OAKVILLE, ONT. (Golf Canada) – The final four spots into the 2017 RBC Canadian Open field will be determined Monday as the Final Qualifier is set to tee off at Heron Point Golf Links in Ancaster, Ont.

The 57-man field is comprised of touring professionals, top amateurs and 43 regional qualifiers from the as a part of the two-stage RBC Canadian Open Qualification process.

“We’re very happy to have the Final Qualifier at Heron Point Golf Links,” said Adam Helmer, Golf Canada’s Director, Rules, Competitions and Amateur Status. “The course is in great condition and it should provide an excellent test for this impressive field of golfers vying for a spot in the RBC Canadian Open.”

The Final Qualifier features 18 holes of stroke play with the low four competitors receiving an exemption directly into the 2017 RBC Canadian Open field.  If necessary, a hole-by-hole playoff will be conducted immediately following the conclusion of play.

Click here for pairings, start times and results for RBC Canadian Open Final Qualifying on Monday, July 24. Results will be available as players complete their rounds.

OAKVILLE, ON — On Tuesday, July 25 at 10 a.m. ET at Glen Abbey Golf Club, golf icon Jack Nicklaus will be on hand to officially open the 2017 RBC Canadian Open during a public outdoor ceremony at Glen Abbey Golf Club.

The Opening Ceremony for the 2017 RBC Canadian Open will be immediately followed by the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, where amateur champion Judy Darling Evans and legendary golf club maker Bob Vokey will be officially inducted as the 78^th and 79^th honoured members.  Nicklaus, who was inducted into the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame in 1995, will join 16 other legends of Canadian golf as part of the celebration.

Spectators are invited to join the celebration (FREE for all attendees) that will officially kick off the 2017 RBC Canadian Open. Both the induction and ceremony will take place on stage in the Coors Light 19th Hole Beer Garden.

Oakville, ON – For the second year, the RBC Canadian Open 5K Golf Run officially kicked off RBC Canadian Open tournament week at Glen Abbey Golf Club, running the tournament ready holes at the championship course, just days before the golf professionals. A total of 522 participants took part, surpassing 2016’s total of 361.

“It is very special to be able to put on an event that combines the love for running, walking and golf, and to be able to do it as part of the RBC Canadian Open is remarkable,” said Elliott Kerr, President of Landmark Sport Group Inc., the organizers of the RBC Canadian Open 5K Golf Run.

Runners, walkers and golf enthusiasts gathered near the first tee of the championship course to mark the beginning of their journey through the PGA TOUR ready course, finishing alongside the iconic 18^th green.

“The RBC Canadian Open 5K Golf Run once again proved to be a huge hit with runners and golf fans,” said Brent McLaughlin, RBC Canadian Open Tournament Director. “It is a great way to kick off Canada’s National Men’s Open Championship.”

Participants were treated to experiencing Glen Abbey set up for the RBC Canadian Open, before the pros arrive to compete in the tournament, beginning Monday, July 24^th. The fun continued post-race at the Coors Light Beer Garden, where participants and spectators were invited to enjoy beverages and watch the third round of the British Open live on large television screens. The RBC Canadian Open Trophy was also available for photos.

“We are extremely pleased with the turnout for the second year of this event,” said Brody Coles, Race Director. “People are attracted to the uniqueness of the event, as it isn’t your typical race. The atmosphere of being at Glen Abbey just prior to a PGA TOUR Tournament begins is truly exciting.”

On a competitive note, Connor Hammond, Oakville and Rebecca Kowalenko, Toronto finished first overall in the male and female categories, with respective times of 17:40 and 20:06. All participants received a finisher’s medal upon crossing the finish line, with additional prizes handed to top finishers in each age and gender category. Each participant also received a complimentary “any single day” ticket to the RBC Canadian Open, earning the chance to watch their favourite golfers compete on the same course they completed their run through. Glen Cairn Golf Club won the Golf Club Championship by having the most club members registered for the event, and each registered member received an upgraded pass to Golf Canada House Powered by Boston Pizza.

For more information, visit www.golfrun.ca.

