By: Adam Stanley

To catch up with Todd Fanning is not unlike anyone else who may work in a non-descript office building. Your conversation gets interrupted by a group of people looking to use the meeting room for a conference call, and when asked how often he gets to play golf, the answer (“I don’t”) comes with a hearty chuckle.

But Fanning, who is a sales manager for a large equipment leasing company in Winnipeg, isn’t just that.

For years he chased a professional golf dream, playing on the Web.com Tour and making a few appearances at the RBC Canadian Open before rescinding his professional playing privileges and returning to regular job and a regular life.

That is, until last summer.

Fanning shot a 2-under-par 69 at the Canadian Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship at Wascana Country Club to nip three-time champion Garrett Rank and 54-hole leader Steven Diack in a four-hole playoff a year ago this August.

He didn’t plan on playing a championship schedule in 2017, but when it was announced The Wascana would play host, he signed up to play the Manitoba Mid-Amateur to try to qualify (which he ended up winning), since his father lives in Regina and he had played Wascana a lot in his golfing life.

With the win at the Canadian Mid-Amateur, Fanning will make his fifth appearance at the RBC Canadian Open this summer when it returns to Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Ont.

“I’m just going to be the guy in the middle of the range and they’re going to say, ‘well who’s that?’ says Fanning. “It’s going to be quite funny.”

Self-deprecating humour aside, Fanning truly earned his spot in the RBC Canadian Open. He held off one of the furriest charges in the Canadian Mid-Amateur’s history, as Rank, who started the day eight shots back of Diack’s lead, shot a 5-under-par 66 to jump into a tie for the lead.

“It was the best nine holes of golf I’d ever seen,” Fanning says of Rank’s final nine holes, where she shot a 31.

“I just executed down the stretch. I almost won it in regulation. I had an eagle putt from the back fringe and thought it was going in, and I looked foolish when it didn’t. But out of the hundreds of people watching with 45 minutes to go, I don’t think anyone would have thought, other than my wife, that I would have won that tournament.”

But as per usual with golf, the most unpredictable of games, it was indeed Fanning who came out on top. He made a par on the fourth playoff hole, and when the 25-year-old Diack made a bogey, the championship was his.

He unleashed a Tiger Woods-esque fist pump and a little dance (“I don’t know what happened there… it was very bizarre,” he recalls with a laugh) and the accomplishment finally set in.

“I realized what happened. I was turning 50 and I get to play Glen Abbey again. All those thoughts raced through my mind,” he says.

Fanning says one of his good friends arrived in Regina from Winnipeg to watch the final round, and will have “quite a few” people out with him at Glen Abbey later this summer to celebrate his success.

At work, he says, it made for a great story. People would come up to him to say they watched the live-stream of the playoff (Golf Canada’s social media team played it out on Twitter, via Periscope) and his colleagues said he looked calm.

“I said it was because I have a great job and get to work with (them) so that was just fun for me,” says Fanning, laughing.

Before the RBC Canadian Open Fanning will return to defend his title at the Manitoba Mid-Amateur in early July, and says he will also play this year’s Canadian Mid-Amateur at Victoria Golf Club in August.

But he says what he’s most looking forward to this summer is another shot at Glen Abbey.

Fanning had the morning draw on Thursday in 1998, the last time he played there (he played the RBC Canadian Open at Royal Montreal in 2001 and at Angus Glen in 2002), and he managed to get off to a great start. He says he told his caddie he was having fun, but his caddie wasn’t.

“’Not yet, not until we got to the top of the leaderboard,’” Fanning recalls what his caddie told him.

Fanning hit a 6-iron into the par-3 7th and knocked in the birdie putt, so he got to 4-under par on his round and got to the top of the leaderboard in the morning. He went on to miss the cut, however, and will be thinking about that when he goes back.

But the fact that he gets to go back at all is the most exciting thing of all.

Fanning says there’s nothing on his radar to come to Oakville prior to July to get in a practice round, but he will arrive on site a little earlier than most to ‘cram for the exam,’ he says.

When he played Glen Abbey in the late-90s the golf course setup was different, but there’s nothing that will catch him off guard, as he watches the tournament on television and sees what the current course looks like. He admits he’ll be behind in his preparation, but is looking forward to watch should be a fun week.

“I have a full-time job so I don’t expect to go out there and contend and be in the last group on Sunday, but to me it’s all about family,” he says, as his 17-year-old son will be his caddie for the week. “My whole family is coming. My children never got a chance to see me compete as a professional, and now I have three of them and they’re all going to be there. It’s going to be a really fun time for them.”

