KEVIN TWAY LEADS THROUGH 36 HOLES AT THE RBC CANADIAN OPEN
OAKVILLE, Ont. — Edmond, Okla., product Kevin Tway shot a 7-under 65 at Glen Abbey Golf Club on Friday to move to 13-under-par and take the 36-hole lead at the RBC Canadian Open.
Tway, who is looking for his first PGA TOUR title, recorded one bogey and eight birdies on Friday to build a one-shot advantage.
“It’s always nice to make a bunch of birdies,” said Tway, looking for his first career PGA TOUR victory. “Being near the top is what you practice for, so I’ll just keep trying to do the same thing the next two days.”
The 30-year-old is also hoping to follow in the footsteps of his father Bob, who won the 2003 edition of the tournament. A victory here would make for a great historical moment at Canada’s National Open, as no father-son duo has ever won the Canadian Open.
“He did it in ’03, actually, so that was 15 years ago,” said Tway when asked about his father’s run at Hamilton Golf and Country Club, host of the 2019 and 2013 RBC Canadian Open. “It would be great to match with that.”
Keegan Bradley is also charging into the weekend with a share of second at 12-under. The Woodstock, Vt. came in hot with an eagle on the 2nd hole and finished even stronger, going birdie-eagle-birdie-eagle across his final four holes.
“Yeah that was wild. It turned kind of an average day out here into something really special,” said Bradley. “There’s not many courses you can do that on like you can out here. That’s what makes it such a great event.”
South Korea’s Whee Kim is tied with Bradley after making a similar impressive run with two birdies out the gate on the back-nine at Glen Abbey followed by an eagle and two consecutive birdies across his final three holes.
“You know, you don’t really need to think about missing the cut or just making a bogey or double bogey,” said Kim. “Everything is great. It feels very positive, you know.”
Seven Canadians survived the 36-hole cut at Glen Abbey led by Nick Taylor who carded a 5-under-par 68 to sit T10.
“I hit a lot better today. I drove it way better today too,” said Taylor. “If I play well and I’m the low Canadian, that’s great but I’m trying to win a golf tournament. That could take care of that.”
The Abbotsford, B.C., native heads into the weekend four shots off the lead and will look for his best RBC Canadian Open finish since he placed T53 in 2008.
Ben Silverman made the biggest move at the tournament, catapulting 106 spots up the leaderboard into a tie for 15th. The Thornhill, Ont., native poured in nine birdies in his bogey-free second round, coming within one shot of tying the course record.
“Couldn’t have scripted it better really,” said the PGA TOUR rookie when asked about how it felt to play in front of the hometown crowd. “I’ve got the Canadian shoes on, red and white, and got to play 40 minutes from where I grew up, so it was awesome.”
Team Canada Amateur Squad rookie Chris Crisologo of Richmond, B.C. continued to make waves at the tournament, posting a 7-under-par 137 to add his name to the list of Canadians advancing to the weekend.
“You never know what to expect out of these things,” said the 22-year-old amateur. “Obviously it’s my first (RBC) Canadian Open, so really I’m just out here to enjoy the moment and make the most out of this opportunity.”
Roger Sloan (Merritt, B.C.), Mackenzie Hughes (Dundas, Ont.), Ryan Yip (Calgary, Alta.) and David Hearn (Brantford, Ont.) round out the Canadians making the cut.
GARRIGUS LEADS AT RAIN-DELAYED RBC CANADIAN OPEN
OAKVILLE, Ont. – Robert Garrigus carded a scorching 63 to grab the clubhouse lead at 9-under par during the rain-delayed opening round of the RBC Canadian Open.
Play on Thursday was halted at 4:30 p.m. due to high winds and potential lightning strikes that made it unsafe to keep golfing. Play resumed at 6:44 p.m. after a two-hour and 14-minute delay. Fifty-five golfers were unable to finish their first round when play was officially suspended for the day due to a dangerous weather situation at 8:04 p.m.
Garrigus, who finished T5 in 2017, was one shot ahead of fellow American Adam Schenk at 9-under 63 when inclement weather suspended play in the afternoon at Glen Abbey Golf Club.
“Could have been 59 there if a couple putts didn’t lip out,” said Garrigus, who had birdie putts lip out on Nos. 10 and 17. “Got lucky on the par 5, on 13, hit it right in the middle of the water, and it hit a rock and bounced over the thing and I made birdie.