OAKVILLE, Ont. (Golf Canada) – Golf Canada and RBC are pleased to announce the final field of competitors vying for the US$6.0 million purse at the 2017 RBC Canadian Open, July 24-30 at Glen Abbey Golf Club.

World no. 1 Dustin Johnson will be challenged by a stellar field of PGA TOUR stars including world No. 18 Matt Kuchar, two-time Masters champion Bubba Watson, two-time RBC Canadian Open champion Jim Furyk, world No. 33 and 2013 RBC Canadian Open champion Brandt Snedeker, three-time PGA TOUR winners Ryan Palmer and Graeme McDowell, as well as World Golf Hall of Fame member Ernie Els.

Other notable additions to the field for the 108^th playing of Canada’s National Open Championship include defending champion Jhonattan Vegas, Ian Poulter, 34-time PGA TOUR winner Vijay Singh, eight-time winner K.J. Choi, six-time winner Hunter Mahan, world No. 28 Kevin Chappell, world No. 39 Charley Hoffman, world no. 48 Gary Woodland and rising-star Tony Finau, who sits 27^th on the FedEx Cup Point Standings.

“The field is nearly set and we’re ready to tee-up the 108^th playing of Canada’s National Open Championship starting next week at Glen Abbey Golf Club,” said Tournament Director Brent McLaughlin. “It’s a big year for Canada celebrating 150 years and with a tremendous mix of international stars and the deepest field of Canadian talent ever, we couldn’t be more thrilled to treat fans to a world-class showcase of golf steeped in Canadiana.”

In total, 156 players will compete for the US$6.0 million purse next week in Oakville when Canada’s National Open Championship returns to Glen Abbey for a record 29^th time.

Past Champions…

Defending champion Jhonattan Vegas will be joined by seven other former champions including Team RBC members Brandt Snedeker – who won in 2013 at Glen Abbey Golf Club – and Jim Furyk who claimed back-to-back championships in 2006 and 2007. Other confirmed past champions include Scott Piercy (2012), Sean O’Hair (2011), Carl Pettersson (2010), Chez Reavie (2008) and Vijay Singh (2004).

PGA Tour In-Year Winners…

A total of nine in-year PGA Tour winners will compete at Glen Abbey including Cody Gribble, Mackenzie Hughes, Harris English, Matt Kuchar, Hudson Swafford, Dustin Johnson, Adam Hadwin, D.A. Points and Kevin Chappell.

13 Canadians to compete for National Men’s Open Title…

World no. 54 Adam Hadwin of Abbotsford, B.C., will lead a 13-member Canadian contingent into Canada’s national Open championship. The 29-year old is in the midst of his finest season with a win at the Valpsar Championship and a 59 at the CareerBuilder Challenge. Hadwin will be joined by fellow recent PGA TOUR winners Mackenzie Hughes of Dundas, Ont. and Nick Taylor of Abbotsford, B.C. as well fellow Canadian fan favourites Graham DeLaet of Weyburn, Sask., David Hearn of Brantford, Ont., Brad Fritsch of Manotick, Ont. and Canadian Golf Hall of Fame member Mike Weir of Brights Grove, Ont.

Other Canadians confirmed include Jared du Toit, the 22-year old Team Canada member played in the final pairing at the 2016 RBC Canadian Open. The Calgary native returns to Glen Abbey as a professional hoping to recapture the magic that made him the story of last year’s championship.  Team Canada National Amateur Squad members Hugo Bernard of Mont St-Hilaire, Que., the reigning Canadian Men’s Amateur champion along with Austin James of Bath, Ont., will also compete.

Former Team Canada member Garrett Rank of Elmira, Ont., has earned his third consecutive RBC Canadian Open exemption by winning his third straight Canadian Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship. PGA of Canada professional Bryn Parry of Vancouver earned his way into the 2017 RBC Canadian Open by claiming the No. 1 position on the PGA of Canada Player Rankings presented by RBC, while former Team Canada member Matt Hill of Brights Grove, Ont., won the 144-player Ontario Regional Qualifier to earn an exemption.

The Canadians in the field have their sights set on becoming the first Canadian to capture the national title since Pat Fletcher claimed victory in 1954.

