Toronto, Ontario (Golf Canada) – The Good Beer Folks at Steam Whistle, Canada’s Premium Pilsner, have announced a new partnership to become the Official Beer of Golf Canada, the RBC Canadian Open and the CP Women’s Open.

Through the multi-year partnership, Steam Whistle will work alongside Golf Canada to encourage more enthusiasts to enjoy a cold Steam Whistle Pilsner during a round of golf with friends and at Canada’s National Men’s and Women’s Open Championships. The agreement represents Steam Whistle’s largest partnership in their history, a significant milestone for the independent Canadian brewer.

“We are thrilled to be the Official Beer of Golf Canada and align our brand with a sport that delivers a deep social, charitable, entertainment and environmental impact to communities nationwide,” said Cam Heaps, Chief Executive Officer of Steam Whistle Brewing. “The RBC Canadian Open and the CP Women’s Open are iconic events that Canadian golf enthusiasts are extremely passionate about. As an independent Canadian brewery, we are excited to become part of the experience and for our world-class Pilsner to be enjoyed on more of Canada’s world-class golf courses.”

Spectators at the RBC Canadian Open and CP Women’s Open will have the opportunity to engage with Steam Whistle ambassadors—known as The Good Beer Folks—and enjoy Canada’s Premium Pilsner served from one of Steam Whistle’s fleet of Vintage Vehicles on the course.

“We are thrilled to have Steam Whistle as Golf Canada’s Official Beer Partner,” said Laurence Applebaum, Chief Executive Officer of Golf Canada. “Steam Whistle’s unwavering commitment to quality craftsmanship and proud Canadian identity are well positioned as the perfect beer to enjoy at our National Open Championships and after a round of golf at one of Canada’s 2,300 incredible courses.”

The Steam Whistle story began in the spring of 1998, when three friends—Greg Taylor, Cam Heaps, and Greg Cromwell—were on a canoe trip in Ontario. The trio had been colleagues at one of Canada’s premier microbreweries producing quality beer in the late 1980’s and 90’s before it was bought out by a national brewer and closed down. As they sat around the campfire, the self-named “Three Fired Guys” dreamed of one day running their own brewery and making a Pilsner that would compete with the best in the world. Over the past 18 years Steam Whistle has grown to become one of Canada’s leading premium beers enjoyed coast to coast.

As the National Sport Federation, Golf Canada operates the RBC Canadian Open, set to run July 23-29, 2018 at Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Ontario, as well as the CP Women’s Open which takes place August 20-26, 2018 at Wascana Country Club in Regina, Saskatchewan.

Spanish Bay, CA, February 7, 2018 — Today, RBC is announcing its newest brand ambassador – professional golfer Dustin Johnson. Ranked #1 in the world and sitting 5^th in all-time PGA TOUR Career earnings, Johnson is the latest high profile golfer to join Team RBC, including players Matt Kuchar, Ryder Cup Captain Jim Furyk, Brandt Snedeker and Brooke Henderson.

Johnson has had an incredible career to-date, including 17 tournament wins on the PGA TOUR, and being named 2016 PGA Player of the Year. He is also only the third player in PGA TOUR history to win a title in all of his 11 seasons since his debut.

Team RBC was established in 2009 and is now comprised of 14 elite male and female golfers who embody the pinnacle of golf performance. Along with wearing the RBC branding on his apparel and golf bag, Johnson and his RBC teammates support many of the bank’s marketing initiatives and client experiences.

In addition to being 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.

“My goal is to be the best in the game and win as many championships as possible, and I’m grateful for RBC’s support and belief in me. I have enjoyed getting to know them better over the past few years through playing in the RBC Canadian Open. Now that my relationship with RBC has expanded to brand ambassador, I can’t wait to achieve more milestones together.”

– Dustin Johnson, PGA TOUR Golfer

“RBC is a longstanding supporter of golf and we celebrate the traditions and passion of the game. We’re proud to welcome Dustin to Team RBC as our newest ambassador. He’s an exciting player that has thrilled fans around the world and a great asset to the RBC brand.”

