Last year, River Spirit Golf Club played host to Alberta Golf for the first time since the Alberta Match Play in 2019. The course saw the best female golfers in the province competing for one of the oldest and most prestigious trophies in amateur golf. In 2025, River Spirit will play host again for one of the oldest and one of the newest trophies at Alberta Golf, as it hosts the 89^th Alberta Open Championship on August 11-13.

 River Spirit Golf Club underwent a rebrand in recent years, trying to put a new spin on the game of golf. Their focus was to separate themselves from the traditional game and focus on creating community, uniqueness, integrity, and most importantly growth within the game of golf. Their 27-hole facility, paired with the scenery at the course, and their charming clubhouse allows everyday patrons to relax and unwind at this one of a kind facility. The course is no cakewalk, and will challenge the best golfers in the province with tight tee shots, a course yardage close to 7,000 yards, and a course rating of over 73.0 from the tips. While the course difficulty is one of the reasons to go back to River Spirit, their focus on growth within the game makes it the perfect host for the 89^th Alberta Open Championship.

 The Alberta Open Championship has been around since 1912 but has had plenty of cancellations throughout its history including sponsorship issues, World War 2, and low registration numbers. Despite this ‘The Open’ has remained a staple for the best male professional and amateur golfers to prove themselves, with the likes of Stan Leonard, Moe Norman, Kirk Triplett, and Wes Heffernan all competing for the trophy. With its storied history, 2025 marks the start of a new chapter with the addition of a professional and amateur women’s division, along with the women’s open component. Females with a Handicap Index of 10.0 or lower will now be able to compete without qualifying, with 40 spots being reserved for the best female golfers in the province. The professionals will be competing for a yet to be announced purse, while amateurs will be competing for a chance to play in the PNGA Women’s Amateur in 2026.

 With River Spirit as the host and the new additions to the Alberta Open, the 89^th playing of this prestigious event will be a new chapter as Alberta Golf and River Spirit continue to focus on growing the game of golf, while preserving the important traditions that lay as foundations for the sport.

Originally published by the PGA of Alberta

Round 2 of the Cobra Puma Golf Sponsored Assistants’ Championship at the gorgeous Lynx Ridge GC saw rainy and gloomy weather to start the day but beautiful conditions as the later groups and leaders started their back nines.

It was an extremely exciting day as Riley Fleming (NGA Dome) and Wes Heffernan (Dynamic Motion Golf Performance Centre) distanced themselves from the field and battled it out all afternoon to see who would take the Championship home. Everyone including competitors were glued to the online leaderboard as Riley and Wes dueled it out.

Champion Riley Fleming had a great 3-under par 33 after 9 to sit at 8-under and two strokes off the lead. However, he raised his play to an even higher level on the back 9 and managed to card a stellar 4-under par 31 to finish the day at 7-under 64 and the tournament at a ridiculous 130 total. The turning point on the back 9 was hole 16 as Riley was able to make eagle and create 2 strokes of separation between himself and Wes.

Heffernan started the day off in another dimension as he tore up the front 9 with an out-of-this-world 8-under par 28, with birdies on the first 5 holes, an eagle on the 6^th, birdie on the 7^th and two pars to finish 8^th and 9^th to sit at 10-under par through 9. He had a solid back 9 going even par to finish the day at 8-under par 63 and the tournament at 10-under for a total of 132.

Holding onto sole possession of 3^rd was Kent Fukushima (Redwood Meadows G&CC) who had a stellar 2 Rounds carding a 7-under par 64 on the first day and a 3-over par 74 for Round 2 for a tournament total of 138. Dillion Batsel (Desert Blume GC) finished in sole possession of 4^th carding a 1-under par 70 on Day 1 and 71 for Round 2 for a tournament total of 141.

Eric Locke (Priddis Greens G&CC) (73, 69) and David MacComb (Blackhawk GC) (70, 72) ended tied for 5^th with tournament totals’ of 142. Blaine Kruger (Stony Plain GC) (68, 75) and Dustin Risdon (The Players Shack) (73, 70) ended tied for 7^th both shooting tournament totals of 143.

