Rory McIlroy won the RBC Canadian Open on Sunday and gave the PGA Tour a strong response to the start of the Saudi-funded LIV Golf Invitational, closing with an 8-under 62 to win a wild race to the finish with Justin Thomas and Tony Finau.

McIlroy had his first title defense on the PGA Tour, even if he had to wait for it. He won golf’s fourth-oldest national open in 2019 at Hamilton Golf & Country Club, only for the the COVID-19 pandemic to cancel the next two editions.

Thomas pushed him to the end at St. George’s Golf & Country Club, and the tournament effectively ended on the 17th hole. McIlroy and Thomas were tied and in the rough. McIlroy hit a wedge that rolled out to tap-in range, while Thomas missed a 10-foot par putt, a two-shot swing. Thomas closed with a pair of bogeys and still shot 64.

McIlroy finished at 19-under 261 for a two-stroke victory.

Finau holed a 40-foot birdie putt on the 18th for a 64 to finish second alone.

Thomas was third at 14 under. Justin Rose matched the tournament- and course-record with a 60 _ with three eagles and three bogeys _ to tie for fourth with Sam Burns (65) at 14 under.

McIlroy won for the second time this season and 21st on the PGA Tour.

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Rose was 11 under with three holes to play. He bogeyed the 16th, hit to 2 feet on 17 for birdie, then went over the green on 18 and missed an 18-foot par putt. Carl Pettersson also shot 60 at St. George’s in his 2010 victory.

Click here for the full leaderboard.

St George’s Golf & Country Club is hosting the 2022 RBC Canadian Open for the sixth time in its 111 year history (1933, 1949, 1960, 1968 and 2010). After 1093 days and two years of cancellations due to the global pandemic, the world’s best golfers returned to Canada for the National Open.

The anticipation leading up to the this year’s tournament has been second to none and the turnout speaks for itself.

“It’s unbelievable, the atmosphere out there today was, I mean I can’t remember the last time I played in an atmosphere like that. It was really special,” said Rory McIlroy following his third round performance.

With the use of drone technology, Golf Canada captured dynamic and innovative views inside the clubhouse and on the grounds overlooking the 18th hole at St. George’s.

Toronto (June 11, 2022) – Cloudy skies threatened rain at the RBC Canadian Open today, but the sunshine prevailed as the world’s top golfers teed it up at St. George’s Golf & Country Club.

FINAU, MCILROY LEAD HEADING INTO FINAL ROUND AT RBC CANADIAN OPEN

Nick Taylor and Corey Conners were on the move on moving day at the RBC Canadian Open. The Canadian duo fired rounds of three-under par 67 and four-under par 66, respectively, to climb into the top-20 heading into Sunday’s final round.

I’m probably not going to do much leaderboard watching, just keep my head down,” said Taylor.” I’ll see tonight what the lead is and have an idea of probably where I want to get to. But it’s such a jam-packed leaderboard and there’s a stretch of holes where you can really get after it. So, if I’m kind of hanging around through 8 then I think I have a decent chance.”

Tony Finau and Rory McIlroy sit atop the leaderboard at 11-under par after 54 holes at St. George’s Golf & Country Club. Finau’s eight-under par 62 was the low-score of the day and lowest round at the National Open since McIlroy’s 61 in the final round of the 2019 RBC Canadian Open. The Salt Lake City, Utah native tallied three birdies and an eagle through a four-hole (nos. 8 to 11) stretch to catapult up the leaderboard.

McIlroy continued his bid to successfully defend his RBC Canadian Open title with a five-under par 65 to grab a share of the lead. The 33-year-old is looking to become the first player to win a PGA TOUR event (non-major) back-to-back at two different courses since Jim Furyk, who won in 2006 at Hamilton G&CC and then defended his title at Angus Glen Golf Course (North) in 2007.

Justin Thomas, Sam Burns, Wyndham Clark and Alex Smalley sit at nine-under par, two shots back of the leaders, at nine-under par, entering the final round. Thomas’ seven-under par 63 matched his lowest round on the PGA TOUR this season since the second of the Farmers Insurance Open. Burns will be vying for his second win on TOUR in in just a two-week span after winning the Charles Schwab Challenge on May 29.

For the full leaderboard click here.

FINAL ROUND SCHEDULE

Final round tee times will run from 10:30 a.m. to 12:50 p.m. with threesomes off the first and ninth tees. The expected finish time is 6:00 p.m., with the trophy presentation to follow. For the full list of pairing click here.

CANADIAN LEADERBOARD 

Click here for the full tournament leaderboard.

