Summary:

Alberta Golf supports the growth of the game across the province through youth and beginner programs, public tournaments, standardized handicapping, and consistent governance. By aligning local clubs with national standards and administering the World Handicap System, Alberta Golf helps create fair competition, clear development pathways, and a more welcoming experience for golfers at every stage. For members at The Winston, this provincial support connects local play to a trusted network, making it easier to learn, improve, and enjoy the game wherever they play.

Starting something new can feel intimidating, and golf is no different. There are rules to learn, equipment to understand, and a game that can sometimes feel like it’s only for seasoned pros. Luckily for Albertans, there’s a coordinated effort across the province that’s working behind the scenes to make golf more welcoming, accessible, fair, and fun for everyone.

From youth programs and public competitions to standardized handicaps and club-level support, Alberta Golf is playinga foundational role and purchase from a reputable retailer.

What is Alberta Golf? The Organization Behind Golf in Alberta

Alberta Golf is the provincial sport organization for golf in Alberta and a registered not-for-profit society representing more than 60,000 members. Working in collaboration with Golf Canada, they help ensure the sport remains accessible, respected, and aligned with national standards across more than 200 courses province-wide.

Guided by a mission to be a leading golf association in Canada, the organization focuses on growing the game both recreationally and competitively. Its work is grounded in core values of enjoyment, accountability, inclusiveness, and respect -principles that shape how programs are developed and delivered.

Through long-term planning, strategic partnerships, and sustainable investment, they continue to strengthen golf in Alberta while supporting players, clubs, and communities at every level.

Making Golf More Accessible Through Youth and Beginner Programs

Growing the game doesn’t happen by accident. It starts with removing barriers, creating clear entry points, and supporting players at every stage of their golf journey. Their youth and beginner initiatives do exactly that.

How Alberta Golf supports young and inexperienced golfers:

• Age-appropriate junior golf programs that introduce skills, rules, and sportsmanship

• Partnerships with local clubs and coaches to deliver consistent golf development programs

• Beginner-friendly pathways that help players learn golf without pressure

• Inclusive initiatives designed to reduce cost, complexity, and confidence barriers

Youth & Junior Golf Programs

Junior golf programs are built around development that grows with the player. They focus on the three Fs: fundamentals, fun, and fair play. So young golfers build skills, confidence, and a lasting connection to the sport.

Lowering Barriers for New & First-Time Golfers

For beginners to the game, access matters as much as instruction. By supporting welcoming programs and flexible participation options, Alberta Golf helps new golfers feel comfortable starting small and progressing at their own pace.

Public Tournaments That Encourage Participation at Every Level

Competition plays an important role in keeping the game of golf engaging, but only when it feels accessible and fair.
Alberta Golf’s public tournaments welcome a wide range of players and skill and ability levels, allowing golfers the opportunity to test their skills, gain experience, and stay connected to the game beyond casual play.

These tournaments help grow the game we love by:

• Offering entry-level and beginner-friendly events open to players of all ages and abilities.

• Creating opportunities to compete in a welcoming and inclusive environment without requiring participants to be pros.

• Encouraging social connection through shared experiences on the course.

• Helping players develop the confidence they need to improve their game through structured play.

Public and amateur golf tournaments create low-pressure entry points into competition. They help golfers of all ages build confidence, understand the rhythm of competitive play, and feel part of the broader golfing community.

Fair Competition Through the World Handicap System

To ensure tournaments remain inclusive to all golfers, Alberta Golf administers the World Handicap System (WHS) provincially. An official handicap allows golfers of different abilities and skill levels to compete on equal footing, thereby removing intimidation and encouraging earlier participation in a player’s journey.

Because the WHS aligns with Golf Canada and national standards, golfers can trust that their handicap is recognized and respected wherever they play.

Supporting Local Clubs and the Golfers Who Play There

Strong clubs are an essential part of a strong golf community. Alberta Golf works closely with local clubs across the province to ensure they have the tools, resources, and support they need to offer positive experiences for all golfers.

Partnerships That Strengthen Clubs Like the Winston

Through collaboration and shared standards, the provincial organization helps member clubs like The Winston remain welcoming, credible institutions that are well-supported and, in turn, can properly support their members.

These partnerships allow clubs to focus on delivering great on-course experiences while benefiting from provincial guidance, development initiatives, and national alignment through Golf Canada.

Promotional Support That Helps Clubs Engage Golfers

By supporting local clubs, they help to amplify the programs, events, and initiatives that encourage participation from both existing members and new golfers. This allows clubs to increase visibility, create opportunities for players to stay active in the game, and grow engagement.

Governance and Standards That Protect the Integrity of the Game

One of the most significant benefits of a strong provincial organization is consistency. When every club is working from the same set of rules and standards, golfers know what to expect, whether they’re playing their home course or teeing it up somewhere new.

Alberta Golf helps create that consistency by setting clear operating guidelines for clubs across the province. This supports fair play, professionalism at the club level, and alignment with national golf standards, all of which help build trust among players.

Province-Wide Systems That Connect Clubs and Golfers

Alberta Golf provides province-wide systems that link local clubs to the broader golf community. From standardized handicapping to shared competition frameworks, these systems allow clubs and their members to participate confidently in events and competitions across Alberta.

What Alberta Golf Membership Means for Winston Members

When you become a member at the Winston, you’re also enrolled as a member of Alberta Golf. That membership includes access to the World Handicap System and eligibility to compete in sanctioned tournaments throughout the province.

More importantly, it connects Winston members to a trusted network that makes it easy to measure improvement, play fair matches, and enjoy the game wherever they go.

Growing the Game Starts With Strong Foundations

Golf grows when it’s welcoming, fair, and accessible to all. And Alberta Golf plays a meaningful role in making that happen across our province. Through youth development, beginner programs, public tournaments, and standardized handicapping, they help ensure that every golfer has the chance to fall in love with the game and improve over time.

The Winston Golf Club is proud to be a part of this ecosystem, offering members the benefits of Alberta Golf while providing a place to play, learn, connect, and grow.

We offer our sincerest thanks to Alberta Golf for its ongoing leadership and commitment to growing the game in Alberta.

If you’re interested in getting involved, learning more about the programs offered, or experiencing the benefits of membership through The Winston, we invite you to explore what’s possible on and off the course.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Alberta Golf, and what does it do?

Alberta Golf is the provincial organization that supports and oversees golf across Alberta. It works with local clubs, Golf Canada, and players to ensure the game is played fairly and consistently. That includes administering handicaps, supporting tournaments, and helping grow the game through youth and beginner programs.

What is the World Handicap System, and why does it matter?

The World Handicap System (WHS) allows golfers of different skill levels to compete fairly by adjusting scores based on ability. Alberta Golf administers this system across the province, so your handicap is recognized at courses and competitions both locally and beyond. It’s also one of the best ways to track your progress over time.

Can beginners participate in tournaments?

Many tournaments are designed with a wide range of skill levels in mind. With proper handicapping and appropriate divisions, beginner and recreational golfers can take part without feeling outmatched. Local club events are often a great first step before branching into larger competitions.

How does Alberta Golf support junior golfers?

Alberta Golf supports junior golf through development programs, partnerships with clubs, and structured pathways that help young players learn the game in a positive, encouraging environment. The focus is on skill-building, sportsmanship, and curating a long-term love of the game.

How can I get more involved as a Winston member?

Getting involved can be as simple as tracking your handicap, joining a club event, or exploring our tournaments and programs. Whether you want to play more competitively or just better understand the game, there are plenty of ways to participate at your own pace.