincial or national title in 2026. Or, better yet, winning both.

If you’ve entered a big event, or at least signed up for a qualifier, you have a lot to look forward to.

We’ve scanned the schedule for what we’re calling our Trophy 18— a selection of signature, standout and make-or-break holes from the various venues for the provincial and national showdowns to be played in Alberta this summer. 

From beauties to beasts, and some that fit both, here goes … 

PROVINCIAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

Hole 8 at Sundre Golf Club

Host of 2026 Alberta Best Ball Championship (May 18)

This might be the skinniest fairway in all of Alberta. Standing on the tee, it certainly feels that way. As long as you can find the short stuff, even with a hybrid or iron, this is a golden opportunity for birdie. If you’re in the trees, it’s added pressure on your best ball partner. 

Hole 16 at Water Valley Golf & Country Club

Host of 2026 Alberta Men’s Mid-Master Championship (June 23-25)

This Par-3 is easy on the eyes but also capable of ruining a good round. Players will be tempted to club up to avoid dropping one into the drink, but too much oomph will leave a delicate chip — or sand shot — from deep of the green. You’ll need to trust your distance control.   

Hole 8 on Big River Nine at Fort McMurray Golf Club

Host of Alberta Men’s Amateur Championship (July 7-9)

The resilient Fort McMurray Golf Club will be a treat for tournament competitors. This Par-5 is one of several beauties beside the Athabasca River, but don’t let the scenery distract you from the task at hand — weighing whether you can muscle your second shot over a creek or if you’d be wise to lay up.

Hole 15 at The Hamptons Golf Club

Host of Alberta Women’s Amateur Championship (July 7-9)

You typically expect the shortest Par-3 on the scorecard to provide a sigh of relief, but that’s not necessarily the case here. Although it’s barely over 100 yards, it’s all carry across the water to a shallow green that offers some devilish pin positions. The sigh of relief comes if you walk away with a two putt par.

Hole 10 at The Coyote Golf Club

Host of 2026 Alberta U19 Championship (July 14-16)

Distance can be both your best friend and biggest enemy on this picturesque Par-5. With a big bop off the tee, and these talented teens are certainly capable of going deep, there’s a good chance of getting home in two. Thing is, that means firing your second shot across a long pond. Better to play it safe?  

THE Coyote Golf Club Hole 10 Flyover

Hole 4 on Old Course at Wolf Creek Golf Resort

Host of 2026 Alberta Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship (July 21-23)

A narrow chute that is nicknamed Hawk’s Alley, this is one of Alberta’s most intimidating tee-shots. For Wolf Creek’s tightest fairway, select the straightest and most trustworthy club in your bag — and don’t you dare think about driver! If you empty a sleeve of balls into the creek or shrubbery, you’ll spoil your trophy chances. 

Hole 5 at The Ranch Golf & Country Club 

Host of 2026 Alberta Women’s Senior Championship (July 29-31)

Regulars at The Ranch call it ‘The Pit’ or ‘Pit of Doom.’ Just short of the fifth green, there’s a deep grass gully that you’d really rather avoid. If your ball settles at the bottom, you’ll be about 75 feet below the dance-floor. Even if you’re a wizard with a wedge, it will be a difficult recovery.

The Ranch G&CC – Hole 5 Course Tour

Hole 16 at Trestle Creek Golf Resort

Host of 2026 Alberta Men’s Senior Championship (August 4-6)

This island-green assignment is one of those that you start to think about — and start to worry about — several holes in advance. Whether you’re sitting atop the leaderboard or trying to pull off an epic comeback, this signature shortie has turning-point potential. From an elevated launchpad, the wind always seems to be a factor.

Hole 10 on Raven Course at Priddis Greens

Host of the Alberta Open Championship (August 11-13)

Alberta Open competitors are pumped to play the Raven at Priddis Greens. Among the many highlight holes is No. 10, a fun Par-4 that tumbles downward into the valley and offers both a superb view and strong chance for birdie. Be sure to examine your putt from all angles because this green is sneaky subtle.

Hole 18 at Alberta Springs Golf Resort

Host of 2026 Alberta U15 & U13 Championship (August 17-18)

The youngsters always post some astonishing scores at the Alberta U15 & U13 Championship, and so often the trophy chase comes right down to the wire. This Par-5 is reachable in two, but the work isn’t done yet. On a multi-tiered green, and with spectators gathered around, can you close it out with the flat-stick? 

Hole 7 at Broadmoor Public Golf Course

Host of 2026 Alberta All Abilities Championship (August 20-22)

This is a knee-knocker, especially if your misses tend to wander left. There’s a water hazard that runs all the way up the left of this fairway, then wraps around the back of the green. The good news is it’s relatively early in your round, allowing some time to recover from a big number.

