Seven past champions will compete in Winnipeg including defending champion Don Martone
WINNIPEG, Man. – The 2026 Canadian Men’s Senior Championship, presented by BDO is set for September 8-11 with a field of 156 amateur golfers competing over four rounds at Niakwa Country Club in Winnipeg, Man.
The field competing for the John Rankin Memorial Trophy features seven past champions including Don Martone of Sault Ste Marie, Ont. (2025), Doug Hanzel of Savannah, Ga. (2023), Rusty Strawn of Eatonton, Ga. (2022), Darren Ritchie of St. John, N.B. (2021), two-time champion Gene Elliott of Norwalk, Iowa (2019, 2017), Brad Exber of Las Vegas, Nev. (2018) and David Schultz of Calgary Alta. (2013).
“We are proud to welcome a strong field that includes seven past champions and a number of accomplished competitors to the 2026 Canadian Men’s Senior Championship next week at Niakwa Country Club,” said Sam Brown, Tournament Director, Golf Canada. “We are grateful for the tremendous support from the staff and volunteers at Niakwa, whose efforts have helped create a challenging championship experience along with a memorable week for everyone involved.”
Niakwa Country Club is an 18-hole parkland course designed by Stanley Thompson, recently updated by Doug Carrick to remain true to this philosophy. The Niakwa Country Club was launched in the fall of 1921 by a few enthusiasts who envisioned a need in Winnipeg for a high-quality golf course, close to the city. On November 1, 1921, a final decision was made to move forward with development and to name the club “Niakwa” meaning “Winding River”. Stanley Thompson, internationally renowned Canadian golf architect, arrived in November 1922 to begin design. Thompson took full advantage of the Seine River and the ravines that ran through the property.
“On behalf of the membership and staff at Niakwa Country Club, it is our privilege to welcome you to the 2026 Canadian Senior Golf Championship. We our very proud of our historic Stanley Thompson design and know it will be an excellent test for all the competitors,” said Todd Fanning, member, Niakwa Country Club. “Enjoy not only our hospitality but also our great city that we invite you to explore during your stay in Winnipeg. Best of luck to all and may your tee shots be straight this week.”
The Canadian Men’s Senior Championship was established in 1962 for golfers aged 55-and-over and includes a Super Senior division for golfers 65-and-over that was introduced in 1995. The national championship consists of 72 holes of stroke-play with a cut to the low 70 plus ties after 36 holes. Additionally, a minimum of five Super Seniors will make the cut as well as any Super Seniors within 10 shots of the division leader. In addition, the Senior Inter-Provincial Team Championship will run concurrently through the first 36 holes of the tournament. There will be a practice round on Monday, September 7 followed by tournament play beginning on Tuesday, September 8.
Team Ontario will look to go back-to-back in the Inter-Provincial Team Championship after winning the 2025 Inter-Provincial Team Championship at KenWo Golf Club in New Minas, N.S. Martone, Ashley Chinner of Brooklin, Ont. and Mike Kray of Oakville, Ont. were victorious last year ending Alberta’s quest for five straight team titles at the Canadian Men’s Senior Championship. Team Alberta will be in search of their seventh championship in nine years.
A trio of Canadian Golf Hall of Famers lead the way having won the most Canadian Men’s Senior Championships in tournament history including, Bob Wylie of Calgary, Alta. with seven (1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1990, 1993, 1995). Nick Weslock of Oakville, Ont. with six (1973, 1974, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1983) and Graham Cooke of Hudson, Que. with four (2001, 2002, 2008 and 2009).
The champion will receive exemptions into the 2027 Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship, 2027 Canadian Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship, 2027 Canadian Men’s Senior Championship (plus a 10-year exemption, if eligible) and the 2027 U.S. Senior Amateur Championship.
For the full player field competing at the 2026 Canadian Men’s Senior Championship, presented by BDO, please click here.
