tHE eXPLORE nb oPEN
SPECTATOR GUIDE
July 6 - 12 • MACTAQUAC GOLF COURSE
Table of Contents
Hon. Isabelle Thériault
Minister of Tourism, Heritage and Culture
Government of New Brunswick
Welcome to the Explore NB Open
On behalf of the Government of New Brunswick, welcome back to the North American Swing of the 2026 PGA TOUR Americas schedule, hosted at Mactaquac Provincial Park Golf Course.
This event showcases the very best of New Brunswick’s exceptional facilities, stunning natural landscapes, and genuine hospitality. With thrilling competition and activities for all ages, there is truly something for everyone to enjoy.
Last year’s Explore NB Open showcased Mactaquac Golf Course on an international stage, welcoming 156 professional golfers from 16 countries. The event serves as an important stop on the PGA TOUR Americas, and we wish the players the best of luck as they compete to advance to the next level of professional golf.
We extend our sincere thanks to the organizers, sponsors, and volunteers whose dedication brings this event to life.
We hope you enjoy the Explore NB Open and your stay in beautiful New Brunswick.
Title Sponsor
Live the adventure, with Tourism New Brunswick
PGA TOUR Americas is a showcase of the sport’s best up-and-coming players, and I’m excited for you to be part of our 2026 season and experience what makes this tour great.
This week is part of a 15-event schedule that concludes in October at the Dominican Republic Tour Championship presented by Scotiabank, where the top 10 players on the season-long points list will earn their Korn Ferry Tour cards for 2027.
The first two PGA TOUR Americas season champions—Johnny Keefer in 2024 and Michael Brennan in 2025—have worked their way up to the PGA TOUR this season, and it won’t be long until they are joined by players competing here this week.
Keefer and Brennan are part of a long list of PGA TOUR members who played on our tours, including Nick Taylor, Corey Conners, Adam Hadwin, Jake Knapp, Joel Dahmen, Nico Echavarria and major winner J.J. Spaun.
PGA TOUR Americas has consistently prepared future stars of the PGA TOUR, and I’m confident there are future PGA TOUR winners walking the fairways this week.
Thank you for supporting PGA TOUR Americas, and I hope you enjoy some world-class golf while making great memories with friends and family.
Alex Baldwin
President, Korn Ferry Tour
When the 15-event PGA TOUR Americas season ends in September, the top 10 players in the Points List will earn exempt membership on the Korn Ferry Tour next season.
After a brief off season, the Korn Ferry Tour begins in January and it’s onto the next stage of their careers. From the Korn Ferry Tour, the top 20 players at the end of the season will earn golf’s ultimate promotion: a PGA TOUR card.
Those #TOURBound graduates are now seasoned, ready to compete against the best on golf’s biggest stages. For many players, the path to the PGA TOUR starts with PGA TOUR Americas. This week’s event is an important step on that path.
The road to the PGA TOUR starts here
Get to know the next generation of golf talent as they compete for points, pride, and a shot at the Korn Ferry Tour.
From detailed player profiles to current stats and standings, explore everything you need to follow the rising stars of PGA TOUR Americas all season long.
FROM MACTAQUAC TO THE PGa TOUR
Michael Brennan is a perfect example of the PGA TOUR Americas pathway in action. Brennan competed at Mactaquac Golf Course during the 2025 Explore NB Open before going on to win the 2025 PGA TOUR Americas Fortinet Cup as a season-long points champion.
He later earned PGA TOUR status and won in just his third career PGA TOUR start, proving that tomorrow’s stars are playing on PGA TOUR Americas today.
LOCAL TALENT ON THE RISE
In June of last year, Nick Ritchie’s victory at the 2025 Men’s Amateur Championship came with more than just a trophy. After emerging victorious out of a thrilling four-hole sudden-death playoff featuring four strong competitors, he also earned a spot in this year’s PGA TOUR Americas event hosted by Mactaquac Golf Course.
Ritchie looks to represent his home course, Hampton Golf Club, with pride as he faces a field of world-class professional competitors…
Mark Dunbar
Tournament Director
Explore NB Open
It’s a true pleasure to welcome players, fans, volunteers, partners, and supporters to the beautiful Mactaquac Golf Course for the third edition of the Explore NB Open, a proud stop on the PGA TOUR Americas schedule.
