HAMILTON — RBCxMusic, in partnership with Golf Canada, is pleased to announce a new concert series, featuring Grammy-nominated and internationally acclaimed duo, Florida Georgia Line (FGL), and JUNO award winners and homegrown rock band, The Glorious Sons, taking place at the 2019 RBC Canadian Open.

The concert series will be held on the iconic grounds of the Hamilton Golf and Country Club on June 7 and 8, 2019, and will offer an enhanced experience for golf fans, music lovers and players alike.

Global entertainers Florida Georgia Line are well known for their innovative artistry and chart-topping songs – including their 16th #1 hit “Simple” and breakout 11X-PLATINUM smash “Cruise.” Their fourth studio album CAN’T SAY I AIN’T COUNTRY (BMLG Records) recently arrived, racking up over 473,000 album consumption globally to date, and debuting at #1 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart. The project features current chart-rising single “Talk You Out of It.” The pair will launch their North American 2019 CAN’T SAY I AIN’T COUNTRY TOUR this summer. Canadians will have the opportunity to see FGL live in concert at the RBC Canadian Open on June 7, 2019 – their only Canadian stop this year.

“We’ve always had an epic time performing in Canada,” says FGL’s Tyler Hubbard. “Our Canadian fans sure know how to bring the party!”

FGL’s Brian Kelley adds, “We just can’t wait to be back and play our new songs!”

“This is exciting news”, said Team RBC ambassador and PGA TOUR professional Dustin Johnson. “I’m a big fan of Florida Georgia Line, and this concert series is a great opportunity to open up this tournament to a whole new fan base.”

In addition, The Glorious Sons, hailing from Kingston, ON, will be performing on Saturday June 8th, 2019 at the concert series. The band have ten consecutive top-10 songs on Canadian Rock radio including the Gold-certified single “Everything Is Alright”, and recently enjoyed four weeks at #1 on the U.S. rock charts with their hit single “S.O.S. (Sawed Off Shotgun)”. They are currently on their headline “S.O.S. Tour” in the United States, which has included sell-out performances in Philadelphia, Detroit, Minneapolis, Chicago, Denver and Buffalo.”

“It’s very exciting to have Florida Georgia Line and The Glorious Sons perform at this year’s RBC Canadian Open,” said Mary DePaoli, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, RBC. “We are committed to creating an unforgettable fan experience, and our new concert series is a unique opportunity to connect golf and music fans of all ages.”

Tickets are all-inclusive: your tournament day pass is your concert ticket.

“Adding the Concert Series is another special moment in continuing to elevate the RBC Canadian Open experience, and welcoming new audiences to the golf course,” said Golf Canada CEO Laurence Applebaum. “We are thrilled that RBC has integrated the RBCxMusic platform with their incredible support of the RBC Canadian Open.”

The RBC Canadian Open’s return to the historic Harry Colt designed course in 2019 is timed perfectly – marking the 100-year anniversary since the renowned club originally first hosted the Open. This year will be the sixth time the Hamilton Golf and Country Club has played host to Canada’s National Open Championship (1919, 1930, 2003, 2006 and 2012).

In addition to the concert series, the tournament will feature new spectator enhancements, including a local foodie and patio experience, junior initiatives, the RBC Hall of Fame Day celebration and the return of The Rink, awarded 2018 best-in-class element by the PGA TOUR.

Key Facts:

WHAT:           RBCxMusic Concert Series at the RBC Canadian Open

WHEN:           Friday, June 7 and Saturday, June 8, 2019

WHERE:        The Hamilton Golf and Country Club

HOW:             Tickets on sale Friday, March 22 at 10:00 a.m.

Tickets will be available for purchase at RBCCanadianOpen.com/tickets. Tickets are $75 (plus taxes and service charges). The event is General Admission / All Ages. Your tournament day pass is your concert ticket.

The PGA Tour, taking a page from the European Tour, has decided to let its players wear shorts during practice rounds and Pro-Ams. The announcement was posted in the locker room at the Puerto Rico Open and at the Mexico Championship Monday, Feb. 18.

Players still must have shorts that are knee length, tailored and “neat in appearance.”

The European Tour began allowing shorts in practice rounds three years ago, while the PGA Championship allowed them in 2017 at Quail Hollow. Players still must wear pants during competition rounds.

Average June temperatures in Hamilton range between a high of 25° to a low of 13°, meaning spectators onsite will most likely see players wearing shorts at some point early tournament week.

