Golf Canada, in partnership with title sponsor RBC, is pleased to announce the qualifying format for the 2016 RBC Canadian Open, scheduled for July 18-24 at Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Ont.

A two-stage qualifying procedure for Canada’s National Open Championship will feature three regional qualifying competitions in British Columbia, Ontario and Quebec, followed by a final qualifying event on Monday, July 18.

The first regional qualifier will take place May 30 at Bear Mountain Resort in Victoria, B.C. The second regional qualifying event will be hosted by Club de golf de la Vallée du Richelieu (Rouville Course) in Sainte-Julie, Qué., on June 6. The third regional qualifier will take place June 20 at King’s Forest Golf Club in Hamilton. The final qualifier will take place Monday, July 18 at Heron Point Golf Links in Ancaster, Ont.

Each of the three regional qualifiers will feature 18 holes of stroke play with the low qualifier at each site receiving an exemption directly into the 2016 RBC Canadian Open field (provided the starting field is a minimum of 100 competitors at each site). The top 15 per cent of finishers, beyond the low qualifier, at each regional qualifying competition are eligible to compete at final qualifying.

Participation in final qualifying is limited to those competitors receiving requisite exemptions, or individuals who have advanced through regional qualifying. The event will feature 18 holes of stroke play, with a minimum of four (4) spots available for direct entry into the 2016 RBC Canadian Open field.

New for 2016, Golf Canada has expanded the exemption criteria into final qualifying to include the following:

• Top 10 players on the Mackenzie Tour-PGA TOUR Canada Order of Merit (following the Staal Foundation Open presented by Tbaytel)
• Top five players on the PGA of Canada Order of Merit (following the PGA Championship of Canada)
• Top player on the Great Lakes Golf Tour Order of Merit (following the GLT Paris Championship)

The qualifying competition is open to members in good standing of the PGA of Canada or other PGA affiliates, amateur golfers (with a current Handicap Factor not exceeding 2.0) who are members of Golf Canada or in good standing with their respective associations, and other golf professionals.

In all, a total of 24 exemptions, including the seven (7) awarded through regional and final qualifiers are available for the 2016 RBC Canadian Open at Glen Abbey Golf Club.

For more information about complete qualifying criteria and to register, click here.

Oakville, Ont. – Golf Canada in conjunction with Landmark Sport Group, Inc., announced today the launch of the inaugural RBC Canadian Open 5K.

The five kilometre run or walk along the grounds of 2016 RBC Canadian Open host venue Glen Abbey Golf Club will take place on Saturday, July 16, 2016 beginning at 9:00 am. Open to the general public including golf fans, runners, walkers and recreational enthusiasts of all ages, the RBC Canadian Open 5K will be celebrated as part of the 107th playing of Canada’s National Men’s Open Golf Championship.

“We want to celebrate the RBC Canadian Open as a party and launching the RBC Canadian Open 5K has the opportunity to expose the event and Glen Abbey to a potential new audience of running and fitness enthusiasts,” said RBC Canadian Open Tournament Director Brent McLaughlin. “Health and wellness along with physical fitness align with golf’s impact on a healthy active lifestyle and organizing a run through the golf course brings those elements together. Landmark Sport Group brings tremendous race expertise and we are excited to partner in delivering a truly unique golf and fitness experience leading into the 2016 RBC Canadian Open.”  

The RBC Canadian Open 5K route will start near the first tee of the championship course, ultimately finishing alongside the iconic and picturesque 18th green at Glen Abbey Golf Club. The event is tailored to both the traditional and non-traditional running audience and will provide all participants with the full runner’s experience of a timed event, participant bibs, shirts and medals for all. Although the event will have a predominant running theme to it, it is also designed to entice and encourage golf fans to participate in an experience to run or walk on a PGA Tour ready championship golf course just days prior to challenging the stars of the PGA Tour.

“As an avid golfer and runner, I was thinking of a way to combine both of these sports into one completely different and unique event. That is where this idea was born,” says Elliott Kerr, President of Landmark Sport Group, Inc. “This exclusive experience will be a one-of-a-kind opportunity for both golf and running enthusiasts to have access like never before to a RBC Canadian Open course. We could not be more excited to bring this event to both the golf and running communities.”