– Dave McKay, President and CEO, RBC

“Dustin’s unique and natural talent on the course, combined with his high caliber of play, makes him an ideal Team RBC ambassador. He shares our commitment to hard work, strength and determination – and we’re happy to have him on our team.”

– Mary DePaoli, EVP and Chief Marketing Officer, RBC

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, FLORIDA AND TORONTO – Starting with the opening round of the Farmers Insurance Open, leading live-streaming sports service DAZN Canada will carry live coverage of more than 30 PGA TOUR events on its expanding platform.

The one-year deal gives DAZN the rights to broadcast PGA TOUR LIVE’s early round coverage of the opening two rounds of each tournament, covering the two most compelling featured groups on the golf course. After the morning rounds are complete, coverage will switch to ‘Featured Holes’ coverage.

DAZN distribution begins January 25 with the return of Tiger Woods at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines Golf Course. This year’s event boasts a strong field which includes: defending champion Jon Rahm, Justin Rose, Rickie Fowler, Patrick Reed, Jason Day, Xander Schauffele, Phil Mickelson, Charley Hoffman and Canadian Adam Hadwin.

“Our sports menu in Canada continues to grow and we are excited to be offering Canadian golf fans access to some of the best golf competitions of the year,” said Alex Rice, Managing Director for Rights and Strategic Development, at DAZN. “We made a commitment to keep adding more sports in the Canadian market and we are proud to be delivering on that promise today with some top-notch PGA TOUR golf action.”

Woods’ comeback live on DAZN will take place at the course where he last won a major tournament — the 2008 U.S. Open — and where he also won the Farmers Insurance Open in 1999, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2013.

“With the ongoing evolution of PGA TOUR LIVE, we continue to look at innovative ways to spotlight and promote our players to fans in core golf markets like Canada,” said Rick Anderson, PGA TOUR Chief Media Officer. “We’re excited to partner with DAZN Canada to provide access to golf fans on their preferred platforms and in the new ways they are consuming content.”

The new partnership between DAZN and the PGA TOUR will result in hundreds of hours of live coverage from 30 PGA TOUR events streamed on the DAZN Canada platform all year long, including the RBC Canadian Open in July.

Golf fans now have a choice of subscribing directly to DAZN Canada for a monthly fee of $20/month or $150/year with one month free for new customers which includes access to PGA TOUR LIVE, all NFL games, La Liga, Serie A, Ligue 1, FIBA Basketball among other sports properties. Canadian residents can register at www.dazn.com. Alternatively, Canadians can subscribe directly to PGA TOUR LIVE for $5.99
per month or $39.99 per year.

OAKVILLE, Ont. –  Months have passed since Jhonattan Vegas bested Charley Hoffman in a playoff to become just the sixth golfer in history to successfully defend their RBC Canadian Open title. Since that final putt dropped, Golf Canada, along with partners RBC and the PGA TOUR, have been working diligently enhancing our spectator experience and corporate hospitality offerings for next year’s championship, taking place July 23-29th, 2018 at Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Ont.

For more than a century, the RBC Canadian Open has been one of the country’s most iconic sporting events. These new corporate hosting opportunities and fabulous viewing experiences ensure the 109th playing of the RBC Canadian Open will be an event not to be missed and that you’ll be able to host your clients in style.

The RBC Canadian Open is an opportunity to captivate guests, colleagues, or clients with a premium entertainment experience never short on drama.  With live golf, anything can happen – and it usually does – and watching the story unfold is only enhanced by tremendous food and beverage services.

There are a ton of experiences to take in before arriving at your special viewing area, including the bustling Spectator Village, where, during tournament week, the Opening Ceremony will take place with legends of the sport. And, you’re not going to want to miss the return of The Rink at the 7th green.

Arguably the most popular activation at Glen Abbey, authentic hockey boards from tee to green encircle the par-3 7th. It’s the embodiment of Canadiana, and is complete with referees and a Zamboni ® ice resurfacing machine.

Once you’ve had a chance to wow your guests with the activations at Spectator Village and banged on the boards while cheering on a great shot on No. 7, it’s time to head to your viewing oasis for the week, and the RBC Canadian Open is proud to announce an all-new lineup of corporate opportunities for 2018.