Final Tournament Exemptions to be Named…

The top three players on the Mackenzie Tour-PGA Tour Canada Order of Merit following this weekend’s Mackenzie Investments Open in Mirabel, Que. will earn exemptions into the field for the 2017 RBC Canadian Open.

The final four exemptions into the field for the 2017 RBC Canadian Open will be handed out at the Monday Final Qualifier on July 24 to be played at Heron Point Golf Links near Ancaster, Ont.

Click here for the full list of competitors competing in the 2017 RBC Canadian Open at Glen Abbey Golf Club from July 24-30.

The RBC Canadian Open is more than just 72 holes of world-class golf – it is one of Canada’s most historic sporting events with activities for golf and sport enthusiasts both inside and outside the ropes.

Fun and interactive partner programs enhance the fan experience and add to the prestige of Canada’s National Men’s Open Championship.

RBC will be enhancing the spectator experience for all with their Someday Seats, which will be located at 10 locations along the rope lines. Front-row Muskoka chair seating will put spectators right into the action!

RBC will also be unveiling their Someday Lounge at #TheRink – this amazing greenside atmosphere will be the perfect spot to celebrate golf, hockey and Canadiana, while catching all the action on the most exciting Par-3.

WestJet’s Closest to the Pin Toss returns to offer spectators the chance to win a flight anywhere the airlines travels for two. Fans can purchase mini-balls from WestJet volunteers around the course and then take part in the ball toss on the 18th green at the end of each tournament day. Proceeds support Ronald McDonald Houses across Canada.

ZTE returns with the ZTE Grand X View tent, this year located beside Golf Canada House Powered by Boston Pizza. In this space, ZTE will offer fans a unique vantage point to watch the athletes as they make their way from the 6^th green to #TheRink – an experience unlike any other.

Shaw is back with their 7-day Closest to the Pin Challenge and new this year is the ParticipACTION 150 Play List that will showcase the ultimate list of all the physical activities that make us Canadian.

Another new addition is the Levelwear Valley Shuttle that will offer all spectators a free ride into and out of the valley at the 11^th hole.

BMW is returning with their BMW Pavilion located at the 7^th hole, and this year will feature the BMW Ultimate Long Putt Challenge where fans will have a chance to putt for great prizes including the grand prize of a 1-year lease of a BMW 4 series.

Located just off the 10th fairway, the Golf Canada Golf Zone offers FREE fun activities for the whole family. Pose for a picture with the RBC Canadian Open trophy or the 1904 Olympic Trophy. Enjoy a bag of popcorn while signing-up for a free Golf Canada membership.

Take advantage of phone charging stations and cool down in the air-conditioned environment – all for FREE. While there, experience the storied history of Canadian golf with a tour through the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame and Museum.

Check out the ZTE Spectator Village for engaging activities from a number of the event’s supporting partners, including Future Links junior golf activities, charging stations, giveaways, Tweet Caddies, beer gardens, food trucks and more.

Can’t decide which day to attend the RBC Canadian Open. Here are a few highlights of some of the daily activities taking place…

RBC Canadian Open 5K Run – Saturday July 22
Landmark Sport Group in conjunction with Golf Canada will once again be putting on the RBC Canadian Open 5K Golf Run. On Saturday, July 22, 2017 the second annual RBC Canadian Open 5K Running Event will provide participants the opportunity to run or walk along the spectator and cart pathways of Glen Abbey Golf Club. The route begins near the 1st tee of the Championship Course and finishes alongside the iconic and picturesque 18th green. This event is ideal for traditional and non-traditional running audiences. All participants will receive a bib, shirt and finisher’s medal. Registration is $60 and all participants receive a free Anyday ticket to enjoy the championship. www.golfrun.ca

Hall of Fame Induction & Official Opening Ceremony – Tuesday July 25
On Tuesday, July 25 at 10 a.m. our Opening Ceremony will officially kick off the RBC Canadian Open and include the Canadian Hall of Fame induction of Judy Darling Evans and golf club maker Bob Vokey. The ceremony, which will offer free attendance, will conclude with a military flyover and the singing of the national anthem.