Garrigus shot a 10-under 62 in the third round in last year’s tournament to match the course record.
“I love this place. I’ve always played well in Canada. There’s a lot of good vibes here. And the golf course is absolutely pure,” said Garrigus, who also finished T2 in 2012, the last time Canada’s National Open was played at Hamilton Golf and Country Club, host of both the 2019 and 2023 RBC Canadian Open. “I mean, I was walking on the fairway on No. 8, and it just felt like you were walking on carpet, and you get up on the green, and it’s like grass. The conditions are absolutely perfect.”
Schenk made the most of the conditions closed out his round in the rain with three straight birdies to sit in second place at 8-under.
“If you were in the fairway, it was much easier to attack, but you could still play from the rough, so I did that too often today but was fortunate to get away with it,” said Schenk, a PGA TOUR rookie who is fighting to keep his card with a handful of tournaments left on the schedule. “But if you can get within 20 feet of the hole, you’re going to make some putts, especially in the morning. The greens are very smooth.”
American Chris Stroud was able to complete his round to finish his day in solo-third.
Brantford, Ont, native David Hearn and Nick Taylor of Abbotsford, B.C. are the leading Canadians sitting T22 after a 4-under-par 68. Teeing off on hole No.10, Hearn started strong on the back nine and stayed consistent throughout the day, recording only a single bogey on hole No.7.
“I feel great today. I hit the ball really, really nicely to green and gave myself lots of chances for birdie,” said Hearn. “Four-under was a good round. I left a few out there today but overall, I feel really positive about the way I played and am looking forward to tomorrow.”
Taylor’s bogey-free round included a birdie from 6 feet on his final hole to grab a share of low Canadian alongside Hearn.
“Being the low Canadian would be nice, but that’s not really my focus,” said Hearn. “It’s nice to have a solid round to start the tournament, and hopefully I can have a good one tomorrow morning.”
Four Canadians – Michael Gligic (Kitchener, Ont.), Mackenzie Hughes (Dundas, Ont.), amateur Chris Crisologo (Richmond, B.C.) and Roger Sloan (Merritt) – hold a share 41st position at 3-under.
Crisologo’s Team Canada Amateur Squad teammates Joey Savoie and Hugo Bernard sit at1-under and 1-over, respectively. Bernard will play his final five holes when round one resumes on Friday.
Round-one play resumes at 7:00 a.m. on Friday with second-round tee times set to begin at 7:30 a.m.
RBC Canadian Open ready to tee off at Glen Abbey Golf Club
OAKVILLE, Ont. – The 109th playing of Canada’s National Men’s Open Championship gets underway Thursday with 156 of the world’s best golfers, including 21 Canadians and world No. 1 Dustin Johnson set to compete for the 2018 RBC Canadian Open trophy and the champion’s share of the $6.2 million (US) purse.
Johnson, an 18-time winner on the PGA TOUR, has had great success at Canada’s National Open Championship, finishing runner-up in both 2013 and 2016.
“It’s always good to come back here. I’ve had some success here and I enjoy coming and playing the Canadian Open, especially being an RBC ambassador,” said Johnson. “I get a lot of fans out here and they’ve been great the past few years.”
The world’s No. 1 golfer had high praise for the work superintendent Andrew Gyba and his team have done to get the course ready for the RBC Canadian Open.
“The course is in really good shape, probably the best shape I’ve seen it since I’ve played here,” added Johnson. “It’s going to be a good week.”
Johnson went on to talk about the recently announced date change for the RBC Canadian Open—moving to June 3 to 9 beginning in 2019—and the impact he anticipates it will have on the tournament.
“I think it’ll be good for the golf tournament. A lot of guys like to play the week before the U.S. Open, so you’ll definitely get some different guys,” said Johnson. “I think the field will definitely improve, even though this year I feel like we have a really good field at the tournament.”
Facebook Watch added to robust live coverage schedule for Canadians to view the RBC Canadian Open
OAKVILLE, ONTARIO, CANADA – The PGA TOUR announced that Facebook has been added to an already impressive viewing schedule for fans within Canada to watch the RBC Canadian Open July 26-29 at Glenn Abbey Golf Club. Facebook will join Golf Channel, PGA TOUR LIVE, Twitter, Global TV, TSN, RDS (French only) and DAZN to offer a tournament record 235 hours of live coverage available on virtually any device, radio or television in Canada.