ACTON, Ont. – There was nothing but beautiful blue skies at Blue Springs Golf Club as 144 players competed in hopes of earning a direct exemption into the 2018 RBC Canadian Open at Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Ont. from July 23-29.

“In my preparation, I just tried my best to get the shots I needed,” said Mauchaza, greenside at the 18th  hole. “Reflecting on the positives and the negatives, I’m just really delighted with the way I played.”

Mauchaza, who began the day on the 10th hole, opened with a 4-under 32 on the back-nine. The 30-year-old finished the round with three birdies in a row across his final six holes to secure his victory atop the leaderboard.

Defending champion and Team Canada alumnus Matt Hill of Sarnia, Ont., finished two strokes behind the lead at 4 under par. He is joined by fellow Team Canada graduate Chris Hemmerich of Guelph, Ont., who closed the 18-hole stroke play event at 2 under par.

Hill, Hemmerich and 24 other competitors, excluding the low medallist,advanced to the RBC Canadian Open Final Qualifier taking place on July 23rd at Heron Point Golf Links in Ancaster, Ont.

The first RBC Canadian Open Regional Qualifier at Ledgeview Golf Club in Abbotsford, B.C., saw Matt Matheson shoot a 5-under-par 65 to earn medallist honours and advance to the final qualifying event.

A third regional qualifier will take place on June 18th at Le Blainvillier in Blainville, Qué.

Full results can be found here.

For the first time in more than 20 years, the PGA TOUR is launching a new advertising campaign designed to capture and celebrate the energy and spirit of today’s TOUR. Titled “Live Under Par,” the campaign plays on golf’s unique scoring language to portray the relentless pursuit of excellence by TOUR players, both competitively and in how they embrace the values of the game like sportsmanship and respect, as well as the PGA TOUR’s ingrained mission of giving back.

The thematic of “Live Under Par” immerses spectators into the contagious excitement of the sport, showcasing its vast 360-degree impact both inside and outside the ropes. As part of the current integrated marketing strategy of the TOUR, the campaign aims to reach beyond the core golf fan and attract new and diverse fan segments to the sport. Further, it will serve as a call to action for dedicated golf fans to share their passion for the game and invite newcomers to “join the PGA TOUR.”

“The ‘Live Under Par’ campaign goes beyond capturing the incredible ability of PGA TOUR players to score below par each week by showcasing and celebrating that same attitude of excellence that exists between players, players with fans, and players interacting with communities and charities,” said Joe Arcuri, Chief Marketing Officer of the PGA TOUR. “The new campaign captures not just a way to play, but a way to be.”

You don’t need a club in your hand to #LiveUnderPar. pic.twitter.com/FvMqP25Y0s

— RBC Canadian Open (@RBCCanadianOpen) April 10, 2018

Developed in collaboration with new roster agency Troika of Los Angeles, “Live Under Par” becomes the TOUR’s first new theme and tagline since “These Guys Are Good,” the longest-running advertising campaign among major sports, debuted in 1997.

“’Live Under Par’ is an invitation for both players and fans to participate, no matter which side of the ropes you’re on,” said Gilbert Haslam, Executive Creative Director, Troika. “The campaign provides fans with new ways to engage in all the PGA TOUR has to offer and celebrates the shared mindset and spirit behind the constant pursuit of greatness. ‘Live Under Par’ is unique to the game, but with meaning that resonates far beyond it.”

The PGA TOUR has been proactively shaping marketing plans through a fans-first lens to reach beyond the core fan. The TOUR has analyzed real-time fan consumption across all media platforms to further understand and enhance the areas where target segments are most engaged.

One of the first initiatives the TOUR made under the fans-first approach was relaxing cell phone and social media guidelines at tournaments – providing both fans and players with the opportunity to create and share personally captured content. “Live Under Par” is a testament to the success of those changes and prominently features fan-captured content throughout the exhilarating commercial spot debuting in conjunction with the campaign.

“We consider this campaign more of an evolution, growing from how our players’ competitive excellence was presented so effectively through ‘These Guys Are Good’ to doing that and so much more,” Arcuri said. “We are pulling the camera lens out, so to speak, to highlight the fun and excitement on TOUR and highlight the special interaction we see every week between our players and fans. We believe this, in turn, will help spur broader interest among a more diverse group of fans.’”

“Live Under Par” will debut with a combination of television, digital, social, print, radio and advertising, along with tournament activation and support of PGA TOUR players. To experience the campaign, visit www.liveunderpar.com.