In addition to the already unique and exclusive nature of RBC Canadian Open 5K, participants will also be invited to watch live the third-round coverage of The British Open Championship both on the big screens located along the race-route and within the Molson Canadian 67 Beer Gardens, where all participants can relax and cool down post-race.

Every registered participant in the RBC Canadian Open 5K will also receive a free ‘any-day’ ticket to the 2016 RBC Canadian Open. The RBC Canadian Open 5K will provide runners, golfers, and sport fans an opportunity they will never forget!

Early bird participant registration begins at $60. Enthusiasts interested in registering or finding more information about the RBC Canadian Open 5K including parking or volunteer opportunities can visit www.golfrun.ca.

ABOUT THE 2016 RBC CANADIAN OPEN

Part of the FedExCup, stars of the PGA TOUR will compete for $5.8 million (US) at the RBC Canadian Open, July 18-24, 2016 at Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Ont. Conducted by Golf Canada for more than a century, the RBC Canadian Open provides an opportunity for Canada’s top talents to compete against the world’s best golfers while also leaving a significant impact in the event’s host community. The RBC Canadian Open is proud to support Ronald McDonald House Charities Canada as the event’s official charity partner. Established in 1904, Canada’s national open golf championship is the third-oldest national open golf championship worldwide next to the British Open and the U.S. Open. The RBC Canadian Open is proudly sponsored by RBC, Shaw, BMW Group Canada, Molson Canadian 67, WestJet, TaylorMade adidas Golf, Boston Pizza, Ballantine’s, Santa Carolina Wines and Metrolinx. For tickets or tournament information, please visit www.rbccanadianopen.com or call 1-800-571-6736.

ABOUT LANDMARK SPORT GROUP, INC.

Landmark Sport Group Inc. is an athlete and television personality representation, event management, sponsorship sales and corporate consulting company headquartered in Mississauga.  Founded in 1987, Landmark is based on the principles of integrity, honesty and old fashioned hard work.  Landmark is an industry leader representing personalities such as current and former Olympians Patrick Chan, Ian Millar, Emily Overholt, Catriona Le May Doan, Cindy Klassen, Kelly VanderBeek and Michael Smith, as well as television personalities that include Scott Russell, Bob Cole, Daren Millard, Rod Black, Martine Gaillard, Scott Morrison and Christine Simpson to name a few. Landmark’s leadership continues with our event management team creating and managing properties that include The Greater Toronto Spring Marathon/Mississauga Marathon, Nutrience Oakville Half Marathon, Elvis Stojko Figure Skating Tour of Champions, Jane Rogers Golf Championship/Canadian Tour Event, Accenture Canadian Corporate Golf Championship and the RBC Canadian Open 5K Run.  For more information on the RBC Canadian Open 5K or to register visit www.golfrun.ca

GOLF CANADA – LOVE THE GAME. GROW THE GAME.

Golf Canada is the National Sports Federation and governing body for golf in Canada representing close to 310,000 golfers at more than 1,400 member clubs across the country. A proud member of the Canadian Olympic Committee, Golf Canada’s mission is to grow participation, excellence and passion in the sport while upholding the integrity and traditions of the game. By investing in the growth of the sport and introducing more participants of all ages to the game, our goal is to be relevant to and respected by all Canadian golf enthusiasts from coast to coast. For more information about what Golf Canada is doing to support golf in your community, visit www.golfcanada.ca.

Jason Day’s journey to the top of the golf world is unlike anyone else’s. From humble beginnings in Australia, Jason overcame adversity to find his path through hard work and dedication. Through exclusive, behind-the-scenes access Jason’s story is shared with the world for the first time in this video. We are so very proud to have Jason as our 2015 champion.

OAKVILLE, Ont. – Jason Day captured his fourth PGA TOUR victory at the 2015 RBC Canadian Open at Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Ont. The Australian shot a final round 4-under 68 with six birdies, including a string of three to conclude the round, to finish 17-under.