Red & White Day – Friday, July 28
The RBC Canadian Open is Canada’s National Championship and to celebrate ‘Our Open’, Friday, July 28 of tournament week will once again be ‘Red & White Day’. Spectators, sponsors, players and attendees are encouraged to wear Canada’s national colours in support of our Canadian golfers in the field.

Canadian Armed Forces Day Presented by Commissionaires  –  Saturday, July 29
Commissionaires will be hosting Canadian Armed Forces Day on Saturday July 29, 2017. All current and former members of Canada’s Armed Forces who register in advance at www.commissionaires-cgl.ca will be entitled to a “military pass” that will provide access to the tournament grounds and upgraded venues.

Arnold Palmer Day – Sunday, July 30
In 1955, Arnold Palmer came to the Canadian Open uncertain he’d have another season on the PGA TOUR. Inconsistent play kept the 26-year-old from winning any events or finding financial success. A Tour rookie with little money, Palmer travelled between tournaments by car with his wife, Winnie.

Growing frustration and a lack of success led to difficult conversations with Winnie – the harsh reality that he may be forced to leave the professional circuit to earn a steady paycheque as a club pro in his hometown of Latrobe, PA.

That uncertainty and those conversations would soon change as Palmer earned a four-stroke win at the 1955 Canadian Open, his first as a professional, for a top prize of $2,400 – equivalent to about

$22,000 in today’s currency. With enough money to continue for another season, Palmer picked up two wins the following year. In total, The King amassed 95 victories world wide, including seven major championships.

None of those may have been possible had he not won the 1955 Canadian Open that rookie year. The victory was so significant that the Canadian Open trophy was one of just three on display in his office at the time of his passing.

The Canadian Open is proud to have been a chapter in The King’s storied history. He may be gone, but he will never be forgotten. Help us keep the King’s memory alive by taking part in Arnold Palmer Day. We’ll be handing out special AP55 buttons to the first 5,000 fans onsite. Visit the 1^st tee to catch a glimpse of the Seagram Gold Cup – the trophy he won in 1955. Or visit the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame & Museum’s Arnold Palmer exhibit which will include game worn clothing, equipment and more.

As part of the RBC Canadian Open’s commitment to family fun, admission for kids 17-and-under is FREE all week.

A full listing of events and activities can be found here.

OAKVILLE, ONT. (Golf Canada) – To help celebrate Canada’s 150^th anniversary, Golf Canada and RBC have announced the launch of The Rink – a fan experience taking place during the 2017 RBC Canadian Open that will combine Canada’s most popular pastimes, golf and hockey.

During championship week, July 24-30, the par-3 7^th hole at Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Ont., will transform into a rink-styled fan experience, complete with hockey boards, an ice-resurfacing machine, as well as the addition of new rink-side bleachers and viewing decks.

“We’re very excited to bring The Rink to life,” said RBC Canadian Open Tournament Director Brent McLaughlin. “We wanted to create an experience that oozed Canadiana. We know Canadians love hockey, and of course they love golf too. Combining rinks and links was a no-brainer.”

To add to The Rink experience, volunteer marshals on the hole will be outfitted in referee uniforms, while rink boards will outline the hole from tee to green, replacing traditional roping.

Seating for The Rink is adjacent to the Coors Light 19^th Hole Beer Garden. In-seat service and giveaways will be available to ensure fans don’t miss out on the action. A $1,000 donation to Ronald McDonald House Charities Canada will be made for every birdie made on the hole during championship play, Thursday to Sunday.

Global TV will also have their broadcast booth behind the green looking back at the tee, enabling television viewers the opportunity to witness The Rink from the comfort of their own homes.

“The RBC Canadian Open has always been uniquely Canadian,” added Matt McGlynn, vice-president, brand marketing for RBC. “We felt integrating ‘The Rink’ into our Canadian-themed activation would be a perfect extension to the fan experience. We’re proud to support Golf Canada and make this Canadian tribute a reality, hopefully for many years to come.”

There is perhaps no better way to show your Canadian pride than by cheering on homegrown Canadian talent – and Canada’s top golfers are giving fans lots of reasons to cheer. The 2017 edition of the RBC Canadian Open will be a showcase of the incredible Canadian talent on the PGA Tour.