Hall of Fame Club

The Hall of Fame Club is the premium hospitality product at the RBC Canadian Open. It features 50 tickets per day during competition, all-inclusive food and beverages at your suite, the ability to customize your space, and the best view of the action on the 18th hole at Glen Abbey.

Nicklaus Skybox

Named after golf’s greatest champion, the Jack Nicklaus Skybox gives you a private viewing experience beside the 18th green and down the fairway, along with the practice facilities. You’ll receive 25 tickets per day, all-inclusive food and beverages in your suite, and you can customize your box with your company’s logo.

Champions Club

The Champions Club features great sightlines down the 18th fairway and a view of the 18th green as well. You’ll receive 15 tickets per day and have a designated table with all-inclusive food and beverage service.

Cottages

Inspired by our home and native land, the cottages on No’s 16 and 18 will be your sanctuary. The Cottages on No. 18 feature 12 tickets per day, all-inclusive food and beverage and views of the 18th green and practice area. The Cottages on No. 16 feature 10 tickets per day, all-inclusive food and beverage, and views of the 16th green plus approach shots as the best in the world take on this par five and make a move late in their rounds.

18th Green Club Seats

Located behind the iconic finishing hole at Glen Abbey, Club Seats offer an incredible view of the 18th hole from your reserved seat. Club seats include four tickets per day during competition and food and beverages included with in-seat service.

Trophy Club

Enjoy an upscale hosting opportunity for smaller groups in an air-conditioned suite, and a rooftop viewing deck. You’ll get all-inclusive food and beverage and indoor & outdoor seating with views of five (5) different holes.

1904 Club

As part of our enhancements, we are excited to rename “Golf Canada House” as the “1904 Club”. This evolution reflects the long and storied history of Canada’s National Open Golf Championship first contested in 1904. Celebrate the history of the RBC Canadian Open at an upscale area located between the 16th and 17th fairways. You pick the days that suit your entertainment needs, with reserved washrooms, amazing views, and food and beverages available.

Sign up for the Championship Pro-Am!

An experience unlike any other at the RBC Canadian Open: it’s a once-in-a-lifetime chance to tee it up with PGA TOUR professionals. You and three colleagues, clients, or guests will play with two (2) PGA TOUR professionals (one per nine holes) and can enjoy an invitation for eight to the Draw Party – an evening not to be missed! Not only that, but Pro-Am participants also receive four (4) special gift packages and eight (8) 1904 Club passes per day, Monday-Sunday.

Click here to learn how you can join us for one of the PGA TOUR’s most fan-friendly events.

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Florida – The PGA TOUR and its tournaments generated more than $180 million for charitable causes in 2017, surpassing last year’s record amount by approximately $14 million. This total 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-China.

The announcement brings the all-time total generated for charity by the PGA TOUR to $2.65 billion. The TOUR surpassed $1 billion in 2005 and $2 billion at the beginning of 2014.

“The entire PGA TOUR family takes tremendous pride in the positive impact that we continue to make each year through the millions of dollars that are raised for very deserving charitable organizations,” said PGA TOUR Commissioner Jay Monahan. “As we often note, beyond the sheer dollar amount, the real story is in the hundreds of thousands of lives that benefit from these contributions every year. Thank you to all of the tournaments, players, sponsors, volunteers and fans who make all of this possible.”

In 2017, five PGA TOUR events raised more than $10 million for charity – the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, Valero Texas Open, DEAN & DELUCA Invitational, the John Deere Classic and the Waste Management Phoenix Open. In addition to those tournaments, the biennial Presidents Cup announced a record donation of more than $10.7 million as a result of the 2017 event held at Liberty National Golf Club in Jersey City, New Jersey.

The PGA TOUR’s flagship event, THE PLAYERS Championship, generated $8.7 million in 2017, a large portion of which benefits local children’s charities as part of the tournament’s commitment to generate $50 million for youth-related charities over 10 years. Since that commitment was made in April of 2011, $45 million has been raised toward that goal.