Now firmly established within the TOUR, the Explore NB Open continues to showcase future stars on the path to the PGA TOUR while celebrating everything that makes New Brunswick special.
Whether you’re following the action on the course or enjoying the Fan Zone, complete with local vendors and interactive activities, we hope you have a great time in a welcoming environment that reflects New Brunswick’s spirit.
This tournament also supports the development of junior golf across the province. By inspiring the next generation through grassroots programs and athletic opportunities, we’re investing in the future of the game right here in New Brunswick.
In addition, we’re proud of our partnership with Soldier On. This initiative helps improve the well-being of active and retired members of the Canadian Armed Forces, allowing us to give back to those who serve our country. Together with Explore NB, our sponsors, and incredible volunteers, we strive to create a meaningful event with lasting social, cultural, and economic impact.
Thank you for being part of the 2026 Explore NB Open. Whether you’re here to compete, cheer, or work behind the scenes, we’re thrilled to have you with us.
Enjoy the week and welcome to New Brunswick!
A Charitable Impact
Soldier On is a program of the Canadian Armed Forces Transition Group (CAFTG) which contributes to the recovery of ill and injured CAF members and veterans. Since 2007, Soldier On has supported over 13,000 ill and injured members using sport and physical recreational activities to enable social support, build confidence in their abilities, and realize their full potential.
Net proceeds from the Explore NB Open will directly benefit Soldier On members in New Brunswick.
Our Trophy
Weaving IN WOLASTOQEY
Wondering about the story behind the Explore NB Open trophy? We joined its creator, artist Shane Perley-Dutcher, who welcomed cameras into his studio in Neqotkuk First Nation, where Shane shared his process, vision and what it means to have a tournament trophy grounded in culture, craftsmanship, and place.
The trophy stands as a meaningful celebration of New Brunswick’s Wolastoqey and Wabanaki heritage. Through commissioning this trophy, the Explore NB Open reinforces its commitment to honouring Indigenous culture and authentically showcasing the visual expressions of the Wolastoqey and the land on which we live and play.
More than just golf — it’s a New Brunswick experience
Come for the championship rounds, stay for the atmosphere. From edge-of-your-seat golf action to local food trucks, vendors, and live entertainment. Enjoy family-friendly activities, explore the beauty of Mactaquac Provincial Park, and soak up the festival-like vibe on and off the course.
DAILY (THURS-SUN)
On-Site Fun All Weekend Long!
Don’t miss out on the full Fan Zone experience! Enjoy:
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Official tournament and Parks NB merchandise
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A thrilling climbing wall
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Live sand sculpture demonstration
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Mini putt fun for all ages
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Player autograph sessions
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Interactive sponsor booths and activities
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Delicious bites from local food trucks
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…plus more surprises on-site!
THURSDAY - JULY 9
7:00 START | TOURNAMENT ROUND 1
11-18:00 | EXPLORE NB VIP PAVILION ON 18
11-18:00 | FAN ZONE, PRESENTED BY THE FREDERICTON CAPITAL REGION
11-18:00 | HOLE 13 BEER PATIO, PRESENTED BY BIG AXE BREWERY
All day | FREDERICTON CHAMBER DAY
FRIDAY - JULY 10
7:00 START | TOURNAMENT ROUND 2
11-18:00 | EXPLORE NB VIP PAVILION ON 18
11-18:00 | FAN ZONE, PRESENTED BY THE FREDERICTON CAPITAL REGION
11-18:00 | HOLE 13 BEER PATIO, PRESENTED BY BIG AXE BREWERY
All day | TEACHER APPRECIATION DAY
SATURDAY - JULY 11
7:00 START (approx.) | TOURNAMENT ROUND 3
11-17:00 | EXPLORE NB VIP PAVILION ON 18
11-18:00 | FAN ZONE, PRESENTED BY THE FREDERICTON CAPITAL REGION
11-17:00 | HOLE 13 BEER PATIO, PRESENTED BY BIG AXE BREWERY
SUNDAY - JULY 12
7:30 START (approx.) | TOURNAMENT ROUND 4
11-17:00 | EXPLORE NB VIP PAVILION ON 18
11-18:00 | FAN ZONE, PRESENTED BY THE FREDERICTON CAPITAL REGION
11-17:00 | HOLE 13 BEER PATIO, PRESENTED BY BIG AXE BREWERY
17:30 START (approx.) | CLOSING CEREMONY ON 18
DON’T MISS A MOMENT OF THE ACTION
Follow your favorite players and stay on top of every leaderboard change with real-time updates. Keep track of all the scores, standings and highlights with the official Explore NB Open leaderboard.