Four Canadians join Team RBC as golf brand ambassadors 

Toronto, January 8, 2019 — Today, RBC welcomed its newest Team RBC golf brand ambassadors: Corey Conners, Brittany Marchand, Ben Silverman and Roger Sloan. These four Canadians join an elite roster of players, including Canadians Adam Hadwin, Brooke Henderson and Alena Sharp.

Ahead of a historic golf season marked by the most Canadians ever on the PGA TOUR, RBC continues to grow its commitment to the game on home soil by evolving its brand ambassador program. Now, all Canadian players that have reached the pinnacle of performance and secured status on the LPGA and PGA TOURS are eligible to join the Team RBC Canadian program – currently 10 members strong.

This expansion is also part of RBC’s ongoing support of Canadian golfers and includes funding for Canada’s National Amateur Golf Team and Young Pro Squad, as well as contributing to the national amateur golf championships, in partnership with Golf Canada.

Team RBC was established in 2009 and is comprised of 18 elite male and female golfers who embody the pinnacle of golf performance. Along with RBC branding on their apparel and golf bag, these new ambassadors will support RBC’s client-hosting experiences and marketing initiatives.

As the title sponsor of the RBC Heritage and RBC Canadian Open, RBC is also proud to be the Official Banking and Financial Services partner for all Team RBC ambassadors.

Quick facts:

• Corey Conners: Two top-15 finishes during the 2018 PGA TOUR season
• Brittany Marchand: Made 12 of 16 cuts during her first 2018 LPGA TOUR season
• Ben Silverman: Four top-15 finishes during the 2018 PGA TOUR season
• Roger Sloan: Finished 12^th on Web.com Tour Money List

Quotes:

“I’ve had the opportunity to partner with RBC when I was on Team Canada’s Young Pro program. This feels like a great next chapter in my journey as I compete on the PGA TOUR and I’m thankful RBC is with me again and for all they do for golf in Canada.”  – Corey Conners, Team RBC Ambassador

“I am so proud and so grateful to be a part of the Team RBC family . RBC has given so much to our game and their support enables us to continue to grow and develop on the world stage I look forward to getting to know the team and am excited about the milestones ahead.” – Brittany Marchand, Team RBC Ambassador

“RBC has been a longstanding supporter of golf, helping us build stronger connections with our clients and fans around the world. We’ve been on a journey with many of these athletes as amateur players, like Corey and Brittany. Now we’re continuing that partnership as they strive to reach the highest level of golf on the international stage.” – Mary DePaoli, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, RBC

“Today’s announcement is an important moment for Canadian high-performance golf. To see Canadian athletes recognized for their hard work, efforts and performance is just outstanding. It’s also another demonstration of RBC’s longstanding and continued support of golf both at the amateur and professional level.”  – Derek Ingram, National Men’s Team Coach, Golf Canada

OAKVILLE, ONT. (Golf Canada) – The Canadian Golf Hall of Fame and Museum today announced that amateur and professional golf standout, Rod Spittle, as well as celebrated collegiate golf coach Herb Page have been selected for 2019 induction into the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame.

Spittle, 63, from Niagara Falls, Ont., will be inducted in the player category, while the 67-year-old Page, who is a native of Markham, Ont., will be inducted as a builder for his accomplishments as a collegiate golf coach with the NCAA Division I Kent State Golden Flashes. With their inductions, the pair become the 82^nd and 83^rd honoured members of the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame.

“The Canadian Golf Hall of Fame strives to recognize the outstanding achievements of golf’s greatest players and supporters and it’s an absolute privilege to welcome Rod Spittle and Herb Page as our newest honoured members,” said Sandra Post, Chair of the Hall of Fame’s Selection Committee. “Rod was an accomplished player at the amateur level and later as a professional, while Herb has made a significant impact in the lives of countless student-athletes through his long tenure with Kent State’s golf program. I know I speak on behalf of the entire selection committee as well as the honoured members when I say they are both very deserved of their appointments.”

“I am humbled and thrilled beyond words to be inducted into the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame,” said Spittle. “It is an honour to be recognized and included in this group of golf ambassadors and elite players, the induction will be even more special for me since the ceremony will be hosted at Hamilton Golf & Country Club, where my dad caddied as a youngster and where I won my first Canadian Amateur in 1977.”