Six PGA TOUR Champions events generated more than $1 million to charity in 2017, with the Shaw Charity Classic leading the way at more than $6 million. Three Web.com Tour events generated more than $1 million, led by the Nationwide Children’s Hospital Invitational at more than $2.1 million.

Since coming on board as title sponsor of the RBC Canadian Open in 2008, RBC along with Golf Canada have raised $8.78 million for charitable organizations across Canada. Throughout its history, Canada’s National Open Championship has generated more than $50 million in charitable proceeds for important causes.

Ronald McDonald House Charities Canada has been the official charity of the RBC Canadian Open since 2013. The 15 Ronald McDonald Houses across Canada provide a place for out-of-town families to stay while their sick child is being treated at a nearby hospital.

Ronald McDonald Houses provide families of sick children with a home to stay at while their child is being treated at a nearby hospital. As well, Ronald McDonald Family Rooms provide a comfortable place for families to rest and recharge, right inside hospitals. And through Ronald McDonald Care Mobiles, they help to bring basic medical care to vulnerable communities. So families can stay together and kids can heal better.

Unlike other professional sports organizations, the PGA TOUR relies on more than 100,000 volunteers annually to run its tournaments, and the vast majority of its tournaments are structured as non-profit organizations designed to donate 100 percent of net proceeds to charity. Community beneficiaries include a broad range of organizations such as hospitals and shelters; youth development programs; food banks; groups that support the military and their families; organizations that support senior citizens; those that help abused women and children, and growth-of-the-game initiatives.

The PGA TOUR co-sanctions more than 130 tournaments on the PGA TOUR, PGA TOUR Champions, Web.com Tour, PGA TOUR Latinoamérica, Mackenzie Tour-PGA TOUR Canada and PGA TOUR-China. Members on the PGA TOUR represent the world’s best players, hailing from 25 countries (84 members are from outside the United States). Worldwide, PGA TOUR tournaments are broadcast to more than 1 billion households in 226 countries and territories in 23 languages. Virtually all tournaments are organized as non-profit organizations in order to maximize charitable giving. In 2017, tournaments across all Tours generated a record of more than $180 million for local and national charitable organizations, bringing the all-time total to $2.65 billion.

Levelwear confirmed today that it has resigned Adam Hadwin to a multi-year deal and the PGA TOUR member will continue to be a global brand ambassador for their brand moving into 2018.

“I absolutely loved working with Levelwear last season to ensure that each week I was dressed with high-performance and top quality apparel that enabled me to continuously compete at the top level; I’m thrilled to continue to wear their apparel moving into this season,” says Hadwin. “The fact that I can not only work with a Canadian brand but feel great in their apparel week after week means a lot, and I look forward to playing in some new styles this season on TOUR.”

. @Levelwear, our apparel partners for the @RBCCanadianOpen & @CPWomensOpen, confirmed today that they’ve resigned @ahadwingolf to a multi-year deal as a global brand ambassador. pic.twitter.com/W1Hw2uVPPx

— Golf Canada (@TheGolfCanada) January 4, 2018

Hadwin had a breakout season during the 2016-2017 PGA TOUR campaign, making history at the CareerBuilder Challenge, becoming the 4th player in PGA TOUR history and first Canadian ever to shoot sub-60 on a par 72 course. Seven weeks after his impressive performance at the CareerBuilder, Hadwin then went on to capture his first PGA TOUR title at the Valspar Championship, defeating Patrick Cantlay in a tightly fought battle. To conclude his third season on TOUR, Hadwin earned a spot to compete in the Presidents Cup, making him the third Canadian in history to do so. Hadwin is in a great place right now both on and off the course, and hopes to continue this momentum into the 2017-2018 season.

Levelwear works with roughly 80 of the top 100 golf clubs in both Canada and the US, as well as continuously growing their portfolio of top tier golfers joining Adam Hadwin.

“We are thrilled Adam will be continuing to wear Levelwear on TOUR this season after his stellar performance last year. His attitude on and off the course reflects the core values Levelwear boasts internally and externally,” said Hilton Ngo, Levelwear’s CEO. “We can’t wait to further grow our relationship with him as he competes on TOUR this season and watch him continue to reach new heights.”