PRESS CONFERENCE TRANSCRIPTS

The following player transcripts from Friday’s press conferences at St. George’s Golf & Country Club are available online for the following:

Rory McIlroy

Wyndham Clark

Sam Burns

Tony Finau

Justin Thomas

Nick Taylor

Sebastian Munoz

Adam Svensson

Corey Conners

Bo Van Pelt

Mackenzie Hughes

Nick Hardy

FAST FACTS

Number of times a leader went on to win (1945-present) after 54 Holes – 51 times

Last to defend the RBC Canadian Open title successfully –  Jhonattan Vegas, 2017

Left-handed champions/Champions gauchers Bob Charles, 1968

Lowest Canadian score, 54 Holes – Adam Hadwin (65-66-67) Hamilton G&CC, Hamilton ON, 2019

Last winner who won the Open on his first try-  Rory McIlroy, 2019.

Last player to win a PGA TOUR event (non-major) back-to-back at two different courses was Jim Furyk, who won in 2006 at Hamilton G&CC and then defended his title at Angus Glen Golf Course (North) in 2007.

PURCHASE TICKETS FOR THE GOLF CANADA FOUNDATION 50/50 RAFFLE IN SUPPORT OF FIRST TEE – CANADA

From Wednesday afternoon through Sunday week, Golf Canada Foundation will be selling 50/50 tickets on-site at the RBC Canadian Open & CP Women’s Open tournaments. The draw will take place Sunday evening, with the winning number announced here on the Foundation website and across social media channels. Proceeds from the raffle in support of the First Tee – Canada, the official beneficiary of the RBC Canadian Open, will benefit junior golf initiatives and help to grow the game in Ontario and across the nation. Click here for more information.

2022 MEDIA GUIDE AND PLAYER PERFORMANCE BOOK:

Media can also download the 2022 RBC Canadian Open Media Guide for complete stats, records and historical information. Media can also download the 2019 RBC Canadian Open Player Performance Book which details individual player statistics from 1904-2019. Tournament notes can be found on the PGA TOUR virtual media centre here.

BROADCAST COVERAGE:

The following are broadcast times for the 2022 RBC Canadian Open:

Sunday, June 12th             1:00pm – 3:00pm (GOLF) | 3:00pm – 6:00pm (CTV; TSN1; RDS; CBS)

MOBILE APP EXPERIENCE

Experience the RBC Canadian Open like never before by downloading the Golf Canada Mobile App on your iOS or Android device. Essential features include a live map, mobile ordering, leaderboard & pairings, tickets, breaking news and special events. Plus, use the Golf Canada Mobile App to enhance your experience while playing! Find golf courses, track your game, set up matches against friends, access GPS yardages and more. Click here to download.

THE OPEN QUALIFYING

The 2022 RBC Canadian Open is also part of The Open Championship Qualifying Series. The top-2 finishers at the RBC Canadian Open (not otherwise exempt) earn a spot in the field of The 150th Open Championship, July 10-17, 2022, at St Andrews in Fife, Scotland.

TORONTO, Ont. – The second round of the RBC Canadian Open saw sunny skies as players took to St. George’s Golf & Country Club to compete in the 111^th playing of the historic tournament.

SECOND ROUND RECAP
Aaron Cockerill climbed 23 spots up the leaderboard Friday with a 2-under par 68 in the second round of the 2022 RBC Canadian Open. The 30-year-old from Stony Mountain, Man., holed three birdies and only one bogey for a share of the low-Canadian score of the day with Nick Taylor and Adam Svensson. He sits in a tie for 20th on the leaderboard, five strokes back of the leader in his first ever PGA TOUR event.

“Had a decent amount of buddies out there and they were having some fun. It was fun to make a few birdies for them and hole a few putts and [I’m] happy with the day,” said Cockerill. “We get decent crowds on the European Tour but being a local and having that local support is awesome. I’m sure they will be out in full force tomorrow, so looking forward to it.”

Wyndham Clark followed up a first-round seven-under 63 with an even-par 70 to maintain a one-stroke lead heading into the weekend at St George’s Golf & Country Club. The Denver, Colorado, native is searching for his first win on the PGA TOUR. Eight of 31 second-round leaders have gone on to win the tournament this season.

Alex Smalley, Keith Mitchell, Matt Fitzpatrick and defending champion Rory McIlroy are positioned in a four-way tie for second. Of that group, Smalley and Mitchell were the low scorers with a pair of three-under par 67s. McIlroy fired a two-under par 68, while Fitzpatrick came in with an even-par 70.