With his induction, Page becomes the 25^th person inducted into the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame’s builder category and the first-ever coach.

“It’s been an honour and a pleasure to have the opportunity to help so many young student-athletes grow both on and off the course,” said Page from his home in Ohio. “It’s always great to be recognized for your hard work and this nomination is extra special, but the real gratification comes from seeing players mature into outstanding people.”

Spittle and Page officially join the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame during an induction ceremony that will take place Tuesday, June 4^th, 2019 during RBC Hall of Fame Day as part of the 2019 RBC Canadian Open on the grounds of Hamilton Golf and Country Club.

ADMISSION TO RBC HALL OF FAME DAY (TUES. JUNE 4) OF THE 2019 RBC CANADIAN OPEN IS FREE WITH THE PURCHASE OF A THURSDAY, FRIDAY, SATURDAY OR SUNDAY TICKET.

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS.

Rod Spittle…
Born July 18, 1955 in St. Catharines, Ont., Rod Spittle had a successful amateur career, finishing runner-up at the 1973 Canadian Junior and winning the 1977 and 1978 Canadian Men’s Amateur Championships while playing Division I golf at Ohio State.  Provincially he also helped Ontario win back to back Willingdon Cups (1977-78). During his collegiate golf career, Spittle helped the Buckeyes win the BIG Ten Championship three consecutive years (1976-1978) alongside teammates John Cook and Joey Sindelar, who both went on to enjoy successful professional golf careers that included PGA TOUR victories.

After graduating in 1978 with a degree in Business Administration, Spittle opted to focus on supporting his family by selling insurance for 25 years and continuing his passion for the game in amateur golf. He won a pair of Columbus (Ohio) District Amateur Championships (1989 and 1987) and three Columbus (Ohio) District Mid-Amateur titles (1994, 1995 and 1997). He went on to claim the Ohio Mid-Am Championship three times (2000, 2001 and 2003) prior to turning professional in 2004, shortly before turning 50.

Spittle and his wife, Ann, left their regular jobs behind and made a 5-year plan to fulfill the dream of playing professional golf. In 2009, four years into that plan, Spittle’s goal of being a full-time Tour professional took a severe hit after he failed to secure PGA TOUR Champions status and did not play in a single event.

In 2010, the final year of the five-year plan, Spittle was forced to Monday qualify into events. Playing with limited status, Spittle got into only five events the entire 2010 season. He Monday qualified into the final event of the year, the AT&T Championship, and in a storybook ending, he played stellar golf all week and beat Jeff Sluman in a playoff for his first-ever professional title. Just like that, his dream of playing professional golf, nearly dead and gone, gained new life with a full exemption for 2011 as a PGA TOUR Champions winner.

In 195 starts over his 13-year PGA TOUR Champions career, Spittle missed just five cuts and earned more than $4M in prize money. He never missed more than one cut in any year and played nine full seasons without missing a single cut. He had a pair of runner-up finishes, a pair of third-place finishes and had 23 top-10s. He played his final PGA TOUR Champions event on home soil, finishing T17 at the 2018 Shaw Charity Classic.

On a personal level, he and his wife Ann have three children (Leslie, Steve and John) and seven grandchildren. The Spittle’s proudly support Special Olympics initiatives in their hometown of Columbus, Ohio. Spittle was inducted into the Ontario Golf Hall of Fame in 2013.

Herb Page…
Born March 16, 1951 in Markham, Ont., Herb Page has been a fixture on the Kent State University campus since arriving as an undergraduate three-sport student-athlete (golf, football and hockey) in 1970. Nearly 50 years later, now the university’s director of golf, Page has grown to become one of the most respected golf coaches in the world.

For more than 40 years, Page has been an untiring coach to his players and a terrific ambassador for the game of golf. Even after decades of significant accomplishments under his direction, the Kent State Golden Flashes golf program continues to reach new heights. He has built an empire in the Mid-American Conference with a legacy that seems to grow stronger with each passing year.

He has led the Golden Flashes to 23 Mid-American Conference (MAC) titles and 28 NCAA Regional appearances – advancing to the NCAA Championship 18 times during that span. Kent State won three NCAA Regional titles (1993, 2001 and 2010) and earned top-10 National finishes in 2000 (9^th), 2008 (6^th), 2012 (5^th) and 2018 (10^th). Page has garnered 24 MAC Coach of the Year awards (1983-1984, 1990-1996, 1998-2001, 2003, 2005-2006, 2009-2010, 2012-2014, 2016-2018) during his distinguished career.

