Men’s Mid-Master Championship Host Club Spotlight: Water Valley Golf Club
Water Valley has established itself as a preferred host venue for Alberta’s प्रमुख golf organizations over the past five years, including the PGA of Alberta, the CGA, and Alberta Golf. During that time, the club has welcomed a range of championships, such as the Match Play in 2022 and the U19 Championship in 2025. In 2026, a new demographic will arrive at “Alberta’s Jewel of the West,” as the Men’s Mid-Master Championship takes centre stage from June 23–25.
The Course
Located just one hour outside of Calgary, the course offers striking mountain views, undulating fairways, and towering evergreens that create a sense of seclusion on every hole. While accuracy off the tee is essential, the true challenge lies on the greens. At first glance, many players may underestimate their complexity, but the exceptional work of the turf care team ensures pristine conditions that demand precise reads and a confident touch. Although the yardage may suggest scoring opportunities, the tree-lined corridors quickly dispel any notion of a “bomb and gouge” approach. Off-season renovations have further enhanced the course, adding length and reinforcing its reputation as a premier championship venue.
Water Valley GOlf Club Website
The Event
The course is not alone in undergoing change this winter. Alberta Golf’s Men’s Mid-Master Championship—one of the organization’s most popular events—has also evolved. The introduction of North and South qualifiers adds a new layer of competitiveness, while the three-day championship format, implemented in 2022, remains in place. Open to male competitors aged 40 and older as of the first day of the Canadian Men’s Mid-Amateur, the event offers more than just a title; the champion will earn a coveted berth into the national championship. Beyond the competition, the event is widely regarded for its camaraderie. As one of the first events on the championship calendar, it provides a long-awaited opportunity for players—both seasoned seniors and newly eligible competitors—to reconnect after the winter months.
The Field
With a deep and talented field expected, identifying a clear favourite is no simple task. In 2025, Tom McKinlay Jr. captured victory at his home course, Lacombe Golf & Country Club, during its centennial year. Given his pedigree, a repeat performance is certainly within reach, though the path to defending his title will be formidable.
A strong contingent of past champions returns, including Senan Foley, Shiro Mani, Grant Oh, and Kevin Temple—each well-versed in what it takes to win. The championship has also begun to attract international attention, with competitors from the United States making their presence felt. Among them is 2024 champion Chris Thayer, who finished runner-up in 2025 and will undoubtedly be a contender once again.
The Men’s Senior division will also present a significant challenge, with experienced competitors such as Brian Laubman, Floyd Kilgore, David Schultz, and Ken Griffith all capable of contending. Finally, the addition of qualifying events ensures an influx of emerging talent, guaranteeing that the eventual champion will need to overcome both familiar rivals and new challengers alike.
2026 Championships: The Stories To Watch
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.