“Fans are consuming golf across more platforms than ever,” said Bill Paul, Golf Canada’s Chief Championships Officer. “We’re excited to be taking advantage of new and innovative technologies to help bring the RBC Canadian Open to additional viewers and encapsulate an exciting new, young demographic.”
Facebook will distribute exclusive live coverage of featured groups on Saturday and Sunday morning of the RBC Canadian Open in the U.S. and Canada on a free basis. To access, users can follow the PGA TOUR LIVE Page at www.facebook.com/pgatourlive. The PGA TOUR will uniquely produce this coverage for Facebook’s social video platform, with interactive elements aimed to engage fans.
While PGA TOUR Canadian broadcast partners TSN, RDS, Global TV and Golf Channel will deliver extensive RBC Canadian Open action to television sets across Canada, they will each stream coverage that can be accessed via Golf Channel Live (www.golfchannel.com/livegolf), TSN Go (www.tsn.ca/live), RDS Direct (www.rds.ca/emissions/en-direct) and Global TV (www.globaltv.com/watchlive)
PGA TOUR LIVE, the PGA TOUR’s global, Over-The-Top subscription service is available iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Android smartphones and tablets, Windows 10, Xbox, as well as PGATOURLIVE.com. PGA TOUR LIVE Featured Groups coverage of the RBC Canadian Open will begin at 7 a.m. ET on Thursday and Friday and will feature Dustin Johnson, Brooks Koepka, Sergio Garcia, Bubba Watson and Canadian star Adam Hadwin. PGA TOUR LIVE Featured Groups coverage is available for $5.99 per month or $39.99 for a year. The PGA TOUR LIVE Featured Groups on Thursday and Friday can also be accessed via the DAZN Over-The-Top sports subscription service at www.DAZN.ca.
Finally, Twitter’s preview window of PGA TOUR LIVE will be available globally to its audience and can be found at www.live.twitter.com/pgatourlive and via @PGATOUR. The Twitter preview window of PGA TOUR LIVE will begin at 7am ET on both Thursday and Friday, concluding after the Featured Groups finish their second hole.
RBC Canadian Open Coverage Schedule (all times ET):
Thursday, July 26
7-8:30 a.m. Preview – Featured Groups Twitter
7 a.m. – 3 p.m. Featured Groups PGA TOUR LIVE, TSN and DAZN
3-6 p.m. Featured Holes PGA TOUR LIVE
3-6 p.m. Broadcast TSN, RDS and Golf Channel
Friday, July 27
7-8:30 a.m. Preview – Featured Groups Twitter
7 a.m. – 3 p.m. Featured Groups PGA TOUR LIVE, TSN and DAZN
3-6 p.m. Featured Holes PGA TOUR LIVE
3-6 p.m. Broadcast TSN, RDS and Golf Channel
Saturday, July 28
8:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Featured Groups Facebook (U.S. and Canada)
1-6 p.m. Featured Holes Facebook and PGA TOUR LIVE
1-2:45 p.m. Broadcast Golf Channel
3-6:00 p.m. Broadcast Global TV and RDS
Sunday, July 29
8:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Featured Groups Facebook (U.S. and Canada)
1-6 p.m. Featured Holes Facebook and PGA TOUR LIVE
1-2:45 p.m. Broadcast Golf Channel
3-6:00 p.m. Broadcast Global TV and RDS
Fans can also listen to the SiriusXM PGA TOUR Radio channel on SiriusXM radios (Sirius channel 208, XM channel 92). For more information, visit www.SiriusXM.com/SiriusXMPGATOURRadio.
START TIMES SET FOR RBC CANADIAN OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP PRO-AM
OAKVILLE, Ont. — The start times for the 2018 RBC Canadian Open Championship Pro-Am at Glen Abbey Golf Club for Wednesday, July 25 have been released.
The event will see 103 professional golfers take to the renowned Oakville course to entertain a field of 156 amateurs as part of the PGA TOUR’s new ‘Nine and Nine’ Pro-Am format where amateur participants will play nine holes each with a pair of PGA TOUR professionals. Click here for pairings and start times.