In March of 2017, Levelwear was named official apparel and headwear partner for the RBC Canadian Open and CP Women’s Open.

Levelwear has established enduring business verticals in licensed and team sports, golf apparel, and men’s and women’s lifestyle wear, with core strengths of innovation, decoration, and industry leading service. The company holds licensing partnerships with some of the top global brands, including the NHL and NHLPA, NBA and NBPA, 140 US Colleges, Hockey Canada and various soccer properties (Bayern Munich, Paris St. Germain, Juventus, Celtics, Liverpool, Manchester City, Tottenham, etc.) globally. At the PGA Merchandising Show in Orlando later in the month, Levelwear is unveiling its 2018 collection and the Insignia Program, a highly innovative logo treatment collection, that gives a rich gloss metallic like finish with custom embellishments. For more information, please visit www.levelwear.com.

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Florida – The PGA TOUR has announced that ZTE Mobile Devices, a subsidiary of ZTE Corporation in China, has signed a three-year marketing agreement to become the TOUR’s first-ever Official Smartphone.

The deal, which includes global rights through 2020, was officially signed today by PGA TOUR Commissioner Jay Monahan and ZTE Mobile Devices CEO Lixin Cheng. The signing ceremony took place at Silverado Resort and Spa in Napa, California, where the Safeway Open begins the 2017-18 PGA TOUR Season.

“The PGA TOUR is delighted to introduce ZTE Mobile Devices as a new marketing partner as we enter the smartphone category for the first time,” said Brian Oliver, PGA TOUR Senior Vice President, Sponsorship & Partnership. “Mobile devices have become such a critical means by which fans watch and get updates on our competition, find information about their favorite players and share PGA TOUR-related content.  In ZTE, we are partnering with a global leader in the telecommunications industry.”

ZTE already has a presence on the TOUR. As a hospitality partner at this year’s Farmers Insurance Open, ZTE brought its interactive “ZTE Experience Tour” on-site, where fans could test a variety of its products. ZTE also recently became the Official Smartphone of the RBC Canadian Open and partners with Danny Lee, a PGA TOUR member, as its ZTE Axon global brand ambassador.

“Becoming the first Official Smartphone of the PGA TOUR is a historic moment for ZTE,” Cheng said. “The TOUR, with its prestigious brand and global fan base, brings a tremendous opportunity for ZTE to connect directly with golf fans around the world and demonstrate our prowess in mobile technology with our premium line of Axon smartphones.”

Beyond having an on-site presence at select tournaments, ZTE will promote and activate around the new relationship in a variety of ways. In addition to utilizing the PGA TOUR’s online digital assets, select ZTE smartphones will be pre-loaded with PGA TOUR LIVE, the TOUR’s Over-The-Top subscription service that features exclusive early-round coverage of featured groups. ZTE customers will receive a free 30-day trial for the service.

Following Sunday’s conclusion of the TOUR Championship and the FedExCup Playoffs, nominees for PGA TOUR Player of the Year and PGA TOUR Rookie of the Year were finalized by the PGA TOUR Player Directors and members of the Player Advisory Council (PAC).

The nominees for the Jack Nicklaus Award as the PGA TOUR Player of the Year are (alphabetically) Dustin Johnson, Hideki Matsuyama, Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas. The nominees for PGA TOUR Rookie of the Year are Wesley Bryan, Patrick Cantlay, Mackenzie Hughes, Grayson Murray and Xander Schauffele.

The Player of the Year and Rookie of the Year awards are determined by a member vote, with PGA TOUR members who played in at least 15 official money events during the 2016-17 season eligible to vote. The voting will close on Monday, October 2, with the winners to be announced that week.

Five nominated for PGA TOUR Rookie of the Year:

Wesley Bryan, 27
Augusta, Georgia (University of South Carolina)

• Entered 28 events with one victory at the RBC Heritage.
  Finished 41st in the FedExCup.
  Finished 113th in Adjusted Scoring Average (71.062).
  Recorded a total of five top-10 finishes with 19 made cuts.
  2016 graduate of the Web.com Tour.