Hole 1 at Connaught Golf Club

Host of 2026 Alberta U17 Championship (August 24-26) 

At a tree-lined layout like Connaught, that first swing is arguably the most important of the day. With timber on either side of the fairway, this opening drive demands a high degree of accuracy. If you’re able to execute and find the short stuff, you’ll feel like you’ve set the tone for a stripe show.

Hole 17 at Coloniale Golf Club

2026 Alberta Men’s Super Senior Championship (September 3-4) 

If you have been struggling out of the bunkers, and you’re bound to be in a few on this links-style course, you might be shaking in your soft spikes as you size up this approach. The putting surface at No. 17 is surrounded by sand, five traps in total. If you’d rather not rake, there’s really no good miss. 

Holes 4/15 at Kananaskis Country Golf Course

Host of 2026 Alberta Interclub Championship (September 8)

The Alberta Interclub Championship utilizes both courses in K-Country, so how about a two-for-one? Whether you’re playing the signature fourth hole on the Mount Kidd layout or aiming across the river on No. 15 on Mount Lorette, you need to keep your tee-ball dry before you can think about draining the birdie putt.

NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

Hole 16 at Mickelson National Golf Club

Co-host of Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship (July 27-30)

We all know how Phil Mickelson feels about “hitting bombs,” and that is certainly the strategy on No. 16, where you blast away at the green and hope to be putting for eagle. Could we see an albatross during the Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship? On this dandy of a drivable Par-4, it’s a definite possibility. 

Hole 9 on Heritage Nine at Heritage Pointe Golf Club

Co-host of Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship (July 27-28)

There should be some drama on this hole during the second round of the Canadian Men’s Amateur, especially among players figuring they need a birdie or eagle to make the cut. It’s possible to shave a stroke or even two on this Par-5, but it will require a heroic second shot into an island green.  

Heritage Pointe – About The Course

Hole 18 at Royal Mayfair Golf Club

Host of CPKC Women’s Open (August 19-23)

When Royal Mayfair last hosted the LPGA Tour stars in 2013, Lydia Ko capped a dominant performance with one more birdie on the closing hole. While Ko was cruising to victory, No. 18 has all the necessary ingredients for a dramatic finish — especially if the Sunday pin is tucked left, forcing a nervy approach across a pond.

Hole 14 at Pine Hills Golf Club

Host of 2026 Canadian Women’s Senior Championship (September 16-18)

Many Alberta-based golfers consider this course to be one of our hidden gems, a secret that will be shared as this national championship is contested in Rocky Mountain House. Hole 14 is Pine Hills at its finest — peaceful, framed by tall trees and with interesting angles that reward precise placement or crafty shot-shaping.  

Pine Hills GC Hole 14 – Flyover

The youngest crop of competitors in Alberta Golf Championship play are returning to a familiar course in 2026, as Alberta Springs Golf Resort is the host of the 2026 U15 & U13 Championship come August 17-18. 

The U15 & U13 Championship is entering its second season as a separate event, following the impressive success it saw in 2025. The change saw over 80 players competing in the two-day event last year at Lakeside Golf Club. The change came with the separation of the U17 division into its own championship providing those older players another WAGR ranked event for college recruitment, while letting the younger players have their own event without the pressures of the older generation. The change increased total junior participation numbers by 40 players if compared to the 2024 championship. 

Alberta Springs has been a tremendous supporter of Alberta Golf having hosted a junior championship since 2020. The courses’ central location makes it an ideal location for players from across the province to attend the event. The course sets up beautifully for players of all skill levels offering four different options for players to use to tee off. The course offers plenty of variety for players including some holes where precision is required on your tee shot like Holes #2, #4, #10, and #16. There are also places where the juniors can let it fly including #1, #3, #9, #14, and #15. 

Alberta Springs GR Website

This championship is special, as it has four different divisions all competing at the same time. There’s a Boys’ and Girls’ divisions for both U15 and U13. Players must be under 15, as of August 1 in order to be eligible to compete. For more information about eligibility for this championship click the link below. 

As for the field this year, new champions will likely be crowned in all the divisions. Last season saw Bennett Love and Oscar Gosgnach both repeat as champions in the U15 and U13 categories, while new champions were crowned in both Girls’ divisions with Olivia Van Kesteren and Danika Horcica claiming their maiden victories with Alberta Golf.

The U15 & U13 Championship is the perfect place for players to begin exploring championship golf, but it’s recommended that new players try out our McLennan Ross Alberta Junior Tour before registering. The MRAJT is the #1 competitive onboarding junior tour in the province, where education and fun in golf go hand in hand. The goal of the tour is to educate new juniors on the ins and outs of championship golf like scoring procedures, swapping scorecards, and the Rules of Golf, while keeping a fun and stress-free atmosphere. 