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.

Jhonattan Vegas won the 2017 RBC Canadian Open, defending his 2016 title by defeating Charley Hoffman in a playoff to claim his third career PGA TOUR victory.

The Venezuelan made a birdie on the first playoff hole, the par-5 18th, to become the seventh RBC Canadian Open winner to successfully defend his title.

Douglas Edgar (1919-20), Leo Diegel (1924-25, 1928-29), Sam Snead (1940-1941), Jim Ferrier (1950-1951), and Jim Furyk (2006-07) have all accomplished the feat.

“Obviously repeating is a big thing for the confidence,” said Vegas. “Obviously I want to win more and bigger tournaments, and this is a great step forward.”

Vegas recorded his lowest round of the championship, firing a 7-under-par 65 in Sunday’s final round with just one bogey on the par-3 15th.

Coming into the week, Vegas had missed five consecutive cuts.

“Obviously after coming after five missed cuts is never positive,” said Vegas. But I’ve been playing good golf the whole year; that I just had to stay cool and hopefully things will turn around, and I’m glad they did.”

Hoffman, from Ranch Santa Fe, Calif., was the 54-hole leader at 17 under par. He carded a 4-under-par 68 in Sunday’s final round.

This is the fifth time Hoffman has failed to convert a 54-hole lead into a victory.

“Yeah, it’s always tough after you don’t close the deal after having the lead but obviously got some big tournaments coming up,” said Hoffman. “The playoffs, a major championship, and obviously got some good momentum going into those.”

Hoffman’s previous best finish at the RBC Canadian Open was a T4 at St. Georges Golf and Country Club in 2010.

Englishman Ian Poulter charged up the leaderboard Sunday, carding an 8-under-par 64 to finish third at 20 under par in his first RBC Canadian Open appearance.

After a tumultuous start to his season in which he nearly lost his PGA TOUR card, Poulter now has two top-5 finishes in 2017.

“I’ve done everything I needed to do today. I played very solid. I gave myself lots of opportunities,” said Poulter after his round. “I’ve had a nice summer in Europe with the family and kids. Life’s all good.”

Gary Woodland of Topeka, Kans., finished fourth at 19 under par – his fifth top-10 of the season and best-ever finish at the RBC Canadian Open.

Dundas, Ont., native Mackenzie Hughes won the Rivermead Trophy as the low Canadian, finishing in a tie for 32nd at 10 under par in his first RBC Canadian Open as a professional.

Hughes finished strong with a 4-under-par 68 on Sunday to climb 23 spots after struggling with a 2 over par 74 in the third round.

“The week as a whole was a lot of fun,” said Hughes. “So many people out supporting me from Dundas and all over Canada. I could feel that support all the way around. All the Canadian fans
listening, thank you for the support.”

Graham DeLaet from Weyburn, Sask., finished T48 at 8 under par, closing with a 1-under-par 71 on Sunday.

World No. 1 Dustin Johnson tried to make a charge after starting the day five shots back of Hoffman at 12 under par. He finished with a 5-under-par 67, ending tied for fifth with Tony Finau (Lehi, Utah) and Robert Garrigus (Scottsdale, Ariz.)

“The golf game is moving in the right direction,” said Johnson. “I felt like I played really good every day this week. I hit really good putts. They just weren’t going in the hole.”

Click here to view the full leaderboard for the 2017 RBC Canadian Open.

A look at the best photos from Sunday’s final round of the 2017 RBC Canadian Open. Images via: Golf Canada/ Bernard Brault.

A look at the best photos from Saturday’s third round of the 2017 RBC Canadian Open. Images via: Golf Canada/ Bernard Brault.

Jack Nicklaus talks to media on Tuesday, July 25th at the 2017 RBC Canadian Open.

A video recap of our 2017 Opening Ceremony and Canadian Golf Hall of Fame Induction.

Monday at the RBC Canadian Open was the Canada Day Pro Am. Teams of three amateurs joined one Canada’s top golfers or a Canadian Golf Hall of Fame player with morning and afternoon tee times.

Proceeds from the Pro-Am benefited the Golf Canada Foundation going to support the developmental pathway in Canada including Team Canada and the Young Pro Program. The Foundation’s mission is to provide golfers and industry partners with a charitable platform to increase participation in golf by engaging players of all ages and abilities across Canada.

The 2017 RBC Canadian Monday Pro-Am raised over $200,000 in support of junior golf programs. For more information on the Golf Canada Foundation, visit www.golfcanadafoundation.com.