April 1 Registration Opens: FAQ’s and Need To Know’s
With only a month remaining before registration opens for all Alberta Golf events, here’s some important items to know ahead of time to make sure you don’t miss out this season!
Alberta Golf Championships and Qualifiers – April 1 @ 9am
Registration will open on April 1st at 9am for all events. All participants need an active Golf Canada membership with a Handicap Index. If you’re entering an event that is age based, please ensure your birthdate is listed in your account and is accurate. Players can register through the Alberta Golf website for each event or can do it directly from the Golf Canada app by clicking on the Competitions tab in the drop-down menu.
Some things to be aware for the 2026 Championship season:
- The Men’s Mid-Master Championship will now have two regional qualifiers prior to the championship. Exemptions have already been sent out for those who are exempt from last year.
- Those who qualify for a championship will have their qualifier registration fee rolled into the championship fee, leaving them with a smaller fee to play in the event. All participants at qualifiers will also get a $25 Food and Beverage Gift Card
- All participants at qualifiers will also get a $25 Food and Beverage Gift Card
Common Issues and How To Fix Them
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Inactive Golf Canada Account
If you’re a member at a golf course or facility, reach out to them directly to get your Golf Canada account reactivated. If you’re a Public Player, you can renew your membership yourself by logging into your account.
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Age/Date of Birth Issues
This likely means your birthdate is incorrect in your account. You can edit this in your account by logging on to your account on a computer and clicking Account Settings from the drop-down menu. You can also get your course or facility to fix this for you.
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Handicap Index
If you have scores from last year, you can enter them into your Golf Canada account and change the date so they’re from last year. You only need 54 holes worth of scores to get a Handicap Index, and they can be any combination of 9-hole or 18-hole scores.
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Credit Card Issues
Golf Genius uses a pending registration model, so when a player registers, they are put on this pending list. When on the pending list, multiple charges will show up but one charge is the card authorization and the other is a refund for that authorization. Your card will not be charged until you’re confirmed in the event. Once you’ve been confirmed, the charge will go through on your credit card and the other charges will be removed in 5-10 business days. You will not be charged if you’re on the waiting list!
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Eligibility
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Registration Error Messages
A common problem is registering on tablets or phones. The Golf Genius system works best if you register using a computer. This can explain many problems and we highly recommend registering using a computer to avoid additional pressure or issues.
McLennan Ross Alberta Junior Tour – April 1 @ 12pm
Registration for the #1 competitive onboarding junior tour in the province will open on April 1st at 12pm. Players can register as a member of Golf Canada or as a non-member. The Tour is open to all junior golfers who are younger than the age of 19 as of August 1, 2026. We have separate age divisions for U11, U13, U15, U17, and U19 on both the male and female sides.
If you’re looking for more information on the Tour, the schedule, policies and procedures, or just want to learn more click the link below.
McLennan Ross Alberta Junior tour
Common Issues and How To Fix Them
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Age Requirements
Each age division represents the age you’re under, so U13 means you’re under the age of 13 as of August 1st. For non-members it’s very important to register for the correct age division, so if your child is turning 13 on July 31st, they should be registered in the U15 division for all tour stops. If you’re registering as a member of Golf Canada, please make sure your Date of Birth is correct in your account.
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Email & Preferred Emails
Lots of junior’s Golf Canada accounts have email addresses that may not get checked and this can cause confusion and frustration with parents and the players. When you register, please either edit the account to have your preferred email address listed or when you register please add in your preferred or parent email address to ensure no communications are missed this summer!
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Registering More Than One Player
If you plan to register more than one player, please use a different email or a different login for each registration. Golf Genius does not support duplicate email addresses for different registrations.
UpSwing by Alberta Golf – April 1 @ 7am
Registration for Alberta’s premier recreational events will open on April 1st at 7am. UpSwing events are open to all players, and there is no age or handicap requirements, it’s all about fun! You only need to be an UpSwing member to play. To create your account visit the UpSwing website link below.
Sign Up For An UpSwing Account
Frequently Asked Questions
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Is this a tournament?
No, UpSwing is focused on providing fun golf experiences for the golfers who prefer a relaxing round on the links. Keeping score is not mandatory, but there may be some fun challenges that you can take part in during the round…
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Can I book a group of two players and request to play with friends?