He helped to develop countless golfers who have gone on to enjoy successful professional golf careers and opened a pathway for numerous Canadians to pursue NCAA post-secondary golf. Canuck alums who have been coached and recruited by Page include David Morland IV (1987–1991), Bryan DeCorso (1991–1995), Ryan Yip (2002–2006), Mackenzie Hughes (2008–2012), Corey Conners (2010-2014), Taylor Pendrith (2010-2014) and Jon Mills (1998–2002), who now serves as Page’s assistant coach with Kent State. Other notables among the nearly 30 Canadians to play at Kent State under Page include Brian Tisdelle, Paul DeCorso, Ron Reycraft, Chuck Crawford, Spencer Dobbs, Josh Whalen, Billy Walsh, Danny Sahl, Mark Bourgeois J.P. Paiement and Dustin Risdon, as well as current player Johnny Travale and future player Chris Vandette, who has committed to the school starting next year.

Page, who coached two PGA TOUR winners, also mentored Kent State graduate Ben Curtis, who claimed the 2003 Open Championship as well as a runner-up finish at the 2008 PGA Championship, before retiring from competitive golf to open his own golf academy.

He also played an instrumental role in the 1997 launch of the women’s golf program at Kent State, opening a post-secondary for path for Canadian women from B.C., Alberta, Ontario and Quebec including Jennifer Ha, Kira Miexner, Josee Doyon, Taylor Kim and Kirby Dreher as well as Veronique Drouin who is Women’s Head Coach at Oklahoma and Jan Dowling who is Women’s Head Coach at Michigan.

Among his many career honours and achievements, Page has been inducted into the Golf Coaches Association of America Hall of Fame (2003), Northern Ohio PGA Hall of Fame (2005), Northern Ohio Golf Association Hall of Fame (2012) and Ontario Golf Hall of Fame (2012). He is a past winner of the Golf Coaches of America Labron Harris Award (2008) and was selected to coach the International team at the 2018 Arnold Palmer Cup.

Page and his wife, Dr. Paula Treckel, reside in Kent, Ohio.

By: Brent Long

You never know who you might meet next when you volunteer to marshal at the RBC Canadian Open.

That’s not Jennifer Mazzarolo’s sales pitch when it comes to signing-up volunteers for the 2019 RBC Canadian Open at Hamilton Golf & Country Club (HGCC) next June. It does however explain, how the 13-year member at HGCC finds herself managing the largest group of volunteers – the “Quiet, Eh!” people – the marshals.

While she was on the waiting list to become a member at the club in 2006, Jennifer first volunteered as a marshal for the RBC Canadian Open at HGCC. As is tradition, the host club marshals No. 18 and Jennifer found herself enjoying the “Inside the Ropes” experience, but she also learned a valuable lesson.

During Wednesday’s Championship Pro-Am, PGA TOUR players sign a lot of autographs. Jennifer had a nice collection of signatures on a flag until Mark Calcavechia passed by and walked away with her Sharpie. “I couldn’t believe he stole my Sharpie. For the rest of the afternoon I was out of luck when it came to autographs,” Jennifer says. “It was a great event and for the most part the players are great guys, who appreciate the volunteers. Without all of the volunteers this tournament would not happen.”

In 2012, when the RBC Canadian Open returned to HGCC, Jennifer took on the added responsibilities as an Area Captain, overseeing Hole Captains and marshals on three holes. She followed that up as a Vice-Chair of Marshaling in 2013 and 2018 at Glen Abbey, before taking on the leadership role as Chair of the Marshal Committee and it’s 650 marshals for her third Open at HGCC in 2019.

“In 2018 we had three weather evacuations and I drove Brooks Koepka, Mackenzie Hughes and Ricky Barnes back to the clubhouse in my golf cart on 3 separate occasions,” Jennifer says. After years of waiting, she finally got a ball signed by her favourite player, Graeme McDowell that now sits in a protected plastic display case at home.

“The highlight of 2018 was meeting Dustin Johnson (see above). There was a photo op with Dustin and all Committee Chairs & Vice-Chairs. I was right out front, just below the RBC Canadian Open trophy. It pays to be short. When I stood up, he was right there. I congratulated him on the victory and he shook my hand and thanked me for volunteering. It was a great moment. Who knows, maybe it will be Tiger Woods in 2019,” says Jennifer, a CPA, CA and self-employed finance and accounting recruiter who enjoys leading and inspiring others.