As well, the pairings and start times for the opening two rounds of the 109th playing of Canada’s National Open Championship on Thursday, July 26 and Friday, July 27 are now available online here.
PRESS CONFERENCE SCHEDULE – WEDNESDAY, JULY 25
The following interviews will take place in the Media Centre onsite at Glen Abbey Golf Club on Wednesday, July 25:
Mackenzie Hughes and Corey Conners – 11:30 a.m.
Dustin Johnson – 12:00 p.m.
Brooks Koepka – After morning Pro-Am (9 holes)
Jonathan Vegas – After morning Pro-Am (9 holes)
INTERVIEW VIDEO, AUDIO AND TRANSCRIPTS FOR TUESDAY, JULY 24
Interview, audio and transcripts for the following players and events from Tuesday, July 24 are available here and video is available here. Please note the videos are unedited, uncut and broadcast-quality.
• Lee Trevino (presentation of the Triple Crown Trophy)
• Ben Silverman
• Tory Merritt
• Andrew Gyba (Glen Abbey Superintendent)
• Canadian Golf Hall of Fame Induction Celebration
GOLF CANADA WALK WITH A PRO
Golf Canada is welcoming a number of its junior program participants to the 2018 RBC Canadian Open to join PGA TOUR professionals on hole number 7, #TheRink, during Wednesday’s Championship Pro-Am. The “Walk with a Pro” event offers junior golfers the chance of a lifetime – to carry a professional’s putter or bag and maybe even take the pro’s first putt.
TELEVISION COVERAGE:
The following are television times for the 2018 RBC Canadian Open:
Thursday July 26
• TSN 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
• Golf Channel 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Friday July 27
• TSN 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
• Golf Channel 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Saturday July 28
• Golf Channel 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
• CBS & Global 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Sunday July 29
• Golf Channel 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
• CBS & Global 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
TICKETS:
Grounds tickets for all days of the 2018 RBC Canadian Open, as well as, a limited number of premium ticket packages are still available. A full list of ticket packages and pricing is available online at http://www.rbccanadianopen.com. Golf Canada and RBC are also pleased to offer FREE admission to juniors 17 and younger—Click here to download a FREE Junior Pass.
Gligic, Budd, Kim and Sutton secure final four spots into 2018 RBC Canadian Open
OAKVILLE, ONT. (Golf Canada) – Michael Gligic of Burlington, Ont., Russell Budd of Toronto, Justin Yong Woo Kim of Hamilton and Mitch Sutton of London, Ont., have all earned entry into the 2018 RBC Canadian Open through Final Qualifying at Heron Point Golf Links in Alberton, Ont.
Gligic and Budd carded matching 4-under-par 67s to share medallist honours.
“It’ll be my first one at Glen Abbey,” said 28-year-old Gligic, who will make his third appearance at the RBC Canadian Open. “I’ve been looking forward to playing one there, so it’s nice to finally punch my ticket. I definitely feel the best I ever have going into a RBC Canadian Open. My nerves got to me in my first one and in the second one my game wasn’t that great. But now I feel like my game is in a really good spot, so hopefully I’ll play well.”
Gligic’s co-medallist Russell Budd secured a spot into his first RBC Canadian Open. The 27-year-old is currently playing on the PGA TOUR Latinoamérica.
Five players shot 68, which forced a playoff to decide the two final spots. Kim advanced on the first playoff hole thanks to a birdie, while Team Canada alumni Mitch Sutton birdied the second playoff hole to earn his exemption.
“Wow, that was pretty exciting coming down the last few holes and into the playoff,” said Sutton, who won back-to-back Canadian Junior Boy Championships in 2008 and 2009. “I’m pretty pumped up right now and looking forward to playing in my first RBC Canadian Open. I’ve played Glen Abbey a couple of times, but not in a while. I’m excited to go back.”
Seung-su Han of Las Vegas, Blake Olsen of Pensacola, Fla., and Tyler McCumber of Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla., were the playoff participants who failed to qualify.
Below are full qualifier results from the 2018 RBC Canadian Open Final Qualifying.