Yes! UpSwing is all about having fun, if you have a pairing request you would like to make, please send them to info@upswinggolf.ca after you register.
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What do I need to register for an event?
You just need an UpSwing account, no handicap index, no Golf Canada membership, just a free UpSwing membership!
What’s Coming In 2026: Everything Planned For Alberta Golf
As we settle into 2026 and enjoy an unseasonably early taste of spring across the province, Alberta Golf is pleased to share several key initiatives and upcoming developments for the year ahead. Below is an overview of what members and stakeholders can expect in the coming season.
High-Performance Support
Each year, Alberta Golf announces its identified High-Performance players ahead of the holiday season. The primary objective of the High-Performance Program is to support these athletes in achieving their developmental and competitive goals, while also providing guidance throughout the post-secondary scholarship process.
In 2026, Alberta Golf is advancing this objective by launching work on a new pilot program designed to equip athletes with comprehensive tools to support these ambitions. This initiative is being developed in collaboration with Golf Recruitment Portal, an organization founded by former NCAA Division I golfers who bring firsthand experience navigating the recruitment process.
MORE INFO ON Golf Recruitment Portal
The pilot project will focus on creating a centralized platform where Alberta golfers can:
- Build personalized athlete profiles accessible to college coaches
- Access an extensive database of coaches’ contact information
- Develop and showcase highlight videos
Additional details will be shared directly with eligible High-Performance athletes, with a broader program rollout planned in future years following evaluation of the pilot.
UpSwing Continues Its Upward Momentum
For more than a century, one of Alberta Golf’s core business priorities has been the delivery of high-level provincial championships. However, the majority of Alberta golfers are recreational players. In fact, approximately 675,000 golfers fall into this category, making it the province’s largest market segment. UpSwing was created with these golfers in mind.
Launched in 2021 as a series of recreational events, UpSwing has experienced significant growth over the past five years. This momentum is expected to continue in 2026, with the platform expanding beyond recreational events.
For event organizers, UpSwing is undergoing enhancements to function as a comprehensive ticketing and registration system, making it accessible to a wider range of event operators. UpSwing will also continue its strong commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion through its DEI Grant Program. Over the past two years, this program has distributed more than $37,000 in funding to support 40 inclusive golf initiatives, with continued investment planned for the upcoming season.
In addition, UpSwing Activation programs will remain a priority, offering golf courses and event operators engaging and innovative on-course activities.
For players, flagship UpSwing events at Banff Springs, Stewart Creek, Crowsnest Pass, Sundre (Ladies Event), Canmore, and Silvertip will all return in 2026. Registration for these events opens on April 1.
Competition Updates
Provincial championships remain central to Alberta Golf’s mission, providing players with the opportunity to test their skills against top competition across the province. In 2026, pace of play will once again be emphasized through the continued use of the Tag Marshal system.
The Men’s Mid-Master Championship will see notable changes, with the introduction of two qualifying events. This adjustment is intended to alleviate the pressure created by the previous open registration model, which regularly saw more than 200 golfers register on April 1. Exemptions for the championship will remain unchanged, with invitations issued in early March. Host venues for both the championship and qualifiers will be announced at a later date.
Following the successful introduction of a female division at the Alberta Open in 2025, the championship will once again feature both male and female competitors in 2026, reinforcing its status as a true provincial Open. Alberta Golf will invest additional resources into the event to further elevate its premier championship experience. Efforts to grow female participation on both the amateur and professional sides will continue. Further announcements will be shared through Alberta Golf’s social channels in the coming months.
Registration for all championships and qualifiers opens on April 1 at 9:00 a.m. The current championship schedule is available below.
Women’s Programming Exploration
As part of Alberta Golf’s continued commitment to growing women’s participation, efforts in 2026 will extend beyond high-performance programming. Significant work will be undertaken to expand women’s golf initiatives, including:
- Aligning with Golf Canada’s She Plays Golf brand
- Exploring new event concepts tailored to women in business and college alumni communities
- Supporting existing female-only programs through the UpSwing platform
The Women’s Amateur Championship at The Hamptons Golf Club in Calgary will also be a focal point, as Alberta Golf explores new strategies to enhance value, enjoyment, and participation.