Patrick Cantlay, 25
Jupiter, Florida (UCLA)

• Entered 13 events with a season-best runner-up finish at the Valspar Championship.
  Finished 29th in the FedExCup.
  One of two rookies to qualify for the season-ending TOUR Championship in 2017.
  Finished 15th in Adjusted Scoring Average (69.971).
  Recorded a total of four top-10 finishes with 13 made cuts.

Mackenzie Hughes, 26
Dundas, Ont. (Kent State University)

• Entered 31 events with one victory at The RSM Classic.
  Finished 36th in the FedExCup.
  Finished T109th in Adjusted Scoring Average (71.044).
  Recorded a total of two top-10 finishes among 22 made cuts.
  2016 graduate of the Web.com Tour.

Grayson Murray, 23
Raleigh, North Carolina (Arizona State University)

• Entered 30 events with one victory at the Barbacoa Championship.
  Finished 66th in the FedExCup.
  Finished 114th in Adjusted Scoring Average (71.064).
  Recorded a total of two top-10 finishes among 18 made cuts.
  2016 graduate of the Web.com Tour.

Xander Schauffele, 23
San Diego, California (San Diego State University)

• Entered 28 events with wins (2) at The Greenbrier Classic and TOUR Championship; first-ever rookie to win the TOUR Championship.
  Finished third in the FedExCup.
  One of two rookies to qualify for the season-ending TOUR Championship in 2017.
  Finished 27th in Adjusted Scoring Average (70.163).
  Recorded a total of four top-10 finishes among 20 made cuts.
  2016 graduate of the Web.com Tour.

Player of the Year nominees

Dustin Johnson, 33
Jupiter, Florida (Coastal Carolina University)

• Entered 20 events with victories (4) at the Genesis Open, World Golf Championships-Mexico Championship, World Golf Championships-Dell Technologies Match Play and THE NORTHERN TRUST.
  Finished fourth in the FedExCup.
  Finished seventh in Adjusted Scoring Average (69.549).
  Finished the season with eight top-10 finishes among 17 made cuts.

Hideki Matsuyama, 25
Sendai, Japan (Tohoku Fukushi University)

• Entered 22 events with victories (3) at the World Golf Championships-HSBC Champions, Waste Management Phoenix Open and World Golf Championships-Bridgestone Invitational
  Finished eighth in the FedExCup.
  Finished 10th in Adjusted Scoring Average (69.624).
  Recorded a total of seven top-10 finishes among 20 made cuts.

Jordan Spieth, 24
Dallas, Texas (University of Texas)

• Entered 23 events with victories (3) at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, Travelers Championship and The Open Championship.
  Finished second in the FedExCup.
  Finished first in Adjusted Scoring Average (68.846) to earn the Byron Nelson Award.
  Recorded 12 top-10 finishes (tied with Justin Thomas for most this season) among 20 made cuts.
  Top-10 finishes in all four FedExCup Playoffs events in 2017: THE NORTHERN TRUST (P2), Dell Technologies Championship (2), BMW Championship (T7), TOUR Championship (T7).

Justin Thomas, 24
Jupiter, Florida (University of Alabama)

• Entered 25 events with victories (5) at the CIMB Classic, Sentry Tournament of Champions, Sony Open in Hawaii, PGA Championship and Dell Technologies Championship.
  Winner of the 2017 FedExCup.
  Finished first on Official Money List to earn the Arnold Palmer Award with $9,921,560.
  Finished third in Adjusted Scoring Average (69.359).
  Recorded 12 top-10 finishes (tied with Jordan Spieth for most this season) among 19 made cuts.
  Became just the fourth player since 1960 to capture five wins, including a major, in a season before the age of 25 (Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods, Jordan Spieth).

Corey Conners of Litowell, Ont., got off to a quick start during the Web.com Tour’s Regular Season with back-to-back top-10s in challenging conditions in the Bahamas, but eventually finished 49th on the money list.