Cameron Smith made the biggest splash on the leaderboard, jumping 76 spots with a five-under par 65, highlighted by a hole-out for eagle on the par-4 fifth hole at St George’s. Austin Cook carded the low round of the day, a six-under 64 and sits T6.

70 players (including six Canadians) made the cut (+1) and have advanced to the weekend rounds with third round action kicking off at 7:55 a.m.

CANADIAN LEADERBOARD

Click here for the full tournament leaderboard.

PRESS CONFERENCE TRANSCRIPTS
The following player transcripts from Friday’s press conferences at St. George’s Golf & Country Club are available online for the following:

• Wyndham Clark
• Matt Fitzpatrick
• Rory McIlroy
• Corey Conners
• Adam Hadwin
• Mackenzie Hughes
• Mike Weir
• Aaron Cockerill
• Adam Svensson
• Keith Mitchel
• Scottie Scheffler
• Sam Burns
• Matt Wallace
• Alex Smalley

RBC COMMUNITY JR GOLF
On Wednesday at the RBC Canadian Open, Harold Varner III surprised a youth group from the Boys and Girls Club of Peel. The event, hosted by First Tee – Canada and RBC Community Junior Golf, featured a behind-the-scenes tour of the RBC Canadian Open, swings on the golf simulator, and a pizza party with HV3. To find out more, click here. 

PURCHASE TICKETS FOR THE GOLF CANADA FOUNDATION 50/50 RAFFLE IN SUPPORT OF FIRST TEE – CANADA
From Wednesday afternoon through Sunday of tournament week, Golf Canada Foundation will be selling 50/50 tickets on-site at the RBC Canadian Open & CP Women’s Open tournaments. The draw will take place Sunday evening, with the winning number announced here on the Foundation website and across social media channels. Proceeds from the raffle in support of the First Tee – Canada, the official beneficiary of the RBC Canadian Open, will benefit junior golf initiatives and help to grow the game in Ontario and across the nation. Click here for more information.

CGSA RECOGNIZES ST. GEORGE’S GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB SUPERINTENDENT
Ian McQueen, superintendent at St. George’s Golf and Country Club was presented with a commemorative plaque by Pierre Vezeau, president of the Canadian Golf Superintendents Association (CGSA), in recognition of his efforts in preparing the golf course for the RBC Canadian Open. This is McQueen’s first national tournament. He has been a CGSA member since 2004 and has 18 years of experience as a superintendent, six of those at St. George’s which remains in the top 5 in Score Golf’s top 100. Click here for the full transcript.

HOMEGROWN TALENT TO KICK OFF MUSIC CELEBRATION ON FRIDAY AT THE SIRIUSXM STAGE
A new partnership among Golf Canada, SiriusXM and RBC this year showcases home-grown artists and offers even more music. For 2022, the RBCxMusic Concert Series returns with an incredible line-up. Hip-hop icon Flo Rida headlines tonight with Canadian rapper SonReal in the warm-up slot.

Prior to SonReal’s performance on Friday, Toronto-based R&B singer-songwriter Pisceze—part of the First Up with RBCxMusic program—performs on the RBCxMusic Concert Series mainstage. Getting a chance to warm up the crowd at the SiriusXM Stage is Omega Mighty, sister of Polaris Prize and Juno-winner Haviah Mighty. On Saturday, indie-rock band The Man Who, and 22-year-old rising pop star Ari Hicks each get a set. Hicks most recent single “Sucker,” was released a month ago and she recently had the opportunity to co-write a song over Zoom with Rob Thomas [Matchbox Twenty]. The song, entitled “Shut Up and Look Pretty,” which Hicks says is “really savage,” comes out in a couple of weeks. Click here for more information.

RBCxMUSIC CONCERT SERIES PREPARES TO TURN UP THE VOLUME
The RBCxMusic Concert Series returns to the RBC Canadian Open with an incredible line-up. Hip-hop icon Flo Rida headlines Friday night with Canadian rapper SonReal in the warm-up slot. On Saturday, three-time Grammy award winners Maroon 5 take the stage. Both concerts take place on the nearby athletic field of Toronto’s Richview Collegiate Institute. Tickets for Saturday are sold out, but a limited inventory of tickets are available for Friday. Purchase here.

2022 MEDIA GUIDE AND PLAYER PERFORMANCE BOOK:
Media can also download the 2022 RBC Canadian Open Media Guide for complete stats, records and historical information. Media can also download the 2019 RBC Canadian Open Player Performance Book which details individual player statistics from 1904-2019. Tournament notes can be found on the PGA TOUR virtual media centre here.