After Riley’s victory today, he has guaranteed himself a spot on the Alberta Assistants’ Team which will be competing in the PGA of Canada Assistants’ Championship hosted in Ontario on September 16-19.

Special thanks to our wonderful long time sponsor Cobra Puma Golf and the entire Lynx Ridge GC team for hosting a great event!

See full tournament results here.

EDMONTON, ALTA — For the first time since 2016, a Canadian picked up a win on the Mackenzie Tour – PGA TOUR Canada.

Entering the 1932byBateman open with a heap of momentum following a runner-up finish at the Osprey Valley Open and a T3 at the HFX Pro-Am, Taylor Pendrith set the Edmonton Country Club course record with a closing 62, the best round on Sunday by three strokes, to win on the Mackenzie Tour for the first time of his career.

“I don’t know if it’s sunk in yet, but it feels really good and I’ve been so close many times,” said Pendrith, who lost in three separate playoffs during his 2015 Mackenzie Tour campaign. “To know that I’m a winner on this Tour brings me a lot of confidence. It’s hard to win on any Tour, so it feels awesome to be the champion here.”

41 events have transpired on the Mackenzie Tour since Adam Cornelson won the 2016 Bayview Place DCBankOpen, the last time a red and white flag was at the top of a leaderboard at week’s end.

“I’m having a lot of fun this year, travelling around and trying to have more fun than I have in the past,” said the Golf Canada Young Pro Squad team member. “It’s so cool seeing the fans out cheering on the Canadians, I’m not sure if there’s ever been more Canadians on the PGA TOUR and Korn Ferry Tour and here, so it’s pretty awesome.”

Pendrith entered Sunday trailing leader Will Gordon by four strokes, but birdies on three of his final four holes on the front nine quickly shrunk the gap and put the Canadian within two of the lead.

“Honestly, I didn’t look at the leaderboard all day today,” said Pendrith, who has played his last 16 Mackenzie Tour rounds in the 60s. “I’ve been playing really well the past few events and I knew a low one would potentially jump me up. I had a feeling on the first tee I was going to go post a low one.”

Three more birdies in his next six holes matched Pendrith with Gordon and Ryan Ruffels, who was also having himself a day with five birdies in his first 10 holes.

Eyeing down the 17^th hole, where he had made eagle in two of his previous three rounds, Pendrith launched a mammoth drive 390-yards down the fairway and had a gap wedge into the 560-yard hole.

“I figured I was getting close to the lead, but I didn’t really know,” said the 28-year old. “I thought about hitting 3-wood, but I decided that I had been hitting driver great all week, so I stuck with it and hit a really good drive, the best of the week there for sure.”

The Richmond Hill, Ontario native stuck his shot 10-feet from the cup and watched anxiously as his eagle try caught the edge of the hole and dropped to give himself a two-stroke lead.

“It was a really difficult putt, but it caught the high side,” said the fourth-ranked player on the Order of Merit. “I thought it was going to lip out on the high side, and then it dropped and that really capped off the round.”

Pendrith made a stress-free two-putt on the par-3 finishing hole and then went to the driving range to prepare for what could have been the first playoff of the season.

“It’s nice to finally break through and get that win,” said Pendrith. “I’ve been so close before, especially this season. With four events left I really want to keep that momentum going and maybe even jump another spot up the Order of Merit.”

Along with the victory, Pendrith picked up his fourth Canada Life Canadian Player of the Week Award of the season and is in good position to secure the second Dan Halldorson trophy of his career, awarded to the Canada Life Canadian Player of the Year.

Making birdie on his final two holes of the tournament, Lorens Chan finished as the runner-up to Pendrith.

Full results can be found here.

Golf season is in full swing! The summer is upon us and Alberta Golf programs are in full swing across the province. Please enjoy the material below recapping what we’ve been up to the past 3 months, from running elite competitions to our recreational and youth initiatives.