But, with just one week left in the Web.com Tour Finals, he sits at 11th on The Finals 25 and has made enough money to all but secure his first PGA TOUR card for the 2017-18 season.

“It feels good,” said Conners of his chance to make it to the TOUR. “Still got some work to do, try to have another good week next week and see what happens. But it’s a nice feeling to have a good chance.”

Conners graduated from Kent State with Mackenzie Hughes, who, after winning on the Web.com Tour a year ago and finishing in The 25, won on the PGA TOUR last fall and is in the conversation for Rookie of the Year on TOUR.

Conners said it would be ‘awesome’ to get on TOUR with his close friend Hughes.

“Really good friends with Mackenzie and I’m sure he’s following along and cheering me on,” said Conners.

The pair are also alum of Golf Canada’s Natinal Amateur Team program.

Congrats on earning your card, Corey. We look forward to welcoming you to Glen Abbey in 2018 as a member of the PGA TOUR.

Jhonattan Vegas a remporté dimanche l’Omnium canadien RBC une deuxième année de suite en éliminant Charley Hoffman en prolongation sur le parcours du Glen Abbey Golf Club d’Oakville, en Ontario.

Le Vénézuélien a arraché la victoire, sa troisième sur le PGA TOUR, grâce à un oiselet au premier trou de la prolongation, le 18e, une normale 5, décrochant le gros lot de la dotation de 6 M $ US, soit 1 080 000 $.

Vegas est le septième golfeur de l’histoire de l’Omnium canadien à réussir le doublé, exploit aussi accompli par J. Douglas Edgar (1919-1920), Leo Diegel (1924-1925, 1928-1929), Sam Snead (1940-1941), Jim Ferrier (1950-1951) et Jim Furyk (2006-2007). Vegas a rendu une dernière carte de 65, moins 7, pour totaliser 267, moins 21.

« Il est sûr que ce doublé me donnera confiance en mes moyens, de dire Vegas, d’autant plus que j’avais été victime du couperet à mes cinq derniers départs. Cela dit, je n’ai pas si mal joué. Je me suis dit qu’il fallait que je reste calme et je suis content du résultat. »

Hoffman, un Californien de Rancho Santa Fe, avait provoqué la prolongation en inscrivant un oiselet au 72e trou, signant ainsi une carte de 68, mais il a été éliminé sur ce même trou quelques minutes plus tard en prolongation. Il était en tête, à moins 17, après 54 trous, mais pour la cinquième fois de sa carrière, il n’a pas su convertir son avance en une victoire.

L’Anglais Ian Poulter, à sa première participation à l’Omnium canadien RBC, a remis une carte de 64, la meilleure de la journée, pour gagner 13 places et terminer seul au 3e rang avec un cumulatif de 268 (moins 20).

Après un début de saison tumultueux, où il a failli perdre sa carte du PGA TOUR, Poulter revendique maintenant deux top 5 en 2017.

« J’ai été solide aujourd’hui et je me suis donné plusieurs chances d’oiselets. J’ai passé un été agréable en Europe avec la famille et les enfants. La vie est belle. »

L’Américain Gary Woodland s’est classé 4e à moins 19, un coup de mieux que ses compatriotes Brandon Hagy, Tony Finau et Robert Garrigus, ex æquo en 5e place.

Mackenzie Hughes (Dundas, ON) a été le meilleur Canadien, terminant à égalité au 32e rang après avoir totalisé 278 (67-69-74-68), moins 10. Il s’est vu remettre à ce titre le trophée Rivermead, lui qui participait à son premier Omnium canadien RBC à titre de professionnel. Graham DeLaet (Weyburn, SK), seul autre des 17 Canadiens en lice à s’être qualifié pour le week-end, s’est classé ex æquo en 48e place, à 280, moins 8.

« Dans l’ensemble, ce fut une semaine agréable, a indiqué Hughes. J’ai eu de nombreux supporteurs de Dundas et de tout le Canada. Je remercie les fans canadiens de leur soutien. »

Cliquez ici pour les résultats complets de l’Omnium canadien RBC 2017