Canada's top juniors take on the best at Junior America's Cup in California
Vancouver, BC - (August 3, 2026) - Elite junior golfers representing Alberta and British Columbia had an unforgettable week on one of North America's premier championship stages at the 2026 Junior America's Cup, held at the renowned Omni La Costa Resort's South Course in San Diego, California, July 26-30. The iconic venue, current home of the NCAA Division 1 Golf Championships, welcomed teams from 12 U.S. States, Mexico, and Canada for the 54th edition of one of junior golf's most prestigious international competitions.
For more than six decades, the Junior America's Cup has served as a proving ground for future stars of the game, with alumni including Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Fred Couples, Patrick Cantlay, Collin Morikawa, Max Homa, Xander Schauffele, Sahith Theegala, and many others. The unique team format sees the lowest three scores from each four-player squad count toward the daily team total, rewarding both individual excellence and team depth.
Canada was represented by eight top players selected through their performances on the non-profit Maple Leaf Junior Golf Tour (MJT), Canada's leading junior golf tour.
MJT Team British Columbia featured Troy Gadalla (Vancouver), Andy Koh (Surrey), Tyson Valk (North Vancouver), and Dylan Zhang (Tsawwassen), under the leadership of MJT National Operations Director, Trent Matson.
MJT Team Alberta consisted of Harrison Kiziak (Fort Saskatchewan), Benn ett Love (Red Deer), Luke MacDonald (Calgary), and Chase Strang (Airdrie), captained by MJT Alberta Tournament Director, Luke Rundell.
Defending champions Team Arizona successfully retained the Junior America's Cup title, finishing at an impressive 19-under-par. Team British Columbia held third place after day two, ultimately finishing ninth, while Team Alberta concluded the championship in 13th place. Individually, North Vancouver's Tyson Valk led the Canadian contingent with a two-over-par total, to finish as the Low Canadian.
“Watching these young athletes compete with passion, resilience, and sportsmanship against some of the best juniors in the Americas is what this event is all about,” said Rundell. “I was so proud to wear the Maple Leaf and grateful to have been part of an incredible week.”
"JAC is one of the best events that we attend,” added Matson. “The venues, the organization, the first-class ‘college-type’ team treatment is all amazing. Fantastic opportunities like this help shape the next generation of golfers, both on and off the course.”
The Maple Leaf Junior Golf Tour congratulates all eight athletes on proudly representing their provinces and Canada on the international stage while gaining invaluable experience in elite competition.
About Junior America’s Cup: The Junior America’s Cup (JAC) is a prestigious annual golf tournament that brings together top junior golfers from across North America. Established in 1959, the event aims to foster friendship, sportsmanship, and competitive excellence among young golfers. With a history spanning over six decades, the JAC has been a platform for many young golfers who have gone on to achieve significant success in the golfing world. The event is respected for its tradition of excellence and its role in the development of junior golf.
About Maple Leaf Junior Golf Tour (MJT)
The non-profit Maple Leaf Junior Golf Tour is Canada’s number one Junior Golf Tour as well as the only national junior tour run exclusively by PGA of Canada Professionals and the ‘Road to College Golf’ in Canada. The organization is supported by valued Diamond, Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze Partners. The MJT hosts over 100 events across Canada, including free Ford Go Golf Junior Clinics, the MJT Mini Tour for 12U, and multi-day events for competitive players aged 11-19 which also offer qualifiers for international tournaments. The program has annual awards, scholarships and incentives to help reward performance and participation throughout each season. MJT alumni include many Professional Tour players and PGA of Canada Professionals, as well as Canadian Amateur, National and Provincial Junior Champions. The MJT aims to develop champions, in golf and in life, promoting the game from grassroots through to the provincial, national, university and professional levels.
About Junior America’s Cup: The Junior America’s Cup (JAC) is a prestigious annual golf tournament that brings together top junior golfers from across North America. Established in 1959, the event aims to foster friendship, sportsmanship, and competitive excellence among young golfers. With a history spanning over six decades, the JAC has been a platform for many young golfers who have gone on to achieve significant success in the golfing world. The event is respected for its tradition of excellence and its role in the development of junior golf.
About Maple Leaf Junior Golf Tour (MJT)
The non-profit Maple Leaf Junior Golf Tour is Canada’s number one Junior Golf Tour as well as the only national junior tour run exclusively by PGA of Canada Professionals and the ‘Road to College Golf’ in Canada. The organization is supported by valued Diamond, Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze Partners. The MJT hosts over 100 events across Canada, including free Ford Go Golf Junior Clinics, the MJT Mini Tour for 12U, and multi-day events for competitive players aged 11-19 which also offer qualifiers for international tournaments. The program has annual awards, scholarships and incentives to help reward performance and participation throughout each season. MJT alumni include many Professional Tour players and PGA of Canada Professionals, as well as Canadian Amateur, National and Provincial Junior Champions. The MJT aims to develop champions, in golf and in life, promoting the game from grassroots through to the provincial, national, university and professional levels.
Media Contact:
Jessica Parker
Marketing and Communications Manager, MJT