Spring Launch: Alberta Golf held their annual Spring launch at River Bend Golf Club in Red Deer on Thursday May 23rd. The event brought together industry stakeholders, golf course professionals and staff, media, partners, sponsors, suppliers and volunteers. READ MORE

Alberta Golf launches junior website: Alberta Golf has launched albertagolfjuniors.org as a one stop shop for all of our youth initiatives including the home base for the new McLennan Ross Junior Tour. READ MORE 

Amateur Andrew Harrison dominates the pros at The Alberta Open: Camrose amateur Andrew Harrison led wire to wire at this year’s Alberta Open Championship presented by SVR Lawyers held at Trestle Creek Golf Resort west of Edmonton June 11-13. Harrison dominated a field including Alberta’s top professionals. READ MORE

Max Sekulic wins Alberta Match Play Championship: Max Sekulic defeated 2-time defending champion Brendan MacDougall in the finals of the Alberta Match Play Championship held June 4-6 at River Spirit Golf Club west of Calgary. WATCH VIDEO

$20, Private Golf Course, Your Own Hole, No Pressure…! Join us at the Calgary Golf Festival and introduce someone you know to the game. On Thursday, July 4th Alberta Golf in partnership with SHAW and the SHAW CHARITY CLASSIC have booked four shotguns at the Cottonwood G&CC and for just $20 PER GROUP you and up to five family members or friends can enjoy 90 minutes of uninterrupted golf. You can also enjoy the FREE festival atmosphere, a BBQ and tons of fun for the kids…everyone is invited! REGISTER HERE

 Alberta Golfer Magazine digital version: The 2019 Alberta Golfer Magazine is now in digital form. READ HERE

McLennan Ross Junior Tour action well underway: The new McLennan Ross Junior Tour had a successful debut at Henderson Lake Golf Club in Lethbridge June 8-9. The next event on the schedule is the Innisfail Junior Open on July 2nd which will have a junior/adult team format. For more info go to albertagolfjuniors.org

Sign up for our fun Rec Series: 2 events are in the books on our recreational series schedule. Spectacular fun days were held on Mother’s Day at Stewart Creek Golf and Country Club and Father’s Day weekend at Jasper Park Lodge. There’s still room to sign up for the Ladies Team Classic, August 19-20 at the Canmore Golf & Winter Club as well as our Net Amateur Championship, August 29-30 at the Wintergreen Golf Club. READ MORE

Alberta Golf Technical Advisor Randy Robb encourages players to use “Shot by Shot” app to improve performance: Technical advisor Randy Robb is encouraging his players to track all of their shots after every round on a app called “Shot by Shot” to improve all areas of their game. WATCH VIDEO

Youth On Course pilot program launches in Alberta: 16 golf courses across Alberta are getting youth on the fairways for $5 or less. This popular United States based program has come to Canada for the very first time. READ MORE

Course rating underway across the province: 41 people attended a course rating clinic at Canyon Meadows Golf & Country Club in May. Every decade courses need to be re-rated, so far these 7 courses have been visited by raters this year with many more to come before fall.

– Canyon Meadows Golf & CC

– Crowsnest Pass Golf & CC

– Hell’s Creek Golf and FootGolf course

– Keho Park Golf Course

– Sturgeon Valley Golf & CC

– Raven Crest Golf & CC

– Redwater Community Golf Club

Alberta Golf Sport Development program funds 23 High Performance athletes: Alberta Golf is proud to continue support of it’s High Performance athletes in 2019 supporting 23 athletes in their pursuit of golf excellence. READ MORE 

Upcoming Junior Camp: Alberta Golf junior camps have been running since May. Paradise Canyon Golf Resort held one camp in conjunction with an MJT event while RedTail Landing Golf Club held another in conjunction with a CJGA event and both were a great success. There is still room available in the upcoming prep camp June 28th at Highwood Golf Club for the Alberta Junior Championships. CAMP DETAILS HERE

Golf. Better. Join. Everyone benefits! Join hundreds of thousands of golfers across the country who get more out of their game through their Golf Canada Gold Membership! JOIN NOW

The only thing a golfer needs is more daylight. ~Ben Hogan

Alberta Golf (Entwistle) – Camrose amateur Andrew Harrison led wire to wire at this year’s Alberta Open Championship presented by SVR Lawyers and dominated a field including Alberta’s top professionals. Harrison shot rounds of 67-67-68 to win by 6 strokes, the first amateur since Brett Hogan in 2016 to win the title.