And if the RBC Canadian Open isn’t keeping Jennifer busy enough, she also sits on the HGCC Board of Directors as Vice-Chair of both the Finance and Membership Committees, is a member of the Hamilton CPA Board, serves with the Good Sheperd Centre in Hamilton and enjoys volunteering for both provincial and federal election campaigns.

Planning for the 2019 RBC Canadian Open started as the 2018 Open at Glen Abbey had wrapped up where Jennifer touched base with hole marshals and hole captains to see if they might be interested in joining her at HGCC for 2019. She also extended an invite to clubs that sent volunteers to HGCC for the 2012 RBC Canadian Open through the Adopt a Hole Program. Clubs like Beverly Golf & Country Club, Dundas Valley Golf & Curling Club, Burlington Golf & Country Club and Oak Gables have agreed to return to oversee a hole per club (minimum of 20 volunteers registered) and Westmount Golf & Country Club is bringing a team of volunteer marshals for the first time.

Assisting Jennifer from HGCC will be Sheila Drury and Denise Johnston as Hole Captain and Co-Captain on the 18^th hole, as well as four outside Vice-Chairs, with decades of RBC Canadian Open experience. In October, Jennifer hosted a course tour for key members of the Marshaling Committee to make sure everyone is familiar with the course.

“It can be a long week with long hours in the sun, but it’s also a lot of fun,” Jennifer says. “It’s not easy work being a marshal. There’s a lot of spectators on the move. There’s a lot going on behind the scenes. There are a lot of moving parts. Someone gets three birdies in row and suddenly, we need to send a couple of extra roving marshals to the group to help with crowd control. It’s our job to make sure everything is moving smoothly and when it doesn’t, we need to respond quickly. The marshal team interacts with Golf Canada, the PGA TOUR and practically every other volunteer committee, so it’s important to build relationships and work as a team to ensure a smooth tournament.”

Jennifer knows the countdown to the 2019 RBC Canadian Open is on. She is also aware that volunteer numbers aren’t yet where they need to be – so please consider volunteering as a marshal. You never know who you might meet and do keep an eye on your Sharpie or someone might walk off with it.

To learn more about volunteering with the RBC Canadian Open, click here. 

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, FLORIDA – For 19 years, every Monday through Friday, Sets Tasaka, 80, has taken the bus from his home in Wailuku, Maui, to Hale Makua’s Adult Day Health Center. Hale Makua – which improves the well-being of those in its care through compassionate, personalized health services and is a primary beneficiary of this week’s Sentry Tournament of Champions – has been a second home to Tasaka, who for decades served the Maui community frozen treats with his brother, Henry, at their family’s century-old Tasaka Guri-Guri shop.

Impacting the lives of Tasaka and hundreds of thousands of others, the PGA TOUR and its tournaments generated a record $190 million for more than 3,000 charitable causes in 2018, announced today from this week’s event, the Sentry Tournament of Champions. The charitable total, which brings the all-time total to $2.84 billion, includes donations made by tournaments on the PGA TOUR, PGA TOUR Champions, Web.com Tour, Mackenzie Tour-PGA TOUR Canada, PGA TOUR Latinoamérica and PGA TOUR Series-China.

The #Golf_Canada_Network_Leaderboard_BigBox is proud to be a part of the @PGATOUR’s charitable giving in 2018.

By providing funds to the @golfcanadafdn we help introduce thousands of kids to golf via @GolfCanada‘s #GolfinSchools program… one of many ways the Foundation impacts local communities through golf. pic.twitter.com/6nlQsXW69n

— RBC Canadian Open (@RBCCanadianOpen) January 5, 2019

“Through the world of golf, the PGA TOUR and its tournaments, backed by its network of volunteers, drive positive impact at unprecedented levels to support and improve local communities,” said PGA TOUR Commissioner Jay Monahan. “By supporting a PGA TOUR event, you make an impact on countless philanthropic organizations in your community. As remarkable as our nearly $3 billion in donations is, what really matters are the remarkable stories like Sets’ that every tournament has. It’s a credit to our partners – host organizations, title sponsors, volunteers, the fans in the communities in which we play, as well as our players, who are relentlessly supportive of the impact the TOUR makes on so many lives.”