Off-Course Golf Expands Nationwide
In alignment with Golf Canada’s newly launched national off-course golf strategy, Alberta Golf is proud to support and engage with the growing off-course golf community across the province.
Alberta Golf and Golf Canada recognize and endorse all forms of golf and encourage Canadians to experience the sport year-round through off-course opportunities. These include golf simulators, driving ranges, short-game facilities, mini golf, virtual reality golf, and golf-themed video games. By complementing traditional on-course play, off-course golf creates accessible pathways for new participants and supports lifelong engagement with the sport.
Alberta’s Next Generation
Maintaining golf’s position as the number one participation sport in Alberta requires continued investment in the next generation of players.
The McLennan Ross Alberta Junior Tour continues to grow annually, with no signs of slowing in 2026. The upcoming season will feature more than 25 tour stops, including the return of River Bend to the schedule. Educational showcases for new junior golfers, the Level 1 Rules Program, and the Tour Championship at Wolf Creek will further strengthen the tour’s success. Registration opens on April 1 at 12:00 p.m., with the full schedule to be released next month.
Beyond the Junior Tour, Alberta Golf remains committed to expanding the Youth on Course program, allowing juniors to play for just $5. Alberta Golf will also continue to align with First Tee programming across the province, ensuring strong grassroots development and increased access to the game for young golfers.
Mclennan Ross Alberta Junior Tour
Level 2 Rules Seminar
At the start of every season, Alberta Golf puts on a Level 2 Rules Seminar for those who decide to take their rules education to the next level. This year, the Level 2 will be held at Willow Park Golf & Country Club on March 20,21, and 22. More details including how to register, what requirements, and what to expect can be found at the link below.
Alberta Golf looks forward to an exciting and impactful 2026 season and thanks its members, partners, and volunteers for their continued support.
CPKC Women’s Open Comes Back to Alberta
The best female players in the world are coming back to Alberta, as the CPKC will be held at the Royal Mayfair Golf Club in Edmonton. The CPKC Women’s Open is Golf Canada’s flagship female event and the only Canadian stop on the LPGA Tour. Just recently it was announced that the Stollery Children’s Hospital in Edmonton was named the 2026 charity partner of the event.
2026 Stollery Children’s Hospital Announcement
Information for the event including tickets, volunteering, can all be found at the link below.
What You Need To Know When Registration Opens on April 1
Alberta Golf (Calgary) – Tuesday April 1 is registration day for our 2025 Championships, McLennan Ross Alberta Junior Tour as well as our recreational UpSwing events. Here’s what you need to know to make sure it’s a smooth process to get into your events this season.
2025 CHAMPIONSHIP REGISTRATION: Registration for our 2025 Championships opens at 9am on Tuesday April 1. Make sure you have your active Golf Canada membership, a verified handicap index, and your birthdate listed. If you play in a qualifier, your fee will be applied towards the championship if you qualify for the event. 3-day events are WAGR ranked and also act as qualifiers for Golf Canada National Championships (excluding the Alberta Open). Pace of play will be a major focus once again this season at our championships. Please refer back to Golf Genius pages for updated information on each event including information for practice rounds, championship meals, quota spots, and any other item.
Alberta Golf Championship Schedule
2025 JUNIOR TOUR REGISTRATION: Registration for the McLennan Ross Alberta Junior Tour opens at Noon on Tuesday April 1 for all players who are under 19 as of August 1, 2025. Registration fees for all 25 events on the tour range from $59 to $69. New this year are 2 showcase events for parents and players who want to learn more about the McLennan Ross Alberta Junior Tour. The showcase events with a registration fee of $30 will be held June 28 at Rundle Park Golf Course in Edmonton and June 29 at Lil Devil Golf Course in Calgary and will have 9 hole play on the par 3 course with lunch, prizing and an information session.
McLennan Ross Alberta Junior Tour Schedule
2025 UPSWING REGISTRATION: Registration for our recreational UpSwing events are open at 9am on Tuesday April 1, the lone exception is our year end wrap up event at Silvertip Resort which opens on Tuesday July 1. In order to register for an event you will need an UpSwing account. To sign up for UpSwing and register for an event go to the UpSwing website. You can include a pairing request for events by emailing info@upswinggolf.ca
Hope these tips help you during registration on April 1 and we’ll see you on the fairways at our events this season.