2013 and 2014 champion Riley Fleming and Matthew Codd went to a playoff to settle honours for top professional and the first place cheque for $5,000. Fleming birdied the first playoff hole to take top professional at this year’s event played at Trestle Creek Golf Resort.

Despite losing the playoff Matthew Codd ends the day with a course record 64, a runner-up cheque for $3,000 and a flag to take home for his amazing hole-in-one on the third hole in the final round.

Photos from the 2019 Alberta Open here on FLICKR

Alberta Golf (Entwistle) – Day 2 of the Alberta Open Championship presented by SVR Lawyers saw first round leader Andrew Harrison repeat his course record 67 at Trestle Creek Golf Resort to lead by 5 strokes heading into the final round.

Tied for second and 5 shots back is Andrew’s brother Michael. Both brothers say Thursday’s final round will be special.

“I don’t think we’ve ever had an opportunity like this since we were 13 or 14 years old,” said Andrew Harrison. “I’m looking forward to it tomorrow, it should be a lot of fun.”

Michael, older by 2 years, feels the same way.

“This is cool, I don’t know if it will ever happen again,” said Michael Harrison. “It’s the first time it has happened at a big event like this so it’s special.”

Tied with Michael Harrison in second spot are pros Patrick Murphy and Riley Fleming.

Kent Fukushima sits 6 shots back while fellow pro Mitchell Fox is 7 shots out of the lead.

Considering both Andrew and Michael Harrison are amateurs the battle for the $5,000 first place cheque is a tight one. Scott Stiles and defending champion Wes Heffernan are within 4 shots of Fleming and Murphy for the top pay day.

The final round of the Alberta Open Championship presented by SVR Lawyers tees of Thursday morning at Trestle Creek Golf Resort.

VIDEO: Round 2 wrap

Alberta Golf (Entwistle) – The 2019 Alberta Open Championship presented by SVR lawyers is set to begin on Tuesday at Trestle Creek Golf Resort in Entwistle, Alberta.

The Alberta Open was first contested in 1935. Legendary Canadian golfer Stan Leonard won the event a record 9-times between 1937 and 1955. The event was a regular stop on the Canadian Professional Tour at Wolf Creek Golf Resort for 13 years in the late 1980’s and 1990’s.

This year a field of 105 amateur, junior, PGA of Alberta professionals as well as veteran professionals on various developmental tours will compete for a purse of $18,000 with $5,000 going to the champion.

6-time champion Wes Heffernan is back to defend the title he won last spring at River Spirit Golf Club.

Full story on Wes Heffernan's victory at the 2018 SVR Alberta Open ?️: https://t.co/7Osf7vfN1N pic.twitter.com/0qwVBBhFP4

— Alberta Golf (@Alberta_Golf) June 22, 2018

KEY INFO

Dates: June 11-13th, 2019

Course: Trestle Creek Golf Resort

Yards/Par: 7,212 /72 (Jackpine and Creekside nines)

Field: 105

2018 champion: Wes Heffernan

Format: 54 holes of stroke play with a 36-hole cut to the low 60 and ties

Social: #abopen

VIDEO PREVIEW:

HISTORY

The Alberta Open Championship began in 1935. There was a brief pause in the tournament from 2000–2002 which ended with the next Open champion being awarded in 2003. The distinguished Championship continues to bring together some of Alberta’s most outstanding touring professionals, club professionals, amateurs and juniors vying for the coveted “Alberta Open Champion” title.

2008 – Wes Heffernan

2009 – Ryan Yip

2010 – Jamie Kureluk

2011 – Wes Heffernan

2012 – Wes Heffernan

2013 – Riley Fleming

2014 – Riley Fleming

2015 – James Love

2016 – Brett Hogan

2017 – Dustin Risdon

2018 – Wes Heffernan

NOTABLES

• Wes Heffernan– 6-time Alberta Open champion (2006, 2007, 2008, 2011, 2012, 2018) is back to defend his title.
• AJ Armstrong – The 2018 Alberta Amateur Champion has recently turned pro after a stand out career at Washington State University.
• Riley Fleming – The 2-time Alberta Open champion (2013, 2014) has settled into his teaching career but still has the game to compete at the highest level.
• Dustin Risdon – The 2017 champion is back in the field after missing last year’s event.
• Max Sekulic – The amateur from Calgary won last week’s Alberta Match Play championship.
• Patrick Murphy – Recent graduate from UCLA making his pro debut this week.
• Tyler Saunders – Former Alberta Amateur champion and Alberta Open runner-up