Since its move to Maui in 1999, the Sentry Tournament of Champions has generated more than $6.3 million in charitable impact for the community, including the Hale Makua’s Adult Health Center.

“We are privileged to help so many great people who, in some cases, just need to be reminded they are loved,” said Hale Makua CEO Wesley Lo. “The goal of Adult Day Health is to assist with maintaining or restoring their ability to live on their own at home. Without the financial support of the Sentry Tournament of Champions and the PGA TOUR, this and so many of our other programs simply could not exist.”

“Adult Day Health gives me something to do every day,” said Sets Tasaka, who lost Henry, his regular lunchtime visitor at Hale Makua, when he passed away in 2015. “At home, I would have had nothing to do, and just watched TV. Every day I’m here, I feel good.”

Each PGA TOUR tournament is an opportunity to give back to your community in one of three ways – attending an event, volunteering, or donating money. Not-for-profit tournaments under the PGA TOUR umbrella donate their net proceeds to support local organizations, totaling close to $3 billion in donations to date. The impact these tournaments make throughout the year is possible thanks to the 100,000 volunteers annually who commit their time to ensure each event is a success.

“The Rink” fan experience named “Best in Class Element” in 2018

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, FLORIDA – The RBC Canadian Open was recently honoured at the PGA TOUR’s Tournament Meetings thanks to the success of its fan experience “The Rink”, earning a TOUR award for “Best in Class Element.”

“On behalf of the PGA TOUR, I am pleased to congratulate the RBC Canadian Open for this special recognition,” said PGA TOUR Chief Tournaments and Competitions Officer Andy Pazder. “The tournament committee should be extremely proud of its hard work and innovation in making the tournament the best among its peers on TOUR.”

For the past two years, the RBC Canadian Open transformed the par-3 seventh hole at Glen Abbey Golf Club into “The Rink,” a fan experience combining Canada’s most popular pastimes – golf and hockey. The area was modelled after an ice hockey rink, complete with hockey boards lining the hole, upgraded bleachers and viewing decks, while featuring marshals dressed as referees. A net, puck and sticks were available for PGA TOUR players to test their hockey skills as part of Wednesday’s Championship Pro-Am. In addition, several Team RBC Olympians and NHL players also made visits to “The Rink” throughout tournament week to greet fans, take photos and sign autographs.

“From the beginning we felt integrating ‘The Rink’ into our Canadian-themed activation made a lot of sense and was a perfect extension of the fan experience at the RBC Canadian Open,” said Matt McGlynn, Vice-President, Brand Marketing, RBC. “This recognition by the PGA TOUR is a testament to the hard work of everyone involved with the RBC Canadian Open, including fans, players, event volunteers, organizers and partners. Thanks to Golf Canada and the PGA TOUR for working with us to bring this Canadian tribute to life.”

Golf Canada, organizers of the RBC Canadian Open, credited the award to RBC and the collaboration between all event stakeholders.

“Feedback on ‘The Rink’ has been overwhelmingly positive and we are extremely proud that it’s been embraced as an institutional centrepoint for fan, player and partner engagement at the RBC Canadian Open,” said Bryan Crawford, RBC Canadian Open Tournament Director. “Our partners, led by RBC, Steam Whistle, Levelwear and Golf Town, have brought the area to life and we’ve got great momentum heading to Hamilton Golf & Country Club in 2019 with this signature activation.”

The 2019 RBC Canadian Open, headlined by defending champion and Team RBC member Dustin Johnson, will be held at Hamilton Golf and Country Club, June 3-9.

The new early June date begins an exciting new chapter for Canada’s National Open Championship. Fans attending will witness unforgettable golf, top-notch activities for all ages including ‘The Rink’, hip local food and patio experiences, plus new event features soon to be announced.

Get your tickets today to kick-off summer at one of Canada’s premier sporting experiences – www.rbccanadianopen.com/tickets.

___________________________________________________________________________

To view all winners announced during the PGA TOUR Tournament Meetings, click here.

Written by: Bob McArthur
Scoring Chair, RBC Canadian Open
Senior Manager of Payment Security, RBC
Instagram: @JustBob1965

As I looked out the window of my return flight to Canada, I wondered how I ended up scoring Sunday’s final group with Matt Kuchar at the Mayakoba Classic over 2500 kilometres away.