BROADCAST COVERAGE:
The following are broadcast times for the 2022 RBC Canadian Open:

Saturday, June 11th          1:00pm – 3:00pm (GOLF) | 3:00pm – 6:00pm (CTV; TSN1; RDS; CBS)
Sunday, June 12th             1:00pm – 3:00pm (GOLF) | 3:00pm – 6:00pm (CTV; TSN1; RDS; CBS)

MOBILE APP EXPERIENCE
Experience the RBC Canadian Open like never before by downloading the Golf Canada Mobile App on your iOS or Android device. Essential features include a live map, mobile ordering, leaderboard & pairings, tickets, breaking news and special events. Plus, use the Golf Canada Mobile App to enhance your experience while playing! Find golf courses, track your game, set up matches against friends, access GPS yardages and more. Click here to download.

THE OPEN QUALIFYING
The 2022 RBC Canadian Open is also part of The Open Championship Qualifying Series. The top-2 finishers at the RBC Canadian Open (not otherwise exempt) earn a spot in the field of The 150th Open Championship, July 10-17, 2022, at St Andrews in Fife, Scotland.

TORONTO, Ont. – Mackenzie Hughes had a solid start at St. George’s Golf and Country Club, shooting a four-under par 66 after the opening round of action.

“It feels great. The excitement and the buzz seem to be here and I know after three years of not playing the tournament, everyone’s pretty excited about it, so we share that same feeling,” said Hughes.

“It’s a different week for us because we don’t get to feel, I don’t do press every week on PGA TOUR, so it’s kind of neat, I kind of relish the opportunity to do it and hopefully have a great week and get the fans behind me on Sunday.”

The Dundas, Ont., native, who was paired with fellow Canadians Adam Hadwin (-1) and Mike Weir (+2), is T5 alongside Rory McIlroy, Lee Hodges, Tony Finau, Patrick Rodgers and Jonas Blixt.

Leader Wyndham Clark boarded the birdie train in the early stages of his opening round at the 2022 RBC Canadian Open and rode it all the way to the top of the leaderboard.

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The Denver, Colorado native experienced few speedbumps along the way, carding a seven-under par 63 to claim the outright lead after Thursday’s highly anticipated opening round at St George’s Golf & Country Club.

Clark, who started his day on the back nine, poured in five birdies on his opening nine holes and added a pair coming in, in a bogey-free first round effort – one he felt he deserved.

“I just had the putts fall,” said Clark. “That’s all I felt I’ve needed all year was just a little jump start like this where I see some putts and it’s okay, I’m doing the right things, and I’m finally getting rewarded for all the hard work.”

This is Clark’s third appearance at the RBC Canadian Open. He missed the cut in each of his previous two showings. The 28-year-old says he hopes the momentum from round one snowballs further into the week and beyond.

“I’ve been trending in the right direction, and today it all kind of came together,” said Clark. “I’m really hoping that we keep going this week with that and leading into next week at the U.S. Open and for the rest of the summer. My game feels good.”

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Matthew Fitzpatrick also jumped out to a quick start at the National Open, registering a six-under par 64 for sole position of second place. Fitzpatrick was firing on all cylinders out of the gate, notching four birdies in as many holes to start his round and steadied the ship the rest of the way.

“Growing up, I’ve always been kind of more of a straighter player and solid putter,” said the Englishman. “To me round here, it’s just about giving myself plenty of chances to get shots off the fairway to give myself chances for birdie. Today I did that well.”

Doug Ghim and Harold Varner III rounded out the top-three with a pair of five-under par performances at St George’s.

“If you’re hitting it in the fairways and you’re attacking the greens, you can post a low one. But if you’re just a yard off, you’re scrambling for par very quickly,” said Ghim. “I put the ball in play for most of the day and hit a lot of greens. Felt pretty dialed on the greens too, so that always helps.”

“Obviously every week you go on the PGA TOUR, you want to play well, but playing well in front of the home fans and your friends and family, it’s hard to describe how good that feels. So when you’re out there and you’re making birdies and having a good round, it just feels that much better,” said Hughes.

Second round tee times are scheduled to begin at 6:40 a.m. For the full list of Friday’s pairings, click here.

See below for an all-Canadian leaderboard.

1,093 days. That’s how long it’s been since the world’s best golfers set foot on Canadian soil. Golf fans have waited patiently for the PGA Tour’s return. This week, at St. George’s Golf & Country Club, not only is “Our Open” back after two years of cancellations due to the pandemic, but so is live music with the return of the popular RBCxMusic Concert Series.