“For this to be the third oldest tournament, and to come off what happened last week and be able to get the putt to the hole this time and come out as a winner, it just feels fantastic,” reflected Day on today’s victory. The 28-year-old narrowly missed out on a playoff at The Open Championship the week prior to making the trip to his third RBC Canadian Open appearance.

The resilient Day bogeyed holes 8 and 9, but roared back with three consecutive birdies across the three final holes to secure the title. The Canadian crowds throughout the competition have shown a clear affection for the champion.

“I’ve never felt so much at home, and I’m not even from Canada,” he added. “True golf fans, they understand what a good shot is and what a bad shot is. It was just amazing to play in front of the crowd that we had out there this week. Some of the nicest people you’ve ever met. It’s amazing.”

Entering the final round of competition, Day was tied for second with Bubba Watson behind leader David Hearn of Brantford, Ont. Watson tallied eight birdies, including four straight across holes 15 to 18. Despite a runner-up finish at 16-under, Watson remained positive on his return to the RBC Canadian.

“I take confidence from this. I take pride that I fought back with the birdies,” he said. “I think Canada and the crowd were treating me just as fair as David (Hearn). Since my wife’s Canadian, I still have a little positivity going my way.”

The Day victory ends David Hearn’s bid to become the RBC Canadian Open’s first Canadian champion in 61 years. Hearn became the first Canadian to hold a 54-hole lead at the RBC Canadian Open since Mike Weir in 2004. Despite coming up just short in his 13th bid for Canada’s National Open Championship, he reflects on the experience with pride and appreciation.

“I played great golf. I gave myself a chance right until the very end, even though I didn’t quite have my best stuff today,” said Hearn. “The support and the way that the Canadian crowds were, it was truly incredible. I’ve never experienced anything like that before. It was pretty special.”

With the third place finish at 15-under, Hearn earned the Rivermead Cup as low Canadian. It was the third time he claimed the honour. The Gary Cowan Medals for low amateur honours were presented to Team Canada National Amateur Squad members Austin Connelly of Irving, Texas and Burlington, Ont., native Blair Hamilton. The co-recipients finished at 1-under and were two of the three amateurs alongside Ryan Ruffels to advance to weekend play.

The champion now sets his sights on the 2016 RBC Canadian Open.

“I’m looking forward to coming back and defending the title here next year because I know when I get here, it’s going to be the same. It’s great to feel like a Canadian for a week. They did a good job out there and I’m so glad to play in front of them.”

The RBC Canadian Open will return to Glen Abbey Golf Club for a record 28th time to build upon the continued partnership and legacy between the storied club and Canada’s National Open Championship.

OAKVILLE, Ont. – David Hearn shot 4-under 68 to take a 2-shot lead into the final round of the 2015 RBC Canadian Open in Oakville, Ont.

No Canadian has held the lead heading into the final round since Mike Weir in 2004. Hearn will attempt to become the first Canadian since Pat Fletcher in 1954 to claim the title of Canada’s National Open Champion in the 106th playing of the tournament.

“I played real solid today. And I couldn’t be happier with where my game’s at right now. Getting on to that first tee today, the ovation I received was something I’ll remember for a very long time.” said Hearn when asked about today’s round, which included five birdies.

Hearn embraced the pressure of playing in front of his fellow countrymen and instead used the support to his advantage.

“Every green we walked onto, people were cheering me on. And it was a lot of fun to play today and I kind of fed off that energy for sure,” he added. “Overall, I’m very happy with where my game’s at and I’m excited about tomorrow.”

The world’s No. 128 ranked player fended off advances from American Bubba Watson and Australia’s Jason Day. The pair sit knotted in second at -13. Despite the company of two players ranked within the world’s top-10, Hearn remained focused on the task at hand.

“Whatever anybody else does, it boils down to me. I still have to go out there tomorrow and perform. And I still have to go out and hit good shots and make birdies,” said Hearn. “It doesn’t really matter what names are where or who is doing what. If I can keep playing the way I have these first three days, I really like my chances.”

