National Junior Boys Championship of golf swings into Regina

Regina is currently the stage for Canada's brightest young golfing talent as it hosts the 2026 Canadian Junior Boys Championship. The prestigious tournament, taking place at the historic Wascana Country Club, brings together the nation's top U19 golfers for a week of intense competition. This event marks a significant return of national golf championships to Saskatchewan, with the last major tournament held in the province being the 2018 CP Women’s Open, famously won by Canadian star Brooke Henderson.

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To bring a national tournament to Saskatchewan and obviously the city of Regina, it is a great opportunity to showcase the great golf courses and obviously hospitality we have, so anytime we can put on a national showcase, we’re going to try to do that at every opportunity.

Golf Saskatchewan director Brian Lee highlighted the importance of hosting such an event, stating, “To bring a national tournament to Saskatchewan and obviously the city of Regina, it is a great opportunity to showcase the great golf courses and obviously hospitality we have.” The championship not only provides a national platform but also offers local players the advantage of competing on a familiar course without extensive travel.

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The winner this week will receive an exemption into the 2027 U.S. Junior Amateur, which is the USGA’s version of this tournament. As well, they’ll get into the 122nd Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship and then the winner from that gets into the Canadian Open, so this can really propel someone into next year and potentially the future.

For the young athletes, success in this championship extends beyond bragging rights. Rogan Doyle, director of the Canadian Junior Boys Championship, explained the significant opportunities awaiting the winner. The champion earns an exemption into the 2027 U.S. Junior Amateur and the 122nd Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship. Furthermore, the winner of the Men's Amateur Championship gains entry into the Canadian Open, potentially launching a player's professional career.

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It’s great to have these bigger events in our home province. Like last year we were in New Brunswick, that’s a pretty far trek, but it’s nice when these big events come. You know, I’m two and a half hours away instead of a four-hour flight.

The tournament also features strong local representation, with five Saskatchewan golfers making the cut. Among them are Aricin Franklin, Ryan Mosher, Oliver Matyczuk, Austin Nesbitt, and Matty Schmiess. Franklin expressed enthusiasm for the increased local presence, noting, “This is definitely the most we’ve had in a couple years and it’s nice to see especially in our home province.” The championship concludes on Friday, August 14, with the final round beginning at 8 a.m. followed by an awards ceremony.

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The past two years I’ve played we’ve had two guys make the cut. However, many went and this is definitely the most we’ve had in a couple years and it’s nice to see especially in our home province.