“We introduced the RBCxMusic Concert Series in 2019 with the idea to create an unforgettable experience for both golf and music fans,” comments Mary DePaoli, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, RBC. “The result was our most successful RBC Canadian Open to date.”

For 2022, the RBCxMusic Concert Series returns with an incredible line-up. Hip-hop icon Flo Rida headlines Friday night with Canadian rapper SonReal in the warm-up slot. On Saturday, three-time Grammy award winners Maroon 5 take the stage. Both concerts take place on the nearby athletic field of Toronto’s Richview Collegiate Institute.

A new partnership among Golf Canada, SiriusXM and RBC this year showcases home-grown artists and offers even more music. “Shining the spotlight on Canadian talent is incredibly important to SiriusXM Canada and something we do through our service every day,” says Paul Cunningham, SVP, Sales & Marketing, SiriusXM Canada. “Our new partnership with Golf Canada allows us to bring music and sport together, which elevates any entertainment experience. That intersection really highlights what SiriusXM is all about. We offer the best in both of these categories – from golf and every other major league sport, to music from every genre and decade – and much more.”

Prior to SonReal’s performance on Friday, Toronto-based R&B singer-songwriter Pisceze—part of the First Up with RBCxMusic program—performs on the RBCxMusic Concert Series mainstage. Getting a chance to warm up the crowd at the SiriusXM Stage is Omega Mighty, sister of Polaris Prize and Juno-winner Haviah Mighty. On Saturday, indie-rock band The Man Who, and 22-year-old rising pop star Ari Hicks each get a set. Hicks most recent single “Sucker,” was released a month ago and she recently had the opportunity to co-write a song over Zoom with Rob Thomas [Matchbox Twenty]. The song, entitled “Shut Up and Look Pretty,” which Hicks says is “really savage,” comes out in a couple of weeks. The Toronto artist is grateful for RBC and the opportunity to be part of the 2022 RBC Canadian Open.

“It’s probably the biggest performance of my career so far,” Hicks says, taking a short break from finalizing her set list and rehearsing. “When I told my dad, who is a huge golf fan, he just looked at me and said, ‘The RBC Canadian Open! You know how big that is?’

“It is incredible to receive this opportunity,” she adds. “As an independent artist you need all the help you can get.”  

The pandemic hit artists hard, especially independents. With shutdowns due to COVID-19, and no gigs scheduled, one of their main sources of income was taken away overnight. This was the impetus for launching the First Up with RBCxMusic program.

“Despite the pause in live music, RBC’s commitment to supporting emerging artists remained strong,” explains Shannon Cole, Vice President of Brand Marketing, RBC. “First Up with RBCxMusic was developed to showcase and elevate emerging musicians and recording artists from across Canada.”

For 2022, nearly 20 artists were welcomed as Featured Artists to benefit from live performance opportunities like the ones offered to Hicks and Pisceze during the 2022 RBC Canadian Open. Since its inception in May 2020, First Up with RBCxMusic has supported more than 150 artists across a varied array of genres and backgrounds that reflect Canada’s eclectic cultural mosaic. Another program participant and 2020 First Up alumni (Jessia) opens for Maroon 5 on Saturday night of the RBC Canadian Open. Jessia is known for her viral song “I’m not Pretty,” which has 101,400,000+ plays on Spotify and a remixed version with popular American singer-songwriter Bebe Rexha.

Long live live music … and golf.

20 Canadians in the field as round one looms at RBC Canadian Open

TORONTO (June 8, 2022) – Rory McIlroy will begin his title defence on Thursday, as 156 players get set to tee it off in the opening round of the 2022 RBC Canadian Open at St George’s Golf & Country Club.
 
McIlroy’s attempt at defending his title comes after a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The 20-time PGA TOUR winner will join a feature pairing for the opening two rounds with Justin Thomas and Corey Conners, and will follow the Canadian trio of Adam Hadwin, Mackenzie Hughes and Mike Weir in the early morning groupings.
 
PAIRINGS ANNOUNCED FOR FIRST TWO ROUNDS OF THE RBC CANADIAN OPEN
Pairings and start times for the opening two rounds of the 111^th playing of Canada’s National Men’s Open Championship on Thursday, June 9 and Friday, June 10 are now available online here. 

SATURDAY SELLOUT
Tickets for Saturday’s third round, followed by Maroon 5 at the RBCxMusic Concert Series have officially sold out. 
 
RORY’S LUCKY LOONIE
If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it; that’s the motto Rory McIlroy is honouring this week at St George’s Golf & Country Club as he turns back the dials to an old tradition. The defending RBC Canadian Open Champion’s pockets will be ‘loaded with loonies’ this week as ball markers, a tactic he used on route to his title win in 2019. Read more here.
 