Plan your day like a pro
Whether you’re heading to your favourite hole, grabbing a bite, or stopping by the Fan Zone, our course map has everything you need to make the most of your tournament experience.
Look for key locations like washrooms, parking areas, volunteer and player zones, and more — all clearly marked so you won’t miss a moment of the action.
A full-size version of the map is posted near the clubhouse for easy reference.
Getting around just got easier
A free shuttle service is available all tournament weekend to help guests travel between the main parking area and the clubhouse.
Running on a regular rotation, this service is perfect for anyone needing a little extra support getting to and from the action. Pick-up and drop-off locations are clearly marked with signs near both the parking lot and the clubhouse. Hop on — we’ll take care of the rest!
EXPLORE THE COURSE
Get to know every twist, turn, and challenge.
Our hole-by-hole guide offers detailed insights into each part of the course — including yardages, par, and handicap ratings — so you can follow the action like a pro. Whether you’re tracking a favourite player or curious about the course layout, this guide brings the strategy and beauty of Mactaquac to life.
Please note: yardage and par values may have been adjusted for tournament play.
Fuel up between putts!
From local favourites to fan-favourite food trucks, our on-site vendors are serving up delicious eats all tournament long. Whether you’re craving something sweet, savoury, or just need a great cup of coffee, you’ll find plenty to satisfy your cravings while taking in the action.
Available daily from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM throughout tournament weekend. Note: some vendors are only accessible to VIP pass holders in the VIP Pavilion.
Where golf meets fun for all ages
The Fan Zone is your hub for off-the-green excitement filled with interactive booths, hands-on activities, and plenty of local flair. Meet our sponsors and tourism partners, try your hand at the Explore NB putting green and scale new heights on the Parks NB climbing wall.
Catch a live sand sculpture artist in action for a sneak peek of New Brunswick’s Sand Sculpture Festival, and don’t miss immersive experiences like the 360° photo booth by Parks NB.
You’ll also find booths and activations from:
Interested in joining the team next year?
Get notified for 2027 opportunitiesTake a piece of the tournament homE with you
Shop exclusive Mactaquac Golf Course x PGA TOUR Americas merchandise all weekend long — available at the clubhouse pro shop, the Fan Zone, and the VIP Pavilion.
From premium apparel to standout accessories, these limited-edition items capture the spirit of the Explore NB Open and the beauty of Mactaquac. Whether you’re treating yourself or picking up a gift, don’t miss your chance to score official gear while supplies last.
A BIG THANK YOU TO ALL OUR SPONSORS
Our heartfelt gratitude to the sponsors who make the Explore NB Open possible
LIABILITY DISCLAIMER
By entering the Mactaquac Golf Course grounds, you agree to the following (and if you are a minor, your parents/guardians agree to the following on your behalf):
The event will be photographed and filmed. By entering the course grounds, you irrevocably consent to being photographed, filmed and videotaped, and release all producers and users of such photos, film and videotape, including any event sponsors, from any liability (whether for infringement of any rights or otherwise), and you expressly authorize and permit use of your name, voice and likeness, and all reproductions thereof (including for promotional use), through the world in perpetuity without limitation and without any compensation to you.
You assume all risks and accept all responsibility for any injuries that might result not only from your actions, inactions or negligence, but also that of others, the condition of the premises, and/or the possibility exposure to others with communicable illness, including covid-19 and any associated risks therewith. You assume all risk and responsibility for such injury and any related damage.
All children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
If you do not wish to be filmed, please do not enter the tournament grounds.
Thank you for your cooperation.
