Martin's Tournament Strategy
Wes Martin Adopts New Strategy for 2026 Rogers Charity Classic Amid Strong PGA TOUR Field
Calgary golfer Wes Martin is back at Canyon Meadows Golf & Country Club for the 2026 Rogers Charity Classic — and this time, he arrives as the defending champion. Calgary Sun reported that Martin won the event last year, earning his spot in a field of 78 PGA TOUR Champions players that runs through Sunday.
Martin hasn't played much competitive golf recently, but he says he's ready. His goal this year is simple: tune out the pressure and just play. As his best friend advised him, enjoy the opportunity and stop worrying about the result, Edmonton Journal reported.
Martin Switches Strategy After Last Year's Win
Martin is not playing the same game he did last year. Pincher Creek Echo noted that he has changed his approach off the tee, choosing a three-wood instead of a driver. He said he studied the Canyon Meadows course more closely this offseason and found a smarter way to attack it.
The course knowledge has given Martin more confidence. He knows where to be aggressive and where to play it safe. That kind of preparation, he believes, gives him a real edge heading into the tournament.
Blocking Out the Noise of Being the Defending Champ
Winning last year brought attention Martin wasn't used to. Now he has to manage expectations — his own and everyone else's. Stratford Beacon Herald reported that Martin's best friend told him to simply enjoy the moment and not let the pressure of defending a title get in his head.
Martin said he is trying to take that advice seriously. Defending champions often struggle because they think too much. Martin wants to stay loose and treat this week like any other round of golf, even with a packed field and local fans watching closely.
Star-Studded Field Adds to the Tournament's Prestige
Martin won't have an easy path. The 78-player field includes some of golf's biggest names. Ottawa Citizen noted the lineup features major champions David Duval, Darren Clarke, Rocco Mediate, Bernhard Langer, and Miguel Angel Jiménez. Each of those players has won at the highest level of the sport.
For a local Calgary golfer, competing against that kind of field is a big deal. Martin qualified through the U.S. Senior Open qualifier process, Calgary Herald reported. That path made his 2025 win even more remarkable — and makes a repeat even harder to pull off.
Local Hero Carries Calgary's Hopes at Canyon Meadows
Canyon Meadows is Martin's home turf. Playing in front of a local crowd gives him energy, but it also adds weight. PR Record Gazette reported that Martin's 2025 victory turned him into a hometown hero overnight, raising the stakes for this year's event considerably.
Martin knows the spotlight is brighter now. But his mindset is clear: focus on the process, trust the new strategy off the tee, and let the result take care of itself. If last year taught him anything, it's that good things happen when you stop chasing them.
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