PRESS CONFERENCE TRANSCRIPTS
The following player transcripts from Wednesday’s press conferences in the Media Centre onsite at St. George’s Golf & Country Club are available online here:
 Justin Thomas

Corey Conners

Scottie Scheffler

Mackenzie Hughes

Adam Hadwin

Rory McIlroy

2022 MEDIA GUIDE AND PLAYER PERFORMANCE BOOK:
Media can also download the 2022 RBC Canadian Open Media Guide for complete stats, records and historical information. Media can also download the 2019 RBC Canadian Open Player Performance Book which details individual player statistics from 1904-2019. Tournament notes can be found on the PGA TOUR virtual media centre here.

BROADCAST COVERAGE:
The following are broadcast times for the 2022 RBC Canadian Open:

Thursday, June 9^th           3:00pm – 6:00pm (TSN1/4/5; RDS; GOLF)
Friday, June 10^th               3:00pm – 6:00pm (TSN1/3; RDS; GOLF)
Saturday, June 11^th          1:00pm – 3:00pm (GOLF) | 3:00pm – 6:00pm (CTV; TSN1; RDS; CBS)
Sunday, June 12^th             1:00pm – 3:00pm (GOLF) | 3:00pm – 6:00pm (CTV; TSN1; RDS; CBS)

MOBILE APP EXPERIENCE
Experience the RBC Canadian Open like never before by downloading the Golf Canada Mobile App on your iOS or Android device. Essential features include a live map, mobile ordering, leaderboard & pairings, tickets, breaking news and special events. Plus, use the Golf Canada Mobile App to enhance your experience while playing! Find golf courses, track your game, set up matches against friends, access GPS yardages and more. Click here to download.

THE OPEN QUALIFYING
The 2022 RBC Canadian Open is also part of The Open Championship Qualifying Series. The top-2 finishers at the RBC Canadian Open (not otherwise exempt) earn a spot in the field of The 150th Open Championship, July 10-17, 2022, at St Andrews in Fife, Scotland.

Rory’s Lucky Loonie

Defending RBC Canadian Open Champion Rory McIlroy doesn’t need luck on his side when it comes to his golf game. The Northern-Ireland native has notched five top 10 finishes this season – including a second-place finish at The Masters – bringing his total PGA TOUR career victories to 20. However, some would argue that a little extra luck never hurts.

During the 2019 RBC Canadian Open, McIlroy tried on a Canuck superstition when marking his ball for the week – the lucky loonie. Shooting 22-under-par 258 in 2019 (the lowest 72-hole score ever carded at the event), it’s a superstition he’s keeping as he chases back-to-back RBC Canadian Open titles for the 111^th playing of the historic tournament.

“I turned up to the locker and there was already one in my locker,” said McIlroy. “And then one of my pro-am partners give me one this morning on the first green as well. So I’m loaded with loonies this week. Yeah, so, yes, I will use it, for sure.”

The lucky loonie tradition became famous during the 2002 Olympic Winter Games in Salt Lake City when the one-dollar coin was embedded into centre ice by a Canadian maintenance crew to bring luck to the men’s and women’s ice hockey teams. After both squads claimed gold medals, the tradition became a sensation for Canadian sports pursuits across the country and has been going strong ever since.  

 It comes as no surprise that McIlroy, a self-professed fan of history, would partake in the now-iconic tradition.

“One of the great things about our game is you can in some way compare yourself to historical figures. Figures that I’ve never met before, but I look at a trophy that my name’s on and Walter Hagan’s name is on there or Gene Sarazen or Byron Nelson or Ben Hogan or Jack Nicklaus or Arnold Palmer or whoever it is,” said McIlroy.  “And I think that’s one of the coolest things about our sport that not a lot of other sports can sort of tap into. As a golf historian and traditionalist, I like that stuff. I like sitting down with the Claret Jug at home and looking at the names on the trophy. Like that is so cool. And you look at the Canadian Open trophy and you look at the names that are on that. You’re putting your name in history by winning these national championships.”

Rory will seek to defend his title as the first round of the tournament commences tomorrow.

Corey’s Canadian Coffee

Corey Conners needed a taste of home, and he got it – literally. There’s nothing that yells ‘Canada’ quite like Tim Horton’s and there are few people on TOUR who know that better than the Listowel, Ont. native. The Canadian honoured his citizenship with a visit to the renown coffee shop as soon as his plane touched down in Toronto and, suddenly, he was home again.