FAST FACTS

• The low amateur at this year’s Alberta Open will earn a team position for the 2020 Pacific Coast Amateur Championship. They will also be joined by the Match Play Champion (Max Sekulic) and the champion of the 2019 Sun Life Financial Alberta Men’s Amateur Championship.
• The are 88 amateurs in the field.

• The 17 professionals will be competing for the $18,000.00 total purse.

ABOUT THE COURSE

Trestle Creek Golf Resort offers a spectacular 27 hole championship golf course and a innovative 9 Hole Par 3 course both designed by Brad Dupuis of Dupuis International Golf Design. Brad has built golf courses for Jack Nicklaus, Tom Weiskopf, Peter Dye and Von Hagge Design, around the world for over 35 years. You’ll find all the essential amenities and more, including an 11 acre, elevated two tier driving range with six target greens at GPS distances that will help you refine your golf game. The range has a combined 11,000 square feet of practice green and separate chipping green with practice bunkers.

More information on Trestle Creek Golf Resort can be found here.

ABOUT THE SPONSOR

Scott Venturo Rudakoff LLP is a multi-service law firm based in Calgary, Alberta. Since its establishment in 1986, Scott Venturo Rudakoff LLP has become one of Calgary’s leading legal service providers, focusing on delivering high quality, efficient solutions for clients. The partners, associates and staff of Scott Venturo Rudakoff LLP come from a wide range of backgrounds, and this experience enables us to offer responsive, effective and creative legal solutions to our clients.

MEDIA

• Championship Leaderboard

• Flickr Albums

The 2019 Subaru Shootout is coming up Saturday June 1st at RedTail Landing Golf Club in Nisku, Alberta.

Teams may consist of any 4 golfers, men or women, amateur or pro. Lowest score wins !

For more info and to register click HERE

We are pleased to present our 2019 competitions schedule and announce that registration is now open!

Ten provincial championships will be contested over the course of the summer at many of the province’s best facilities. Early bird pricing is in place for qualifiers and select events for the first 15 days! View the schedule and sign-up now!

WE ARE ENCOURAGING THOSE WHO ARE NEW TO COMPETITION TO GIVE IT A TRY!

Often, golfers don’t realize that their Handicap Factor does make them eligible to participate in provincial championships. Check our eligibility requirements to see which events are open to you. Give it a try and we will ensure you have an enjoyable, positive and memorable golf experience.

The Alberta Match Play Championship will be held June 4-6^that the River Spirit Golf Club in Calgary. Men and women with a Handicap Factor of 8.0 or less are encouraged to register. There will be an 18-hole stroke play qualifier to determine the mens and ladies brackets. The mens champion will earn a spot on Team Alberta for the 2020 Pacific Coast Amateur Championship at Royal Colwood in Victoria, BC.

We are delighted to welcome back SVR Lawyers as title sponsor of the Alberta Open Championship. The Calgary based law firm has increased their investment through to 2021. The Alberta Open Championship presented by SVR Lawyers will be held June 11-13^that the Trestle Creek Golf Resort in Entwistle. One of the marquee events on the provincial schedule, the Alberta Open brings together 120 amateur and junior golfers with PGA of Alberta club professionals as well as professionals on various developmental tours. The professionals will battle for an $18,000 purse. The low amateur will earn a spot on Team Alberta at the 2020 Pacific Coast Amateur Championship.

New this year, amateurs and professionals from outside Alberta will be eligible to compete in the Alberta Open. We anticipate one of the strongest fields in recent memory. Additionally, a Last Chance Monday Qualifier will be held on June 10^th where there will be a limited number of spots available for the championship.