Two Canuck golfers have earned their first PGA TOUR victories this season, with Adam Hadwin winning the Valspar Championship in March and Mackenzie Hughes winning The RSM Classic last November.

Graham DeLaet is hungry for his first PGA TOUR victory, recently recording his fifth Top 10 of the season – a tie for 10^th at The Memorial.

The deep contingent of Canadian talent continues with the likes of Nick Taylor. The PGA TOUR winner (2014 Sanderson Farms Championship) has three Top-10 finishes this year and would love to notch another win this year at Glen Abbey.

David Hearn nearly tasted victory at the 2015 RBC Canadian Open. With a massive crowd cheering him on as they sang “O Canada,” Hearn held the lead heading into the final round at Glen Abbey. However, he would fall short, finishing third behind electric Australian Jason Day.

Perennial fan favourite and Masters champion Mike Weir will also be teeing-it-up at the RBC Canadian Open ahead of his debut as assistant captain at The Presidents Cup.

Headlining the International golfers already committed to compete are world No. 1 Dustin Johnson, Bubba Watson, recent THE PLAYERS Championship winner, Si Woo Kim and PGA TOUR rookie sensation Bryson DeChambeau. Team RBC golfers Ernie Els, Jim Furyk, Matt Kuchar, Graeme McDowell, Ryan Palmer and Brandt Snedeker will also be in the field.

The RBC Canadian Open is more than just 72 holes of world-class golf – it’s one of Canada’s most prolific sporting events, chocked-full of activities for spectators both inside and outside the ropes.

In addition to The Rink and outstanding golf, other fan activities adding to the RBC Canadian Open experience include:

RBC Canadian Open 5K Run – Saturday July 22
Landmark Sport Group in conjunction with Golf Canada will once again be putting on the RBC Canadian Open 5K Golf Run. On Saturday, July 22, 2017 the second annual RBC Canadian Open 5K Running Event will provide participants the opportunity to run or walk along the spectator and cart pathways of Glen Abbey Golf Club. The route begins near the 1st tee of the Championship Course and finishes alongside the iconic and picturesque 18th green. This event is ideal for traditional and non-traditional running audiences. All participants will receive a bib, shirt and finisher’s medal. Registration is $60 and all participants receive a free Anyday ticket to enjoy the championship. www.golfrun.ca

Hall of Fame Induction & Official Opening Ceremony – Tuesday July 25
On Tuesday, July 25 at 10 a.m. our Opening Ceremony will officially kick off the RBC Canadian Open and include the Canadian Hall of Fame induction of amateur golf titan Judy Darling Evans and legendary golf club maker Bob Vokey. The ceremony, which is free to the public, will conclude with the singing of the national anthem.

Kids 17-and-under Get in Free
In their continued commitment to Canadian families, Golf Canada and RBC strive to provide a fan friendly, all encompassing family event with the RBC Canadian Open. In an effort to introduce more juniors to the sport, kids aged 17-and-under get FREE admission to the RBC Canadian Open for the entire week.

Red & White Day – Friday, July 28
The RBC Canadian Open is Canada’s National Championship and to celebrate ‘Our Open’, Friday, July 28 of tournament week will once again be ‘Red & White Day’. Spectators, sponsors, players and attendees are encouraged to wear Canada’s national colours in support of our Canadian golfers in the field.

Canadian Armed Forces Day Presented by Commissionaires– Saturday, July 29
Commissionaires, the largest private employer of veterans in Canada, will host Canadian Armed Forces Day on Saturday July 29, 2017. All current and former members of Canada’s Armed Forces who register at www.commissionaires-cgl.ca will be entitled, along with their immediate famiy, to a “military pass” that will provide access to the tournament grounds and upgraded venues.

OAKVILLE, ONT. (Golf Canada) – Golf Canada and RBC today announced Dustin Johnson, Bubba Watson and Si Woo Kim  have made early commitments to compete at the 2017 RBC Canadian Open from July 24-30 at Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Ont.

Johnson, who has been No. 1 on the Official World Golf Rankings since February of 2017, has three PGA TOUR victories this season to lead the FedEx Cup standings.

Bubba Watson last competed at the RBC Canadian Open in 2015, where he finished runner-up to Jason Day.