“That reminds me I’m home. I think that’s the first stop every time I get back to Canada. Don’t know what it is about it, but that makes me feel like I’m at home,” Conners said.

His order: one cream, one sugar. “Don’t mind an apple fritter [either],” he added.

Mac’s Caddie Shack

Before Mackenzie Hughes played in the RBC Canadian Open Championship Pro-Am, he caddied in it – or at least tried to. Mike Weir served as the ultimate distraction for the 13-year-old Hughes who he walked alongside down the fairways of Glen Abbey Golf Course at the 2004 Pro-Am event. Unfortunately for Hughes, the fairway wasn’t where he needed to be.

“I just did a horrendous job caddying that day because I was so intrigued by just being close to Mike and trying to ask him a question here and there,” said Hughes. “Then my player would be over here in the rough and I’m like, ‘Oh, sorry,’ just nowhere near him.”

Luckily for Hughes, his playing skills make up for his lackluster caddying.  

Full press release transcripts here.

TORONTO – Patrick Flavin beat the rush hour traffic but Braden Thornberry, Brad Adamonis and Jeff Kang got caught in the thick of things at the 2022 RBC Canadian Open Final Qualifier on Monday. Thankfully for them, the highway to St George’s Golf and Country Club opened up quickly.

Thornberry, Adamonis and Kang survived a 4-for-3 playoff at Oakdale Golf & Country Club to secure three of the final four spots at the 2022 RBC Canadian Open, June 6-12, at St George’s Golf and Country Club in Toronto, Ont.

The trio of Americans, who registered rounds of two-under par 69 in regulation, made their pars on the second playoff hole to settle a four-way tie. Piercen Hunt did not make it through.

Flavin carded a three-under par 68 earlier in the day to dodge the madness and punch his ticket to the National Open Championship.

The Chicago, Illinois native was one-over after the front nine but turned things around down the stretch to fire the low round of the day.

“You’re never as far out of it as you think,” he said. “There’s been a couple shockers this year where it’s not as low as you think, especially with this course being so hard. I figured anything under par was going to be a really good score, so three-under when I finished, I felt really good about.”

Flavin is no stranger to Monday qualifiers. The 18-hole stroke play tournament in Toronto, Ont. marks his fourth entry into a tournament via the final qualifier this season, and his sixth total PGA TOUR event in 2022.

“When you Monday in it’s kind of a little bit of a whirlwind because there’s so much to get done, but I think I’ve developed a good formula for what is going to allow me to play well and have a lot of energy on the weekend,” said the 26-year-old.

Adamonis found the greenside bunker on the second playoff hole but for him, that was just as good as hitting the green.

“Long ago, I had a bunker in my yard and I’m like, ‘I’ve hit these a million times, this is an easy shot,’” Adamonis told himself. “I felt comfortable, I didn’t even think about it, and I hit a good shot,” added the 49-year-old journeyman.

The RBC Canadian Open will be Adamonis’ first start on TOUR since the 2021 Valspar Championship.

Thornberry was rolling at Oakdale, sitting at four-under par thru 14 holes but bogeys on No. 16 and 17 forced him down into a T2 position and into the thick of things on the leaderboard but the former Ole Miss Rebel was able to collect himself and prevail.

“I think I had the best round going through 14 holes […] I feel like I was playing really good but kind of didn’t play well coming in, so it was nice to still get through and not have that cost me at all,” said Thornberry.

Thornberry’s first trip to Canada has already been memorable and the Germantown, Tennessee native will look to add to the memories when he tees it up on Thursday.

Flavin, Thornberry, Adamonis and Kang complete the starting field of 156 that will compete for the $8.7 million purse at St George’s Golf and Country Club. Click here for the full list of competitors.

Click here for full results of the RBC Canadian Open Final Qualifier.

For tickets to the 2022 RBC Canadian Open click here.

Golf Canada and RBC are pleased to announce the final field vying for the US$8.7 million purse at the 2022 RBC Canadian Open, June 6-12 at St. George’s Golf and Country Club in partnership with nearby Islington Golf Club as the official practice facility. 

After a wait of 1,093 days and two years of cancellation due to the global pandemic, 2019 champion and world no. 7 Rory McIlroy returns to Canada looking to defend his title against a stellar field of PGA TOUR stars led by world no. 1 and 2022 Master champion Scottie Scheffler, world no. 3 and 2022 The Players champion Cam Smith, world no. 4 and 2022 PGA champion Justin Thomas and world no. 9 Sam Burns, a 3-time PGA TOUR winner in 2022.

