The final junior championship of the season kicks off tomorrow morning in Medicine Hat. From August 24th to 26th the U17 Championship will take place at Connaught Golf Club with tee times running in a double crossover beginning at 8am and 1pm. Before the first tee time tomorrow, here is everything you need to know about the event, the course, and the players.

The Event

While this event has been a staple for many years, this is only the second year that will be competed as a separate event from the U15 & U13 Championship. The separation of these events allows more players to compete in their age group and for players to compete in another WAGR-ranked tournament—since the U17 Championship now takes place over three days. This event allows players to show off their talent as the next generation of Albertan golfers with yardages comparable to that of the U19 Championship.

With over 100 players set to tee off, it is clear the separation of this event has allowed for growth. This event is open to male and female players under the age of 17 as of August 1st, 2026. A Handicap Index of 25.0 or less is required for male players and 30.0 or less for female players.

The Course

Connaught Golf Club has been a premier facility in the province since its outset over 100 years ago. A fully serviced facility, Connaught has more than just a driving range and putting greens for practice. Their Vallely Practice Area contains various features such as a tee box, fairway, bunkers, and a putting surface. The course itself will challenge players with its tree-lined fairways and greens that require a strong short game.

This is Alberta Golf’s first time back to Connaught since the 1982 Men’s Amateur Championship. Connaught is familiar with hosting major events having hosted the 2022 PGA of Canada Senior Championship. Additionally, Connaught hosted the NAOAGA Annual Meeting and Championship this past June.

Take a closer look at the course and what players will face this week in the full preview written by Jim Clagget for the 2026 Alberta Golf Yearbook. 

Yearbook Preview

The Players

While the defending Girls Champion Saylar May has aged out, the defending Boys Champion Chase Strang will be competing once again. This tournament features the best young talent from across the province, so it will be an exciting event.

For a full player list and tee times click the link below:

U17 Tee Times

The U17 Championship enters its second year as a standalone event following a successful debut in 2025, which featured a field of 100 players. When combined with the 80 participants from the U15 and U13 Championships in 2025, the previously unified event experienced growth of more than 40 players. In 2026, the U17 Championship will head south to Connaught Golf Club from August 24–26, where players will look to contend with the region’s challenging winds.

About The Course

Connaught Golf Club is a storied venue within the province and has been one of Medicine Hat’s premier golf courses since its inception in 1922. The club was named after the Duke and Duchess of Connaught, who founded the school located just north of the course.

History of Connaught Golf Club

The layout presents a strong test for Alberta’s young players, featuring tree-lined fairways and subtly contoured greens that place a premium on short game and putting. With five different tee sets and combination options, the course accommodates a wide range of skill levels, while stretching to 6,900 yards from the back tees, ensuring no shortage of demanding driving holes.

Connaught is no stranger to hosting major events, having most recently welcomed the 2022 PGA of Canada Senior Championship. For Alberta Golf, this marks a return to the venue for the first time since the 1982 Men’s Amateur, won by Ken Wasslen.

About The Event

The U17 Championship is open to juniors aged 16 and under as of August 1, 2026. Now contested over three days, the event provides another valuable WAGR-ranked opportunity for players pursuing post-secondary recruitment. The championship is open to both male and female competitors, who will compete within their respective divisions. With no national event linked to this provincial championship, participants will be competing solely for provincial honours. Yardages will be comparable to those of the U19 Championship, offering another significant test for Alberta’s next generation of talent.

U19 Eligibility Chart

In The Field

A look at the field reveals no shortage of contenders. On the girls’ side, a new champion will be crowned, as two-time defending champion Saylar May has aged out of the U17 category. Alessandra Sundquist is expected to be among the favourites following an impressive performance at the 2025 U19 Championship. Danika Horcica, the 2025 U15 Girls’ Champion, will also be a strong contender, along with Camilla Ruesega-Rojas, winner of the 2024 U13 Girls’ Championship. Additional notable players include Lexi Blair, Shylee Kostiuk, Elle Bannister, and others.

On the boys’ side, Chase Strang enters as the favourite as he looks to defend his 2025 title. He will face strong competition from two-time U15 Boys’ Champion Bennett Love, as well as Jayden Arnold, who finished third at the Canadian U15 Championship last year. Benson White, the 2025 Alberta Open Low Amateur and the youngest member of the Alberta Morse Cup Team, is also in the field. Other players expected to make an impact include Jack Hargreaves, Jeevin Dhaliwal, and Jayden Popik.

With several months remaining until the championship and registration newly opened, additional contenders are expected to emerge. For now, players will continue preparing with the goal of claiming the U17 Boys’ or U17 Girls’ Championship titles in August.