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.