The first winner of the Rogers Charity Classic is among the initial legends to commit to the 2026 edition of Calgary's award-winning golf tournament. Rocco Mediate, who secured the inaugural title in 2013, will return to the PGA TOUR Champions event at Canyon Meadows Golf & Country Club this August.
A Memorable Return to Calgary
Mediate expressed his excitement about coming back to what he calls one of his favorite places on earth. He highlighted the community support and the tournament's primary goal of raising funds for youth-based charities. Since its inception, the Rogers Charity Classic has raised an impressive $164.3 million for Alberta charities.
Mediate's victory in 2013, the same year he was named PGA TOUR Champions Rookie of the Year, set the stage for this philanthropic success. Known for his colorful personality and often seen sporting a Calgary Flames hat, Mediate has amassed six PGA TOUR victories throughout his career. Since his dominant seven-shot win in Calgary, he has added five more titles, including his first senior major at the 2016 Senior PGA Championship.
This summer marks Mediate's first appearance in Calgary since 2019. He will be competing for his second white stetson hat, the symbol of winning the Rogers Charity Classic, from August 17-23 at Canyon Meadows.
Joining Forces with Golf Legends
Mediate will be joined by two other major champions: David Duval and Darren Clarke. Clarke, from Northern Ireland, has been a regular in Calgary since turning 50 in 2018 and remains a crowd favorite. His distinguished career includes 14 victories on the European Tour and three on the PGA TOUR, as well as winning the 2011 British Open. Clarke also captained the 2016 European Ryder Cup Team and competed in five consecutive Ryder Cups from 1997 to 2006, contributing to four winning teams.
Clarke expressed his eagerness to return, praising the tournament's atmosphere, incredible crowds, fantastic golf course, and great people. He also noted the presence of excellent local bars, adding to the event's appeal.
The Rogers Charity Classic continues to attract top talent and raise significant funds for youth charities, solidifying its reputation as a premier event on the PGA TOUR Champions schedule.