The Alberta Mens Mid Amateur Championship will be held June 25-27^th at the Earl Grey Golf Club in Calgary. The club is celebrating its 100^th year and we are excited to be a small part of their season long celebration. 144 Mid-Am’s (players aged 25 & over) will have the opportunity to experience one of the best venues in the province which has recently undergone an extensive renovation including improvements to the golf course and a gorgeous new 37,000 square-foot clubhouse. Sign up early as registration is first come, first served.

THE ALBERTA JUNIOR AT HIGHWOOD GOLF

The Alberta Junior Championship is set for July 2-5^th at Highwood Golf in High River. Many juniors saw the course last year at the Future Links Western Championship and will already have this championship circled on the 2019 calendar. 156 junior boys and girls will descend upon High River to compete over 72 holes. New this year, there are a variety of social functions planned following the first two rounds that focus on having fun and forging new friendships including individual and partner contests, barbeques, coaching and education. The Alberta Bantam Championship, for those aged 14 and under, will be held August 26-27^th at River Bend Golf Course in Red Deer and will have the same social element.

The Sun Life Financial Alberta Amateur Championships will be held in back-to-back weeks in July at the Ranch Golf & Country Club in Acheson (Ladies Amateur) and the Wolf Creek Golf Resort – Links course in Ponoka (Mens Amateur). We wish to thank Sun Life Financial and their Advisors across the province for their tremendous support as a long-term sponsor for the last 29 years! The two championships are qualifiers for the Canadian National Championship and the mens champion will earn the third spot on Team Alberta at the 2020 Pacific Coast Amateur Championship.

The Alberta Senior Championships will also be held in back-to-back weeks in late July at the Pine Hills Golf Club in Rocky Mountain House (Senior Ladies) and the Derrick Golf & Winter Club in Edmonton (Senior Mens). Two great golf courses that will be enjoyed by the senior-aged group of competitors.

MENS AND LADIES INTERCLUB CHAMPIONSHIP AT KANANASKIS

The Alberta Interclub Championship is destined to become the hallmark event to wrap up the Alberta Golf season each year. Kananaskis Country Golf Course has committed to host both the mens and ladies championships on alternating courses. On September 3^rd, 32 mens teams and 20 ladies teams will make the enjoyable trek to Kananaskis Country. In 2019, the mens contest will be on the Mt. Kidd course and the ladies contest on the Mt. Lorette course.

The Interclub brings together teams of four from clubs across the province to compete against each other for bragging rights. Registration is on a first come, first served basis and each individual player must have a Handicap Factor of 20.0 or less. The clubs themselves decide how to select the players that represent them at the championship. Often it is through club championship results and alternating years of sending low gross or low net finishers.

National Championships: There are several National Championships in Alberta this year. They include the Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship July 23-26^th at the beautiful Red Deer Golf & Country Club and the Canadian Junior Girls Championship at the storied Lethbridge Country Club. The Future Links, driven by Acura Western Championship will be held May 31 to June 2^nd at the Wolf Creek Golf Resort.

How do you register for a competition and frequently asked questions? We have developed a step-by-step document to guide you through registration and answer common questions. In conjunction with the modernized Rules of Golf, our competition policies have been updated and presented in a clearer fashion. Please take the opportunity to familiarize yourself with the new Rules of Golf and the 2019 competition policies and helpful information.

Which Qualifier should I sign-up for? Players who are not exempt from qualifying can choose to play in any of the regional qualifiers for the respective championship. There are a variety of dates and locations to choose from, but players may only attempt to qualify once. The exception to this is the Last Chance Monday Qualifier for the Alberta Open Championship presented by SVR Lawyers, where players can attempt either for the first time or for a second time. Two of the Junior Regional Qualifiers for the 2019 Alberta Junior Championship will be conducted by the Maple Leaf Junior Golf Tour and the McLennan Ross Alberta Junior Tour.These two events allow players the opportunity to compete in a multi-day event and opt in to use the first round as their qualifying score for the Alberta Junior. An additional qualify fee does apply. A reminder to those players who are exempt from qualifying, you still need to register before the respective entry deadline.

IN 2019, GIVE COMPETITIONS A TRY. WE KNOW YOU WILL ENJOY THE EXPERIENCE. SEE YOU ON THE COURSE!