Championship Calendar

MRAJT Schedule

In 2025, there are plenty of courses celebrating milestones, but none are bigger than the 100-year anniversary being celebrated by Lacombe Golf & Country Club. As part of this celebration, Alberta Golf is pleased to announce them as the host of the 2025 Men’s Mid-Master Championship.

The Men’s Mid-Master Championship started in 2015 but separated into its own event in 2020 and has become one of Alberta Golf’s most popular events. In 2023, the event format was changed from a two-day to a three-day competition. Last year, Trestle Creek Golf Resort played host to the event, which saw Chris Thayer win the event, beating Brian Laubman by 6 strokes. The Men’s Mid-Master Championship is open to male players aged 40 and above, as of the first day of the Canadian Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship.

Lacombe Golf & Country Club is one of the top courses in central Alberta, but has only hosted the U19 Girls Championship, first in 1989 won by Brenda Wigord, and then in 2004 which was won by Susan Nam. Lacombe’s storied history began in the early 1900’s with golfers bashing balls around sheep pastures. In 1914, these golfers moved to the McCauley sheep pasture, which is the current site of LGCC. After the First World War, a club was formed with a permanent nine-hole course established. In March 1925, Lacombe Golf & Country Club became a registered joint stock company. It wasn’t until 1958 when the second nine holes were approved and in 1960 the 18-hole track was officially opened. The next 65 years saw the course and clubhouse continually improve and is now set to host the 2025 Men’s Mid-Master Championship.

Weston Gillett, head professional at Lacombe Golf & Country Club, is excited to have Alberta Golf as part of their celebrations, and so are the members with many of them showing interest in playing in the event already. “The club’s history is one of great pride for our members with many of them being here a long time and making this place their second home” remarked Weston. In addition to the Mid-Master Championship, the course has lots planned at the course and within the community this summer to celebrate.

“We have plans to host a public only community day where we will be hosting a shotgun to outside players only with a green fee of $19.25 to showcase our facility to our great community of Lacombe and Central AB. We will also be hosting the following weekend a gala and golf day for our members to commemorate our anniversary. Last summer we participated in the Lacombe Days Parade to bring awareness of our 100-year anniversary and plan to participate this year as well. We have a committee that has been working very hard on all these projects as well as funding towards a centennial project that is still to be determined. Also, we are currently just starting an extensive renovation to our restaurant and lounge that will be completed towards the start of the golf season that is in line with our celebrations!” – Weston Gillett

 Registration for the 2025 Men’s Mid-Master opens on April 1^st and Lacombe Golf & Country Club patiently awaits to write another chapter in their history books with the 2025 Men’s Mid-Master Championship on the horizon.

Sundre Golf Club, a hidden gem in Central Alberta will once again play host to the Alberta Best Ball Championship in 2025. The Best Ball Championship will be played on May 19^th this year. With two successful years in the books, this event has become a fan favourite as a great way to open the season and get an early competitive round under players’ belts. In 2023, the field was only 100 players, and in 2024 registration grew to a full filed event of 120 with a great mix of players of different ages.

The format will remain the same to years previous, with players competing as a two-person team and each player playing their own ball. The team will then take the better score of the two balls played on each hole. The upside of this format early in the season allows for a partner to pick up their ball and not finish the hole if they don’t intend to use that ball on the scorecard. The two-person team can be any gender or any age, with males and females playing from different tees. Additionally, there is a net and gross division that teams are competing in.

In 2024, the gross division was decided by a sudden-death playoff in the rain between Team McKinlay and Team Graf, with Carter and Logan Graf of the Red Deer Golf & Country Club emerging victorious. The net division was won by Matt Clark and Tyler Kirk of the Leduc Golf & Country Club.

Sundre Golf Club is a great partner of Alberta Golf, and along with hosting the Best Ball recently hosted the rain shortened Alberta Open in 2022 which was won by Ethan Choi, and low professional honours going to Stefan Cox. The course offers a variety of unique challenges with exquisite water features, speedy greens, and tree-lined fairways. This, combined with their wide range yardages lends itself to nearly any championship Alberta Golf has to offer.

Scott Shouldice, Director of Golf at Sundre Golf Club, has hosted plenty of events in his time at Sundre including a U.S. Women’s Amateur Qualifier and in 2025 will have a Canadian Open qualifier. The reviews of the course are always positive, and he’s seen how versatile the course can be in terms of hosting with its central location, difficult tee shots, undulating greens, and the pace of play. The Best Ball is no different in his eyes.

“For hosting the best ball championship, I believe the reason our course is perfect for this event is the layout of the course.  As I said earlier, it is a very challenging course, and any mistakes punish you severely.  With a best ball format though, even if one player makes a mistake and is out of the hole, the other player can bail them out.  If both players don’t make a mistake on the same hole, then they will score well.” – Scott Shouldice

Registration opens for all 2025 events on April 1^st and Alberta Golf looks forward to another successful championship season.