1. Michael Gligic, Kitchener, ON, *36-31-67 -4
1. Russell Budd, Toronto, ON, *35-32-67 -4
3. Justin Yong Woo Kim, Hamilton, ON, *34-34-68 -3
3. Mitchell Sutton, London, ON, *34-34-68 -3
— DID NOT QUALIFY —
3. Blake Olsen, Pensacola, Florida, *37-31-68 -3
3. Seung-su Han, Las Vegas, NV, *33-35-68 -3
3. Tyler McCumber, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, *35-33-68 -3
8. Raoul Menard, Ange-Gardien, QC, *33-36-69 -2
8. Étienne Papineau (a), St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, QC, *34-35-69 -2
8. Riley Wheeldon, Comox, BC, *33-36-69 -2
8. Taylor Pendrith, Richmond Hill, ON, *36-33-69 -2
12. Keith Martin, Kelowna, BC, *37-33-70 -1
12. Keven Fortin-Simard, Chicoutimi, QC, *35-35-70 -1
12. Adrian Cord, Toronto, ON, *36-34-70 -1
12. Kevin Stinson, Mission BC, *37-33-70 -1
12. Devin Carrey, White Rock, BC, *36-34-70 -1
12. Jake Scott, Strongsville, OH, *37-33-70 -1
12. Sonny Michaud, Neuville, QC, *35-35-70 -1
12. Michael McGowan, Pinehurst, NC, *36-34-70 -1
12. MJ Dauffee, Kingwood, Texas, *37-33-70 -1
12. Chase Seiffert, Panama City Beach, FL, *34-36-70 -1
12. David Mathis, Wakeforest, NC, *36-34-70 -1
12. Christopher Vandette (a), Beaconsfield, QC, *34-36-70 -1
12. Domenico Geminiani, Bradenton, FL, *35-35-70 -1
12. Joseph Harrison, Boulder City, NV, *36-34-70 -1
26. Drew Nesbitt, Shanty Bay, ON, *34-37-71 E
26. David Iaderosa (a), Ottawa, ON, *36-35-71 E
26. Ken Duke, Stuart, FL, *36-35-71 E
26. Greyson Sigg, Augusta, GA, *35-36-71 E
26. Johnny Travale (a), Stoney Creek, ON, *37-34-71 E
26. Peyton Callens (a), Langton, ON, *35-36-71 E
32. Brendan Seys (a), Port Lambton, ON, *33-39-72 +1
32. Nick Kenney, Mississauga, ON, *36-36-72 +1
32. Éric Laporte, St-Liguori, QC, *36-36-72 +1
32. James Seymour, Aurora, ON, *37-35-72 +1
32. Bennett Ruby (a), Waterloo, ON, *35-37-72 +1
32. Pierre-Alexandre Bédard, Chibougamau, QC, *39-33-72 +1
38. Dom Lalonde, Châteauguay, QC, *39-34-73 +2
38. Brian Churchill-Smith, Oakville, ON, *36-37-73 +2
38. Tim Alarie, St-Jérôme, QC, *37-36-73 +2
38. Vincent Blanchette, Boucherville, QC, *42-31-73 +2
38. T.J. Vogel, Pembroke Pines, FL, *36-37-73 +2
43. Terry O’Brien, Barrie, ON, *39-35-74 +3
43. Zach Zaback, Cromwell, CT, *36-38-74 +3
43. Ben Griffin, Chapel Hill, NC, *40-34-74 +3
46. Matt Lemay (a), Waterloo, ON, *38-37-75 +4
46. Gordon Burns, Holland Landing, ON, *37-38-75 +4
46. Chris Wilson, Toronto, ON, *38-37-75 +4
46. Philip Arci (a), Vaughan, ON, *38-37-75 +4
46. Khan Lee (a), Langley, BC, *39-36-75 +4
46. Jay Delsing, St. Louis, MO, *37-38-75 +4
46. Scott Strohmeyer, Auburn, AL, *39-36-75 +4
46. Bill Walsh, Markham, ON, *40-35-75 +4
54. Jacob Presutti (a), Brampton, ON, *39-37-76 +5
54. Sebastian Szirmak, Toronto, ON, *38-38-76 +5
54. Derek Gillespie, Oshawa, ON, *38-38-76 +5
54. Matt Matheson (a), West Vancouver, BC, *37-39-76 +5
54. Ted Purdy, Phoenix, AZ, *40-36-76 +5
59. Blair Hamilton, Burlington, ON, *43-34-77 +6
59. G.W. King, Thornbury, ON, *40-37-77 +6
59. Branson Ferrier, Barrie, ON, *38-39-77 +6
59. Robert Wilkinson (a), Dundas, ON, *37-40-77 +6
