After a month marked by rain delays, postponements, and a busy schedule of one-day qualifiers, Alberta Golf’s championship season is finally ready to hit full stride. The 2026 Men’s Mid-Master Championship gets underway tomorrow at Water Valley Golf Club, with competitors set to tee off in a double crossover format beginning at 8:00 a.m., followed by a second wave at 1:00 p.m.

From a championship-calibre field to one of Alberta’s most celebrated golf courses, here’s everything you need to know before the first tee shot is struck.

The Event

The Men’s Mid-Master Championship has become one of the most sought-after events on Alberta Golf’s championship calendar. Originally contested as part of the Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship, the event was eventually separated into its own three-day championship due to overwhelming demand from competitors.

That popularity has only continued to grow. In recent years, registration day became a race to secure a spot, with waitlists surpassing 100 players. To address the increasing demand and ensure the strongest possible field, Alberta Golf introduced qualifying events in 2026, creating a fair and competitive pathway into the championship.

Open to male golfers aged 40 and older with a Handicap Index of 15.0 or lower, the championship features 36 holes of stroke play before the field is reduced to the top 60 players and ties for the final round. While there is no interprovincial team competition attached to the event, the champion will earn one of Alberta’s quota spots into the Canadian Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship. Competitors will also battle for honours within their respective age divisions in addition to the overall title.

The Players

The Men’s Mid-Master Championship consistently attracts many of Alberta’s top amateur golfers, including some of the province’s most accomplished veterans and perennial contenders. With a deep and talented field assembled once again, there will be no shortage of storylines to follow throughout the week. Here’s a closer look at the players and groups to watch as the championship unfolds.

The Course

Known by its members as “Alberta’s Jewel of the West,” Water Valley Golf Club has built a reputation as one of the province’s premier championship venues. Its scenic setting, challenging layout, and exceptional conditioning have made it a favourite among golfers and tournament organizers alike, including Alberta Golf.

As the club prepares to welcome the Men’s Mid-Master Championship, take a deeper look at the course and what players can expect this week in the full championship and course preview, written by Todd Saelhof for the 2026 Alberta Golf Yearbook.

The Men’s Mid-Master Takes On The Changes At Water Valley By Todd Saelhof

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.

Championship Calendar