The CJGA’s winter-break championship is WAGR-ranked, open to all, and filling up — here’s what’s on the line and how to get in.
If golf is already part of your winter break plans, the CJGA World Junior Championship is one of the few places where December rounds can count toward a World Amateur Golf Ranking. The 2026 edition runs Dec. 27–30 at Innisbrook Resort in Palm Harbor, Florida — the same property where CJGA alum Adam Hadwin won his first PGA TOUR title, at the 2017 Valspar Championship.
What’s on the line
Per the Canadian Junior Golf Association, the event is recognized by Junior Golf Hub, WAGR-ranked, and players can also earn AJGA Performance Stars and Junior Golf Scoreboard points. It’s an open championship — no CJGA membership required — with two divisions: the Linkster Division for players under 15, and the Junior/Amateur Division.
The CJGA says the championship has drawn players from more than 30 countries since its first edition in 1993. Innisbrook’s Copperhead Course, home of the PGA TOUR’s Valspar Championship, is part of the rotation, and the CJGA counts alumni now playing on the PGA TOUR, LPGA Tour, Korn Ferry Tour and several international tours.
How to enter
Registration is open online through the CJGA, by division. One step trips people up: after you click Register, select “Sign Up” at the bottom left to create an account before the entry form appears. Families who prefer paper can fill out the brochure application and email it to [email protected] or [email protected]. The CJGA is warning that spots are limited.
For travel, the CJGA has arranged discounted rooms at Innisbrook, plus discounted golf for juniors and parents in the six days before and after the event. Plan your own prep, too: a practice round is provided for Linksters on the first day, but Junior/Amateur players schedule their own.
The Hub’s take
This is our opinion: the week between Christmas and New Year’s is one of the most underused stretches on the junior calendar. A WAGR-counted event with an international field is a chance to open the new year with a meaningful result instead of a long quiet stretch. It’s also a rare chance to measure your game against players from dozens of countries — players you won’t see at your usual regional events.
What this means for you
If you’re under 15, the Linkster Division is a manageable first step into international-field golf. If you’re older, ask where this fits your winter: are you building toward spring, or do you want a counting result now? Talk it through with your coach, book lodging early, and get your entry in before the field fills. Give us a call if you want some more context! Check out the tournament brochure here.