59. Nigel Sinnott, Chilliwack, BC, *41-36-77 +6
59. Yanik Laforest, Mirabel, QC, *41-36-77 +6
59. Thomas Critch (a), Hamilton, ON, *43-34-77 +6
66. Greg Lewis, Dundas, ON, *41-37-78 +7
66. Freddy D’Angelo (a), Fonthill, ON, *43-35-78 +7
66. Luke Ovenden, Georgetown, ON, *40-38-78 +7
66. Griffin Jones (a), Manotick, ON, *41-37-78 +7
70. Riley Davenport, Saint Simons Island, GA, *37-43-80 +9
71. Jake Montemurro, Toronto, ON, *45-39-84 +13
72. Jake McNulty, Port Perry, ON, *44-42-86 +15
— DID NOT FINISH —
WD. Brett Cairns, Courtland, ON, *
WD. David Morland, Palm Coast, FL, *
WD. Brian Davis, Windermere, FL, *
Twenty-one Canadians to compete at 2018 RBC Canadian Open
With the addition of the four Monday qualifiers, there are now 21 Canadians scheduled to compete as part of the 2018 RBC Canadian Open. They are:
- Hugo Bernard (Mont-Saint-Hilaire, Que.)
- Russell Budd (Toronto, Ont.)
- Marc-Etienne Bussieres (Gatineau, Que.)
- Chris Crisologo (Richmond, B.C.)
- Austin Connelly (Church Point, N.S./ Irving, Texas)
- Corey Conners (Listowel, Ont.)
- Jared du Toit (Calgary, Alta. )
- Todd Fanning (Winnipeg, Man.)
- Michael Gligic (Kitchener, Ont.)
- Adam Hadwin (Abbotsford, B.C.)
- David Hearn (Brantford, Ont.)
- Mackenzie Hughes (Dundas, Ont. )
- Justin Yong Woo Kim (Hamilton, Ont.)
- Joey Savoie (La Prairie, Que.)
- Ben Silverman (Thornhill, Ont.)
- Roger Sloan (Merritt, B.C.)
- Mitch Sutton (London, Ont.)
- Adam Svensson (Surrey, B.C.)
- Nick Taylor (Abbotsford, B.C.)
- Ryan Yip (Calgary, Alta.)
- Mike Weir (Bright’s Grove, Ont. )
Pairings and start times set for 2018 RBC Canadian Open Final Qualifier
OAKVILLE, ONT. (Golf Canada) – The final four spots into the 2018 RBC Canadian Open field will be determined Monday as the Final Qualifier is set to tee off at Heron Point Golf Links in Alberton, Ont.
The 75-player field is comprised of touring professionals, top amateurs and 47 regional qualifiers as part of the two-stage RBC Canadian Open qualification process.
“We look forward to welcoming these talented golfers to our Final Qualifier at Heron Point Golf Links for an opportunity to earn an exemption into the 2018 RBC Canadian Open,” said Adam Helmer, Golf Canada’s Director, Rules, Competitions and Amateur Status. “The course is in great condition and will provide an excellent test for this impressive field of golfers vying for a spot into the 109th playing of Canada’s National Open Championship.”
The Final Qualifier features 18 holes of stroke play with the low four competitors receiving an exemption directly into the 2018 RBC Canadian Open field. If necessary, a hole-by-hole playoff will be conducted immediately following the conclusion of play.
Click here for pairings, start times and results for RBC Canadian Open Final Qualifying on Monday, July 23. Results will be available as players complete their rounds.
Monday of RBC Canadian Open week at Glen Abbey kicks off with the Canada Day Pro-Am in support of the Golf Canada Foundation. Click here for a list of Canadian golfers and other notable athletes competing in the shot-gun Pro-Am beginning at 12:15 pm.