Other notable additions to the field for the 111th playing of Canada’s National Open Championship include world no. 15 Matthew Fitzpatrick, world no. 16 Tony Finau, world no. 23 Tyrell Hatton and big-hitter Cameron Champ along with past Major winners, Shane Lowry, Patrick Reed, Justin Rose, Jason Dufner and Danny Willet. 

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Team RBC will be represented at St. George’s by a collection of international and Canadian talents including world no. 38 Harold Varner III and 2013 RBC Canadian Open champion Brandt Snedeker along with world no. 34 Corey Conners and fellow Canadian PGA TOUR players Mackenzie Hughes, Adam Hadwin, Nick Taylor, Roger Sloan, Michael Gligic, Adam Svensson, and Taylor Pendrith.

The field for the celebrated return of the 2022 RBC Canadian Open includes five of the top-10 players in the world (Scheffler, Smith, Thomas, McIlroy, and Burns) and the top-four players on the current FedEx Cup ranking. Seven major championship winners (accounting for 11 titles) will compete along with eight 2021-22 PGA TOUR in-year winners, six past champions of the RBC Canadian Open, and 21 Canadians. 

“We are extremely pleased with the field of world-class competitors that make their way to Canada to join us in the celebrated return of the RBC Canadian Open and challenge for the 111^th playing of Canada’s National Men’s Open Championship,” said RBC Canadian Open Tournament Director Bryan Crawford. “Led by our defending champion Rory McIlroy, this year’s championship features a strong mix of stars from all around the world and the deepest field of Canadian talent ever to challenge for our National Men’s Open title. Along with great golf, fans will be treated to an incredible festival environment with terrific on-site activities including the Recipe Unlimited Fareway food and beverage experience and the RBCxMusic Concert series featuring Flo Rida (June 10) and Maroon 5 (June 11). It is the return that Canadian golf fans deserve as we get set to kick off summer.” 

In total, 156 players will compete for the US$8.7 million purse next week in Toronto when the RBC Canadian Open returns to the storied Stanley Thompson design for the sixth time and first since 2010. 

Due to current Government of Canada travel restrictions extending beyond June 1, Team RBC ambassadors Webb Simpson and Matt Kuchar are not able to participate in the championship and have officially withdrawn from the 2022 RBC Canadian Open. Golf Canada and RBC look forward welcoming Simpson and Kuchar back to Canada for the 2023 RBC Canadian Open at Oakdale Golf & Country Club.

Click here for a full field list for the 2022 RBC Canadian Open.

PGA TOUR Season Winners…

A total of eight in-year PGA TOUR winners accounting for 14 PGA TOUR titles in 2021-22 will compete at St. George’s led by 4-time winner Scottie Scheffler, 3-time winner Sam Burns, and 2-time winner Cam Smith. Other in-year PGA TOUR winners in the field include Rory McIlroy, Justin Thomas, Luke List, JJ Spaun, and Chad Ramey. 

Past Champions…

Six past RBC Canadian Open champions will compete at St. George’s including Chez Reavie (2008), Sean O’Hair (2011), Scott Piercy (2012) Brandt Snedeker (2013), Jhonattan Vegas (2016-17) and defending champion Rory McIlroy (2019). 

Twenty-one Canadians to compete for their National Men’s Open Title…

Current PGA TOUR players Corey Conners, Mackenzie Hughes, Adam Hadwin, Nick Taylor, Adam Svensson, Michael Gligic, Taylor Pendrith and Roger Sloan will lead a talented roster of 21 Canadians competing in the RBC Canadian Open. The 2022 event welcomes home a legend as 8-time PGA TOUR and Canadian Golf Hall of Famer Mike Weir will make his 29^th start in the RBC Canadian Open. Other Canadians competing on exemption include David Hearn, Aaron Cockerill, Stuart MacDonald, Albin Choi, Myles Creighton, Jared du Toit, Brendan Leonard, Wes Heffernan, Callum Davison, and Max Sekulic along with Team Canada amateurs AJ Ewart and Johnny Travale. 

Final Tournament Exemptions to be Named…

The final four exemptions into the field for the 2022 RBC Canadian Open will be handed out at the Monday Qualifier on Monday June 6, to be played at Oakdale Golf and Country in Toronto, host site of the 2023 and 2026 RBC Canadian Open. 

Click here for the full current list of competitors competing in the 2022 RBC Canadian Open, June 6-12 at St. George’s Golf and Country Club in partnership with nearby Islington Golf Club as the official practice facility. 

Tickets for the 2022 RBC Canadian Open are available here.