Starting over 10 years ago, I began volunteering to help out with the RBC Canadian Open. I have volunteered in many difference capacities, including: running ticket sales, helping patrons with directions, and scoring the tournament. The “work” (as most would call it) requires extremely long hours. Getting to the course before sunrise and leaving well after sunset each day in the summer is to be expected. I can honestly say that it doesn’t feel like work to me—not when you are doing something you love so much. Sure, sometimes negative and unforeseen events happen (like when the rain gods decide to interrupt well-laid plans). However, it has been a thrill to face adversity and challenges with my fellow volunteers, only to come out the other side. The connections over the years have created experiences all priceless to me—especially when it comes to friendships.

David Park, Bob McArthur, Brian Evison, Lori DeCecco

My volunteer experience also includes the Toronto Pan American Games, World Junior Championships along with the Invictus Games—all of which were amazing experiences. I got to meet some incredible people at the Invictus Games, including a chance meeting with Prince Harry!

All of the previous experiences led to an open invite to Mexico to help with the Mayakoba Golf Classic over the past three years. This year, myself and three friends finally booked our trips and committed to going down. All of us volunteer with the RBC Canadian Open, including fellow RBC employee Lori DeCecco (Vice-Chair, Scoring).

Bob McArthur, Lori DeCecco, David Park, Adam Hadwin

From the picturesque location, excellent weather and laid-back atmosphere, the Mayakoba Classic was fantastic. For us volunteers, we were able to experience all of this plus so much more. There were snakes, iguanas and birds everywhere! In the past, some have seen monkeys but they were hiding from me this year. You got to experience the thrill of watching amazing golfers plus the bonus of all the added perks of being in such an exotic location. Being up close to the players and watching them land shots within 10 feet from 200 yards out never gets old.

The tournament itself gives so much back to the community by including people in the event that would never really have the opportunity to do. The tournament is a bit smaller than many on TOUR, which affords it the opportunity to do some good things—like bringing in students to learn about golf and having them participate as standard bearers or giving people a thrill to be up close and personal to famous golf players.

In the evenings we were able to enjoy the nightlife in Playa Del Carmen. The volunteers and some of the caddies would hang out at some of the local restaurants and pubs along 5th avenue. We had full days between being at the course before the sun came up, to having celebrations in the late evenings with old and newfound friends.

Back to the highlight of my experience: being asked to be a scorer for the final group on Sunday with RBC sponsored player Matt Kuchar. On the Friday evening, David Sanchez Garcia, the vice-chair walking scorer, approached me and asked if I would like to score the final group. My first response was almost “DUHHH, OF COURSE” but instead happily agreed while doing backflips internally. Maybe I was asked because of my past volunteer work and organizing, maybe it was because we brought in team of experience volunteers, maybe it was because I have the RBC connection with Matt Kuchar as a RBC employee or maybe it was a combination of everything. Whatever the reasoning, I can’t express by biggest gratitude for selecting myself and how big of a thrill it was creating a memory that I will hold dear for the rest of my life.

I don’t think PGA TOUR events would be as successful if it wasn’t for the tireless volunteers who provide their time and support. The bonds you make being part of this, coupled with the experiences are again, priceless. Now after our experience my friends and I are asking ourselves why we didn’t do this sooner. Hopefully this becomes a tradition with more friends and new friends joining us. You might just be amazed at how rewarding and fun this can be.

I’m just a simple volunteer—just Bob. But I can tell you honestly that these experiences and friendships gained have been amazing.

Next up, the 2019 RBC Canadian Open in Hamilton, Ont., from June 3-9.

Come out & consider volunteering.

Click here to register as a volunteer for the RBC Canadian Open.

St Andrews, Scotland – The road to Royal Portrush will include a stop in Hamilton, Ont.

The R&A announced today that next years RBC Canadian Open will be one of 16 events in 11 countries that will make up The Open Qualifying Series for 2019.

The Emirates Australian Open, which is being played from 15-18 November at The Lakes in Sydney, will be the first opportunity for players to secure their place at Royal Portrush next year. The leading three players, who finish in the top ten and ties and who are not already exempt, will qualify for The Open.

A total of 46 places in The Open are available through the Series, which provides golfers with opportunities to qualify at events around the world on the PGA TOUR, the European Tour, the PGA Tour of Australasia, the Asian Tour, the Korean Tour, the Japan Golf Tour and the Sunshine Tour.