Si Woo Kim is coming off the biggest win of his career, taking top spot at the 2017 THE PLAYERS Championship to climb to No. 32 in the Official World Golf Ranking and 22^nd on the FedEx Cup Standings.

Ten members of Team RBC have also committed to compete at Canada’s National Open Championship, including Canada’s Adam Hadwin, Graham DeLaet, Nick Taylor and David Hearn. The Canadians will be joined by teammates Ernie Els, Jim Furyk, Matt Kuchar, Graeme McDowell, Ryan Palmer and Brandt Snedeker.

In addition, a sponsor exemption has been extended to Jared du Toit of Kimberly, B.C. The Golf Canada Amateur Team member sprung to notoriety thanks to a stellar showing at the 2016 RBC Canadian Open, where he finished 9^th.

The field also features all three Order of Merit winners from the first three seasons of the Mackenzie Tour – PGA TOUR Canada, including Canadian and 2013 Order of Merit winner Mackenzie Hughes, along with Joel Dahmen (2014) and J.J. Spaun (2015). Other early Canadian player commitments include Ottawa’s Brad Fritsch and Canadian Golf Hall of Fame Honoured Member Mike Weir.

“Our field is coming together and we’re thrilled to welcome some of the best player in the world, a good mix of top international talent and a solid list of Canadians as early commitments for the 2017 RBC Canadian Open,” said Tournament Director Brent McLaughlin.

A Canadian has not won the RBC Canadian Open since Pat Fletcher in 1954. However, Mackenzie Hughes (The RSM Classic) and Adam Hadwin (Valspar Championship) each have PGA TOUR wins this season.

“This will be an exciting year for Canadian golf fans for sure,” added McLaughlin. “We’ve come close in recent years with David Hearn finishing 3^rd in 2015 and du Toit’s terrific run last year. This may be the year the drought finally comes to an end.”

Team Canada member Hugo Bernard of Mont-Saint-Hilaire, Que., won the 2016 Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship to earn an exemption into the RBC Canadian Open, while NHL Referee and Elmira, Ont., native Garrett Rank won his spot by claiming the 2016 Canadian Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship. In mid-May, Matt Hill of Brights Grove, Ont., won the Ontario Regional Qualifier to earn his spot.

Additional player announcements will be made in the coming weeks. Players have until 5 pm ET Friday before tournament week to confirm their participation with the PGA TOUR.

RBC Canadian Open 5K Run – Saturday July 22
Landmark Sport Group in conjunction with Golf Canada will once again be putting on the RBC Canadian Open 5K Golf Run. On Saturday, July 22, 2017 the second annual RBC Canadian Open 5K Running Event will provide participants the opportunity to run or walk along the spectator and cart pathways of Glen Abbey Golf Club. The route begins near the 1st tee of the Championship Course and finishes alongside the iconic and picturesque 18th green. This event is ideal for traditional and non-traditional running audiences. All participants will receive a bib, shirt and finisher’s medal. Registration is $60 and all participants receive a free Anyday ticket to enjoy the championship. www.golfrun.ca

Hall of Fame Induction & Official Opening Ceremony – Tuesday July 25
On Tuesday, July 25 at 10 a.m. our Opening Ceremony will officially kick off the RBC Canadian Open and include the Canadian Hall of Fame induction of Judy Darling Evans and golf club maker Bob Vokey. The ceremony, which will offer free attendance, will conclude with a military flyover and the singing of the national anthem.

Kids 17-and-under Get in Free
Golf Canada and RBC are committed to offering a fan friendly, family event with the RBC Canadian Open. In an effort to introduce more juniors to the sport, kids aged 17-and-under get FREE admission to the RBC Canadian Open for the entire week.

Red & White Day – Friday, July 28
The RBC Canadian Open is Canada’s National Championship and to celebrate ‘Our Open’, Friday, July 28 of tournament week will once again be ‘Red & White Day’. Spectators, sponsors, players and attendees are encouraged to wear Canada’s national colours in support of our Canadian golfers in the field.

