The Canadian Junior Golf Association (CJGA), along with myself, Shayne Dysart, Director of Operations and proud coach of Team Canada, would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who made this summer’s Euro Cup journey such an unforgettable success.

In August 2026, eight remarkable young athletes traveled to Scotland to represent both their families and their country at the prestigious Euro Cup in St. Andrews, Scotland. Their performances, character, and camaraderie —all nothing short of extraordinary— enabled them to overcome formidable American, Mexican and Scottish opponents.

Team Canada Roster

The team, led by co-captains Luke MacDonald and Caden Smith, also included Solomon Tong, Hayden McManes, Ian Bavis, Brenin Devlin, and Mateo SobbJaxon Sigalet.

Gratitude to Parents, Families, and Supporters

This incredible achievement would not have been possible without the trust, commitment, and support of the parents and families. Your encouragement gave these athletes the foundation to thrive. We also extend thanks to our coaches, supporters, and the entire CJGA community, who all played a part in preparing Team Canada to compete and succeed on one of golf’s most celebrated stages.

I must also personally thank my wife, Kimberley Cocquyt, who not only traveled with the team but also provided invaluable support and warmth throughout the journey. The kindness and respect shown to her by the players was deeply appreciated and speaks volumes about the maturity and professionalism of this team.

A Journey That Began in Toronto

The Euro Cup adventure began in late July in Toronto. The players arrived on the 29th and stayed at my home. Those early days were about more than training—they were about bonding, building trust, and preparing as one united team.

• JUL 28: Players arrived from across the country, and the journey was underway.
• JUL 29: Training at Bathurst Glen Golf Course with CJGA National Team Coach David Fritz, followed by match play at Osprey Valley’s where we played the LINKS style golf course against 35 MNPH winds, giving the boys a sense of what was to come. In the evening, we enjoyed a team and parent BBQ.
• JUL 30: Morning practice and then some match play golf at the famed and very private Maple Downs Golf Club, capped by another team dinner at home.
• JUL 31: Final day in Toronto featuring a swim and BBQ before boarding an 8:00 PM Air Canada Flight to Edinburgh.

These days, filled with barbecues, swims, laughter, and team bonding, laid the foundation for everything that was to come. For Kimberley and me, they remain some of our most special memories of the entire trip.

Competing on Scottish Soil

Once in Scotland, the team embraced every opportunity to challenge themselves and soak in the history of the game:

• AUG 1: Arrival at St. Leonard’s private school and golf at Lunden Links Golf Club with Team Mexico.

• AUG 2: Walked the OLD COURSE on Sunday morning and enjoyed all it offered, then a team putting contest at the Himalay Purring course, then an afternoon of practice at the St. Andrews Golf Academy.

• AUG 3: The Leven Links Junior Open, where Caden Smith, team co-captain, won the event with a fine round of 72, besting the field as a low medal player for the event. The morning included a memorable team photo-op at the legendary Swilcan Bridge. The Mexican, American and Canadian teams enjoyed an amazing dinner that was hosted at the NEW COURSE clubhouse adjacent from the Old Course 18th hole. Preceding dinner, the teams were piped to the NEW CLUB by Caden Smith, who is a Team Canada member and a professional Scottish piper.

• AUG 4: Morning shopping and St. Andrews touring followed by a culturally enriching visit to the St. Andrews R&A Golf Museum. In the afternoon, we enjoyed a Crail practice-round day, culminating in a competition at Crail Golfing Society’s Craighead Course.

• AUG 5: 1st Round of the Euro Cup at Leven Links.
  • RESULTS: USA (17), Canada (14), Mexico (8.5), Scotland (8.5)

• AUG 6: 2nd Round at Crail Golfing Society.
  • RESULTS: USA (12), Canada (19.5), Mexico (11.5), Scotland (5)

• AUG 7: 3rd Round at St. Andrews Castle Course, followed by a celebratory dinner and night out at the local St. Andrews fair.
  • RESULTS: USA (10), Canada (11), Mexico (11), Scotland (15)

FINAL MATCHPLAY SCORES:

• Canada: 44.5
• USA: 39
• Mexico: 31
• Scotland: 28.5

• AUG 8: A bittersweet day as the trip had come to a close with our flight back to Canada.

The team enjoyed Jannetta’s Gelato, Mozza Pizza, Criterion meat pies, Cromar’s fish and chips, Pret fresh deli sandwiches, Nando’s chicken, Shawarma, Gourmet hamburgers, and Maisha Indian Restaurant.

The Euro Cup was about much more than golf. It was about resilience, teamwork, and growth. Every player demonstrated maturity beyond their years, navigating challenges with perseverance and supporting each other through every round. Whether at team meals, sightseeing excursions, practice sessions, playing golf in 40 mph+ winds, at the driving range or even casual shopping trips, the players built friendships and memories that will last a lifetime.

A Victory for Team Canada

The victory at the Euro Cup was not just a win on the scorecard. It was a triumph of commitment, grit, and the spirit of true teammates supporting one another. Each player carried themselves with professionalism and pride, representing not only the CJGA but also their families and the Canadian flag with dignity and passion.

As an added honour for being part of this international team, each player has been granted an exemption into the Mexican Junior Golf Association Invitational, along with a number of other international events such as the Champion of Champions in Ireland, further strengthening CJGA’s international ties and providing our athletes with more opportunities to showcase their skills abroad.

Thank You to Our Sponsors

This journey would not have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors.

• PING, for providing the team’s world-class golf bags.
• NIKE, for outfitting our athletes in uniforms that allowed them to proudly represent Canada with style and unity.
• SRIXON, or equipping the team with premium golf balls that supported their play on Scotland’s storied links.
• And, of course, the CJGA, for providing the players with exceptional team gear and ongoing support both on and off the course.

Your contributions ensured that our athletes had everything they needed to compete at the highest level while showcasing Canadian pride on the international stage.

Looking Ahead to 2027

The journey continues. The official selection process for the 2027 Euro Cup Team is already underway. We are thrilled to announce that the World Junior Championship in Florida will serve as the official selection event. It would also be a privilege to welcome back any of this year’s team members to defend the title in 2027.

Final Thanks

On behalf of the CJGA, Kimberley, and myself, I extend a final thank you to:

• The players, for their hard work, perseverance, and exemplary representation of Canada.
• The parents and families, for their unwavering trust and support.
• The coaches and staff, including David Fritz, for helping prepare the team for the highest level of competition.
• The sponsors and partners who generously outfitted and equipped our team.
• The entire CJGA community, whose support continues to elevate junior golf across Canada and beyond.

We / I was so proud of each and every player on Team Canada. Together, you made history at St. Andrews, inspiring the next generation of Canadian junior golfers to dream even bigger.

I have made new friends in Canada and internationally, and I look forward to returning to Scotland in 2027 for a potential three-peat. We anticipate a strong Canadian team, including some potential returning players…

With admiration, gratitude, and pride,

Shayne Dysart, Director of Operations, CJGA Coach, Team Canada