Watson, the World No. 3, held a share of sixth place heading into the third round. The Florida native tallied five birdies and an eagle en route to a round of 68.

“It was a good day,” reflected Watson. “The front nine is always tough for me because of trying to get the ball in the fairways. To get up-and-down on 17 was big. So I’m right where I want to be.”

When asked about the supportive Canadian crowd, Watson hoped the cheers would go beyond the hometown favourite.

“They’re going to pull for a guy that’s playing good. They want to see good golf shots,” he added. “Obviously, he’s from Canada, so they’ll be pulling for him a bit more. I married a Canadian, so hopefully they’ll pull for me as well.”

Despite a bogey and a double bogey on holes 10 and 11, Jason Day has a share of second thanks to a string of six birdies across his final seven.

“I know that I’m not going to quit until the 72nd hole is done,” Day said with resolve. “To get a run like that was great. It puts you back in the tournament. It gives you an opportunity to maybe chase the lead down tomorrow. With the slightly lower winds tomorrow, I think the scoring opportunity is going to be there.”

Chasing Hearn are World No. 23 Brooks Koepka and fellow American Michael Putnam who sit T4 at 12-under. World No. 7 and two-time RBC Canadian Open champion, Jim Furyk, is tied for sixth with opening-round leader Emiliano Grillo, second-round leader Chad Campbell and Colombia’s Camilo Villegas.

The two Canadian amateurs who survived Friday’s cut will not play Sunday because of the PGA TOUR’s made cut, did not finish rule. In 2008, the Tour instituted the rule that sees a second cut made when more than 78 players survive the 36-hole cut. Blair Hamilton of Burlington, Ont., and Austin Connelly of Irving, Texas finished at 1-under and will be co-recipients of the Gary Cowan Award which is given to the low amateur at the RBC Canadian Open.

Tee times for the final round of the 2015 RBC Canadian Open are available here.

OAKVILLE, Ont. – Chad Campbell is a fan of Glen Abbey Golf Club; his play today could help explain the Texas native’s affinity for the home of the 2015 RBC Canadian Open. Campbell’s bogey-free round included nine birdies to take the lead at the 106th playing of Canada’s National Open Championship.

“I really enjoy this course; it’s playing great and in great condition, the greens are perfect and the fairways are super fast,” said Campbell, when asked about returning to Glen Abbey. “I think this is my third or fourth time to play on this course. I’ve always enjoyed it. I just feel comfortable on it.”

The four-time PGA TOUR winner finished T16 at the 2013 RBC Canadian Open at this same course. At 130, his two-round score is the second lowest in Glen Abbey’s storied past. His 9-under 63 performance was one stroke shy of tying the course record.

“It would have been nice to make that one. But after driving the left rough, I was pretty happy just to have it up on the green,” said Campbell of his attempt to equal history.

Brian Harman of Sea Island, Ga., maintained his hold on second place and sits two shots back of the lead at 132. He notched seven birdies en route to a 5-under 67 and is confident heading into the third round.

“I drove it well again, putted it well again and I managed my game. I still made a couple of bogeys, but I came back nicely from both of them. I’m excited with the way I’m playing and I look forward to the weekend.”

David Hearn climbed the leaderboard, carding a bogey-free 8-under 64 to move into a tie for third with Johnson Wagner. Hearn, a native of Brantford, Ont., carded a pair of birdies on his two final holes to move to 11-under, three back of the leader.

“I gave myself a lot more chances today. I hit a lot more greens and my putter definitely got hot,” explained Hearn on his push up the leaderboard. “Making those two birdies at the finish felt really, really good. So I’m happy with where my game’s at and excited for the weekend.”

Despite playing in his 13th RBC Canadian Open, Hearn remains appreciative of the Canadian crowds. Droves arrived at Glen Abbey donning the colours of their national flag on Red and White Day to cheer on their country’s golfing talents.

“The fans have been incredibly supportive. Every green we walk up to, they’re cheering you on and they want to see you do well. So I’m going to do everything I can to keep playing well and to give them lots to cheer about.”