By: Terry Lenyk
Photo:  Matt Sullivan/Getty Images

Mack Duke of Camden, Maine, carded a 2-under par 70 to earn medallist honours at the final RBC Canadian Open Regional qualifier of 2017 at Club de Golf la Vallee du Richelieu – Vercheres Course.

Duke’s first place finish earns him a spot in the Final Qualifier taking place at Heron Point Golf Links in Ancaster, Ont., July 24^th.

A minimum of four golfers will advance through final Monday qualifying to the 2017 RBC Canadian Open at Glen Abbey Golf Club, in Oakville, Ont., from July 24-30.

“Qualifiers are tough because one bad shot can kick you right out of it,” said Duke following his round.   “You have to be consistent and try to play smart. You can’t get too aggressive and you have to make putts when they are offered up.”

After going out in a bogey free 2-under par 34 on the front nine, Duke dropped two more birdies on the back nine to combat two bogeys. He felt confident with his putter all day.

“The greens were really good speed for making putts,” he added. “They weren’t crazy fast, and weren’t too slow, so you could hit all your putts pretty firm and aggressive. I just stuck to that and made a few putts today.”

Seventy golfers competed in the Quebec qualifier. In addition to Duke, 14 players are also moving on to the Final Qualifier at Heron Point.

Seventeen-year-old amateur Griffin Jones from Manotick, Ont., finished second one stroke behind Duke at 1 under par. Quebec City’s Louis-Alexandre Pitre was solo third at even par.

Amateurs Cullen Chung (Westmount, Que.) and Étienne Papineau (St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Que.) finished in a tie for fourth with professional Francis Berthiaume (Valleyfield, Que.) at 1 over par.

The Quebec Regional Qualifier was the third and final Regional Qualifying event. Provided 100 or more players were in the field at a Regional Qualifier, the low qualifier received direct exemption into the 2017 RBC Canadian Open.

Otherwise, the top 15 percent of finishers at each qualifier are eligible to compete at the Final Qualifying event.

Additional information and the full leaderboard from Monday’s RBC Canadian Open Regional Qualifier at Vallee du Richelieu can be found here.

TORONTO (May 17, 2017) – Commissionaires, the largest private employer of veterans in Canada, has announced a partnership with Golf Canada to host Canadian Armed Forces Day taking place Saturday July 29, 2017 as part of the RBC Canadian Open.

All current and former members of Canada’s Armed Forces who register at www.commissionaires-cgl.ca will be entitled to a “military pass” that will provide access to the tournament grounds and upgraded venues. The invitation is also extended to immediate family members making this a truly memorable day.

“The PGA TOUR has an established record of sponsoring veteran causes across North America. Given the Commissionaires’ mandate to provide meaningful employment to veterans, it makes great sense for our two organizations to pool our efforts to honour those who serve our country, and the families that support them,” said Benjamin Alexander, Senior Vice President with Commissionaires.

“It’s great to stand should-to-shoulder with Commissionaires on Canadian Armed Forces Day,” said Brent McLaughlin, Tournament Director for the RBC Canadian Open. “Just weeks after honouring those who fought at the Battle of Vimy Ridge, and in the year we celebrate Canada’s 150^th birthday, we are proud to partner with Commissionaires to honour our military.”

Matt Hill of Brights Grove, Ont., defeated  Jesse Smith of Oshweken, Ont., in a playoff at Blue Springs Golf Club in Acton, Ont., to top the second of three Regional Qualifying events and secure his spot in the 2017 RBC Canadian Open at Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Ont., July 24-30.

“I know I can play well in a Tour event and draw on some of the past experiences I’ve had,” said Hill. “I know how to handle myself in certain situations due to certain things I’ve done in the past and I think that will benefit me this year at the RBC Canadian Open.”

Hill, who won the NCAA Division I Championship in 2009 while at North Carolina State, went out in a 1-under par, 35 on the front nine.

He then caught fire on the back nine, recording four birdies and no bogeys, to card a 5-under par 67.

“I had a few good chances on the front nine and only shot 1-under and I kind of stuck with the positive attitude and told myself that since I missed a few I was going to start making some, so I made a few on the back nine,” said Hill.

Smith equaled Hill’s round of 67 by recording six birdies, three bogeys and an eagle on the par-5 12th hole.