“The race to qualify for The Open at Royal Portrush has well and truly begun and we are eagerly anticipating an exciting series of events as golfers around the world aim to book their place at the Championship,” said Johnnie Cole-Hamilton, Executive Director – Championships at The R&A. “We know that there is real excitement at the prospect of The Open returning to Northern Ireland for the first time in almost 70 years and it will undoubtedly act as an extra incentive for those players who are hopeful of teeing it up at the famous Dunluce links in July.”

The 2019 RBC Canadian Open will take place June 3-9 at Hamilton Golf & Country CLub, offering up three qualifying places into The 148th Open.

Regional Qualifying and Final Qualifying events will take place at venues throughout Great Britain and Ireland.

The Open Qualifying Series (TOQS) will offer the following qualification places in The 148th Open:

NB: Any player who has qualified through The Open Qualifying Series is deemed an exempt player. In the event that that player subsequently fulfils other exemption categories those places in the starting field will be subject to Section F of The Open Entry Form.

UPDATE: Tickets for the 2019 RBC Canadian Open will be available for purchase on March 22 at 10 a.m. ET

HAMILTON, Ont.  (Golf Canada) – Golf Canada, in partnership with title sponsor RBC, are pleased to announce that tickets are now available for the 2019 RBC Canadian Open, June 3-9 at the historic Hamilton Golf & Country Club.

With a new premier spot on the PGA TOUR schedule in early June, the 2019 RBC Canadian Open promises to be a summer festival celebration to mark the unofficial start of Canada’s golf season.

One of Canada’s premier annual sporting events, the RBC Canadian Open features miles of front row seating for golf fans to experience Canada’s lone stop on the PGA TOUR.

General admission tickets, starting at just $25 for early week access, provide access to the grounds to get an up-close look at the stars of the PGA TOUR including defending champion and Team RBC member Dustin Johnson.

Tournament rounds for Thursday, Friday and Saturday are $70; a Sunday final-round ticket is $80; and a weeklong, fully-transferable badge is $160. As well, Tuesday admission for RBC Hall of Fame Day is complimentary with the purchase of a Thursday, Friday, Saturday or Sunday ticket. A specially-priced youth ticket (13-17 years old) is also available while juniors aged 12-and-under gain FREE grounds admission all week long.

In addition to general admission tickets and corporate hospitality products, the RBC Canadian Open also offers a pair of premium ticket products—The 1904 Club and The Trophy Club—for golf fans to experience the 110^th playing of Canada’s National Open Championship.

The 1904 Club is located inside the clubhouse at Hamilton Golf and Country Club and offers an air-conditioned experience with ample televisions and indoor views of the 18 green, as well as an outdoor patio with views of the driving range and 1st tee. Tickets for The 1904 Club start at $125.

The Trophy Club is a premium social experience situated in the heart of the action at Hamilton Golf and Country Club. Located behind the 14th green with a view of the 15th tee and fairway, guests will enjoy all-inclusive food and beverage from a raised, covered structure. Well suited for passionate event fans or small businesses looking to host smaller client groups, cost for this upscale ticket experience is $260 per day, with savings available for those purchasing multi-day commitments.

Volunteer opportunities to be a part of the 2019 RBC Canadian Open are also available with a full listing of committee positions here.

New in 2019, with the RBC Canadian Open date change to early June, Golf Canada has introduced a new Student Volunteer Program for students to earn their required volunteer hours during the week of Canada’s National Open Championship.

The tournament’s return to the Harry Colt designed course in 2019 is timed perfectly – marking the 100-year anniversary since the renowned club originally hosted Canada’s National Open Golf Championship.

Hamilton Golf and Country Club previously hosted five Canadian Opens, with the first taking place in 1919 – a championship featured two of the most legendary names in golf – Bobby Jones and Francis Ouimet. J. Douglas Edgar would go on to earn a 16-stroke win – a PGA TOUR record stands to this day as the largest margin of victory.

Other players to have won the Canadian Open at Hamilton Golf and Country Club include Tommy Armour (1930), Bob Tway (2003), Team RBC member Jim Furyk (2006) and Scott Piercy (2012).

The 2019 RBC Canadian Open in early June begins an exciting new chapter for Canada’s National Open Championship. Join us at the historic Hamilton Golf & Country Club to witness great golf, activities for all ages including ‘The Rink’, local food and patio experiences, plus new event features being announced in the coming weeks.

Get your tickets today and be a part of one of Canada’s premier sporting events – www.rbccanadianopen.com/tickets.