With an ace on No. 4, Ricky Barnes gave the crowd another reason to cheer. With the hole-in-one, the Arizona native won a BMW i8 though BMW Hole-in-One @ the 4th Hole.

“It was a perfect 8-iron. I think the yardage was 165 into a little breeze and it just landed right in the hole and never came out.”

Graham DeLaet of Weyburn, Sask., was forced to withdraw in the morning due to a thumb injury sustained in the first round.

“It’s an important tournament to me. When it all came down to it, I felt if I could compete and still hit the ball well, I probably would have kept going. I’m going to go get some imaging done here and hopefully get back to Arizona and see the docs down there as well,” said DeLaet. Despite the injury, he was even through four holes before withdrawing.

Of the 16 Canadians who began the competition, six will continue through to the weekend, including two amateurs. The six include David Hearn, Adam Svensson (69-73 – 142), Nick Taylor (70-72 – 142), Adam Hadwin (74-67 – 141), as well as, amateurs Blair Hamilton (71-68 – 139) and Austin Connelly (73-65 – 138).

Tee times for the third round of the 2015 RBC Canadian Open are available here.

OAKVILLE, Ont. – Emiliano Grillo leads the field at the 2015 RBC Canadian Open at Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Ont., following the first round of play. The native of Argentina tallied eight birdies en-route to an 8-under 64 performance.

The 23-year-old began his day on the back nine with a birdie. “I knew it was a great start of the round. I played solid the whole round. I played better on the back nine, which is harder and the greens were drying out. I kept hitting some solid shots until the end of the round and I made some good putts on the back nine.”

After receiving a foreign sponsor exemption into last week’s Barbasol Championship, Grillo made a birdie on the final hole to move into a T10 finish. With the top-10 standing, Grillo earned his way into the field of Canada’s National Open Championship. This marked his sixth start on the PGA TOUR with his best finish coming in March, when he lost on the first playoff hole to Alex Cejka at the Puerto Rico Open.

Like Grillo, Vaughn Taylor is playing at the 2015 RBC Canadian Open thanks to a T10 finish at the Barbasol Championship. The Augusta, Ga., native began his day by birdieing two of his first three holes; he then mirrored the feat by notching birdies on holes 16 and 18.

Taylor and fellow Georgian Brian Harman sit T2, one shot back of the lead. Harman, who calls Sea Island home, tallied eight birdies on the day and is hoping to claim his second career PGA TOUR victory to accompany his 2014 John Deere Classic title.

Florida natives Steve Wheatcroft and Erik Compton along with South African Tyrone Van Aswegen and Australian amateur Ryan Ruffels hold shares of fourth. Playing on a sponsor exemption, the 17-year-old Ruffels totaled five birdies and an eagle en route to a 6-under 66. The 2014 Australian Boys’ Amateur champion is making his first start on the PGA TOUR.

Brantford, Ont., native David Hearn – who narrowly missed out on his first-career PGA TOUR victory at the beginning of the month at the Greenbrier Classic – and Team Canada Young Pro Squad member Adam Svensson of Surrey, B.C., top the Canadian contingent after opening with rounds of 3-under 69.

Hearn reflected positively on the state of the course and remains confident heading into day two. “I feel like this is the best condition I’ve ever seen Glen Abbey in, and it’s nice to see it firm. I played a solid round of golf and that’s what I needed to do. So if I can hit a few more greens tomorrow, I like my chances.”

Tee times for the second round of the 2015 RBC Canadian Open are available here.

RBC CANADIAN OPEN FRIDAY IS RED AND WHITE DAY

Golf Canada is pleased to announce that Friday, July 24 at the 2015 RBC Canadian Open is Red and White Day. Everyone coming to Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Ont., for the championship’s second round – whether they be players, spectators or members of the media – is encouraged to wear red and white to demonstrate their Canadian pride and to support the 16 Canadian players in the field for Canada’s National Open Championship.