Hill and Smith both teed off early in the day, Hill at 9:09 a.m. and Smith at 9:20 a.m. The playoff didn’t wrap up until around 8:30 p.m., so both players had to deal with a lengthy break between finishing their round and starting the playoff.

“After I just kind of relaxed for a couple hours, I went out a few hours before the playoff, and just got in a full pre-round warm-up,” said Hill. “I stretched, putted, chipped and hit a few, just to make sure all the parts of my game were ready to go.”

For the playoff, Hill and Smith replayed the par-4 18th hole. Smith bogeyed the first playoff hole, while Hill converted a two-putt par from 15 feet, to clinch victory.

One hundred and forty-three golfers competed in the tournament vying for a spot in the RBC Canadian Open and RBC Canadian Open Final Qualifier July 24th at Heron Point Golf Links in Ancaster, Ont.

In addition to Hill advancing directly to the RBC Canadian Open, 21 golfers advanced to the Final Qualifying event.

Peter Campbell, a resident of Windemere, Fla., and  a member of the PGA TOUR Latinoamérica, came in solo third, carding a 4-under par 68.

The highest-ranking amateur was Joshua Montgomery, who fired a 1-under par 71 to finish T6 with two other golfers. He advances to the final qualifier at Heron Point, which in his hometown of Ancaster.

Brantford, Ont.’s Stephane Dubois was part of a group of six who finished T9 at even par; his second strong qualifying performance in recent weeks, after winning medallist honours at Golf Canada’s U.S Open Local Qualifier at Beacon Hall Golf Club, in Aurora, Ont., on May 8th.

In total, there are three regional qualifying events, each consisting of 18 holes of stroke play. Provided there are 100 or more players in the field, as was the case at Blue Springs, the low qualifier receives an exemption directly into the 2017 RBC Canadian Open.

Otherwise, the top 15 percent of finishers at each qualifier become eligible to compete at the final qualifying event.

The first RBC Canadian Open Regional Qualifier at Bear Mountain Resort, in Victoria, B.C., on May 9th, saw Keith Martin and Derek Barron win medallist honours, securing their spot, along with four other golfers, in the Final Qualifying event.

The third RBC Canadian Open Regional Qualifier, will take place June 5th at Club de Golf de la Vallee du Richelieu on the Rouville Course in Saint-Julie, Que.

Additional information, and full results from Monday’s RBC Canadian Open Regional Qualifier at Blue Springs can be found here.

THE FOLLOWING GOLFERS ADVANCED FINAL QUALIFIER

2 – Jesse Smith, Ohsweken, ON 34-33–67 (-5)
3 – Peter Campbell, Windermere, FL 34-34–68 (-4)
T4 – Dan Bowling, Brights Grove, ON 38-32–70 (-2)
T4 – J.J. Regan, Burlington, ON 36-34–70 (-2)
T6 – Joshua Montgomery (a), Ancaster, ON 36-35–71 (-1)
T6 – Russell Budd, Toronto, ON 35-36–71 (-1)
T6 – Drew Nesbitt, Shanty Bay, ON 35-36–71 (-1
T9 – Andrew Ledger, Toronto, ON 35-37–72 E
T9 – Nyasha Mauchaza, Port Saint Lucie, FL 34-38–72 E
T9 – Adrian Cord (a), Toronto, ON 38-34–72 E
T9 – Stephane Dubois, Brantford, ON 37-35–72 E
T9 – Eddie Maunder, Oakville, ON 38-34–72 E
T9 – Nic Mazze (a), Caledon East, ON 36-36–72 E
T15 – James Skrypec, Kitchener, ON 35-38–73 +1
T15 – Victor Ciesielski, Cambridge, ON 38-35–73 +1
T15 – Sebastian Szirmak, Toronto, ON 37-36–73 +1
T15 – Chase Komaromi (a), London, ON 35-38–73 +1
T15 – Elliott Whitley, Hamilton, ON 37-36–73 +1
T15 – Brad Kerfoot, Toronto, ON 37-36–73 +1
T15 – Philip Arci (a), Vaughan, ON 35-38–73 +1
T15 – Mike Currie (a), Milton, ON 34-39–73 +1

For the full results click here.