156 of Canada’s top junior golfers to compete over 54 holes in Parksville with exemptions into the Canadian Junior Boys and Girls Championships on the line
PARSKVILLE, B.C. – Golf Canada’s 2026 championship season kicks off on Friday, May 1, at Morningstar Golf Club in Parksville, B.C. with the NextGen Pacific Championship.
The 54-hole stroke play competition gets underway with a practice round on Thursday, April 30, and championship rounds beginning on Friday, May 1. After 36 holes, the field will be cut to the top 50 Junior Boys and top 20 Junior Girls, including ties, for the final round which wraps up on Sunday, May 3.
The starting field will feature 156 male and female competitors – 111 Junior Boys and 45 Junior Girls – vying for a spot into their respective Canadian Junior Championship later this summer. Among those competing in Parksville include Team Canada – NextGen member and NextGen Pacific boys defending champion Maxim McKenzie of Chilliwack, B.C. On the girls’ side, 2025 NextGen Western champion Yeeun (Jenny) Kwon will compete this week, looking for her second NextGen title. In addition to her win last season, Kwon finished as runner-up at both the NextGen Prairie and Atlantic championships and fifth at the NextGen Pacific Championship.
The top eight players in the Junior Boys division will earn exemptions into the 2026 Canadian Junior Boys Championship, presented by BDO, August 11-14, at Wascana Country Club in Regina, Sask. The top eight players (including ties) in the Junior Girls division will earn exemptions into the 2026 Canadian Junior Girls Championship, presented by BDO, August 11-14, at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley (Heathlands Course) in Caledon, Ont. In addition, the top three players in each division who are eligible, will earn exemptions into the Canadian U15 Championship, presented by BDO at Loyalist Country Club in Bath, Ont., August 25-27.
Morningstar Golf Club was established in 1991 and is renowned for its beautifully manicured greens, offering true rolls and exceptional playing conditions throughout the season. Set among natural woodland and gentle elevation changes, the greens are as visually striking as they are strategically designed, rewarding skilled play while remaining enjoyable for golfers of all levels. Beyond the course, Morningstar proudly supports the local community by hosting tournaments, charity events, donating to charities in and around the community, and special gatherings, making the club a welcoming place to connect, celebrate, and give back.
“Morningstar Golf Club is proud to host the 2026 NextGen Pacific Championship and continue our long history or hosting major provincial and national championships across all demographics. Players can expect to be challenged by a wide variety of holes that weave through a dense coastal forest. A good mix of doglegs left, and doglegs right will put a premium on shot shaping and control of the golf ball. Once on the greens players will face small undulating surfaces where finding the right tier will be key,” said Brad Clapp, General Manager, Morningstar Golf Club. “Our members and staff are proud to host and show off their home club which is evident by the overwhelming response to volunteering opportunities.”
To follow the live leaderboard of the NextGen Pacific Championship, click here.
About the NextGen Championships
The NextGen Championships are a high-performance junior golf series which totals six competitions. From May to July, six championships will take place across Canada where the region’s best junior golfers will compete to earn exemptions into their respective 2026 national junior championships. NextGen Championships provide junior players an opportunity to develop and showcase their skills at the highest level of tournament golf.