• The event will be bullfrogpowered with 100 per cent green natural gas and green electricity. Across Canada, Bullfrog Power’s green electricity comes exclusively from a blend of wind and low-impact hydro power sourced from new Canadian renewable energy facilities.. Bullfrog’s green natural gas is a climate-friendly alternative to conventional, polluting natural gas, and is sourced from the Rive-Nord green natural gas facility in Quebec, a unique, ground-breaking methane-capture project.
• GHG emissions associated with the use of diesel generators and event vehicles will be neutralized through the purchase and retirement of high quality carbon offsets. The carbon offsets will be acquired through RBC’s carbon emissions trading group in RBC Capital Markets.

• Two zero waste sorting stations located in high traffic concession areas will improve waste sorting at the point of disposal and increase waste diversion.
• Visible and well-marked recycling and organics collection receptacles throughout the course will reduce the amount of waste being sent to landfill.
• For the fifth consecutive year, Event Water Solutions is providing free filtered water at four water stations located across the grounds. In 2013, (the last time the Canadian Open was held at Glen Abbey) more than 42,000 bottles were filled at the water stations. Collapsible water bottles will be available for purchase at the tournament with proceeds benefiting the official charity partner, Ronald McDonald House Charities Canada.
• Concession service provider Bingeman’s is reducing waste by using compostable or recyclable food packaging and condiments will be served in bulk where possible.
• Unused food will be donated to local food bank Food for Life.
• Food items not suitable for donation will be separated for composting.
• Volunteers, including a large contingent from the Burloak Canoe Club, will ensure waste is properly sorted and that the golf course remains litter free.

• Complimentary bicycle valet for ticket holders and tournament volunteers near the main gates.
• BMW Group is providing electric vehicles to shuttle spectators between the parking lots and the main entrance to the Open.
• The event is accessible by public transportation with shuttle bus service from Bronte and Oakville GO Stations.

ALBERTON, Ont. – Justin Shin of Pitt Meadow, B.C., David Mathis of Wakeforest, N.C., Roberto Castro of Alpharetta, Ga., and Josh Teater of Lexington, Ky., have earned their way into the field for this week’s RBC Canadian Open at Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Ont.

Shin led scoring in the Monday Final Qualifier with a 7-under-par round of 64 at Heron Point Golf Links in Alberton, Ont. After opening with a bogey, Shin would go to record six birdies and an eagle to earn low qualifying honours.

“I was pretty pumped for this week and I’m really excited,” said Shin. “It has been my dream to play in the RBC Canadian Open. I’ve wanted to play it ever since I was a junior. I really enjoyed it out there today with my buddy caddying for me.”

Shin is currently ranked fourth on the PGA TOUR China Order of Merit with a win at the 2015 United Investment Real Estate Wuhan Open. He recently finished T6 in the Mackenzie Tour-PGA TOUR Canada’s The Players Cup in Winnipeg, Man.

Finishing with a share of second were Mathis and Castro with rounds of 6-under 65 while Teater secured the final RBC Canadian Open spot in a playoff after carding a 5-under 66. Teater beat out Eric Hawerchuk of Barrie, Ont. in an extra hole to earn the final Qualifier spot.

With the addition of Justin Shin, a total of 16 Canadians are set to compete in the 2015 RBC Canadian Open.

Full results from the 2015 RBC Canadian Open Final Qualifier are available here.

The final four players joining the 2015 RBC Canadian Open field will be determined Monday following the conclusion of final qualifying play at Heron Point Golf Links in Alberton, Ont.

Sixty-three players, many of whom have earned their way via the three regional qualifying events across Canada, will battle over 18 holes of stroke-play in hopes of competing in the 2015 RBC Canadian Open being held July 20-26 at Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Ont.

A total of 38 Canadians will take to Heron Point on Monday, including Team Canada Young Pro Squad members Albin Choi of Toronto and Mackenzie Hughes of Dundas, Ont. Also looking to join the 14 Canadians already confirmed as part of the RBC Canadian Open field are Team Canada Development Squad member Étienne Papineau of St-Jean-Sur-Richelieu, Que., and Danny King of Milton, Ont., who recently captured the PGA of Canada and PGA of Ontario Championships.

Click here for pairings, start times and results for RBC Canadian Open Final Qualifying on Monday, July 20. Live scoring will not be available and results will be available as players complete their rounds.