FINAL FIELD RELEASED FOR 2018 RBC CANADIAN OPEN
OAKVILLE, Ont. (Golf Canada) — Golf Canada and RBC are pleased to announce the final field of competitors vying for the US $6.2 million purse at the 2018 RBC Canadian Open, July 23-29 at Glen Abbey Golf Club.
World no. 1 and Team RBC member Dustin Johnson will be challenged by a stellar field of PGA TOUR stars including former Masters champion and world no.19 Sergio Garcia, two-time defending US Open champion and world no. 4 Brooks Koepka, world no.10 Tommy Fleetwood and big-hitting world no.13 Bubba Watson, a 12-time PGA TOUR winner who has won three times in 2018.
Other notable additions to the field for the 109th playing of Canada’s National Open Championship include world no. 27 Matt Kuchar; rising star and world no.31 Tony Finau; world no. 33 Kevin Kisner; former FedEx Cup champions Billy Horschel and Bill Haas; 12-time PGA TOUR winner Steve Stricker; six-time PGA TOUR winners Jimmy Walker, Stewart Cink and Rory Sabbatini; fan-favourites Ian Poulter, J.B. Holmes, Charley Hoffman and Martin Kaymer; and two-time defending champion Jhonattan Vegas.
Johnson, an 18-time winner on the PGA TOUR and Kuchar, a seven-time PGA TOUR winner will lead a roster of Team RBC players to Glen Abbey that includes three-time PGA TOUR winners Ryan Palmer and Graeme McDowell, 2013 RBC Canadian Open champion and eight-time winner Brandt Snedeker; Jim Furyk, a 17-time winner and two-time RBC Canadian Open champion; along with Canadian Team RBC players Adam Hadwin, David Hearn and Nick Taylor.
“The field is nearly set and we’re ready to tee-up the 109th playing of Canada’s National Open Championship, starting next week at Glen Abbey Golf Club,” said Golf Canada Chief Championship Officer Bill Paul. “This year’s championship will feature a re-energized mix of international stars led by Dustin Johnson, Sergio Garcia, Brooks Keopka, Bubba Watson, Tony Finau and Tommy Fleetwood, plus five past champions, eight in-year PGA TOUR winners and the deepest field of Canadian talent ever to compete for our National Men’s Open title. Golf fans are sure to be treated to another world-class showcase when the stars of the PGA TOUR return to Glen Abbey.”
In total, 156 players will compete for the US$6.2 million purse next week in Oakville when Canada’s National Open Championship returns to Glen Abbey for a record 30th time.
Click here for a full field list for the 2018 RBC Canadian Open.
PGA TOUR In-Year Winners…
A total of eight in-year PGA TOUR winners (accounting for 11 PGA TOUR titles in 2018) will compete at Glen Abbey led by three-time winner Bubba Watson (Genesis Open, World Golf Championship-Dell Technologies Match Play and Travelers Championship) and two-time winner Dustin Johnson (Sentry Tournament of Champions and FedEx St. Jude Classic). Other 2018 PGA TOUR winners include Brooks Koepka (US Open), Ian Poulter (Houston Open), Ryan Armour (Sanderson Farms Championship), Austin Cook (RSM Classic), and Gary Woodland (Waste Management Phoenix Open) and Billy Horschel (Zurich Classic of New Orleans).
Past Champions…
Two-time (2016-17) defending champion Jhonattan Vegas returns to Glen Abbey looking to become the first player ever to win Canada’s National Open Championship on three consecutive occasions. Vegas is one of five past champions set to compete including Brandt Snedeker (2013), Sean O’Hair (2011) and Chez Reavie (2008) along with Jim Furyk who claimed back to back titles in 2006-07.
Sixteen Canadians to compete for National Men’s Open Title…
Leading the Canadian contingent at Glen Abbey will be Abbotsford, B.C. native and world No. 48 Adam Hadwin, who will return to Glen Abbey to play in his ninth RBC Canadian Open. Other confirmed Canadians include past PGA TOUR winners Mackenzie Hughes of Dundas Valley, Ont., and Nick Taylor of Abbotsford, B.C., Cory Conners of Listowel, Ont., Ben Silverman of Thornhill, Ont., and David Hearn of Brantford, Ont., who finished third at the 2015 RBC Canadian Open. Also confirmed to compete is Canadian Golf Hall of Fame member Mike Weir of Bright’s Grove, Ont., who will tee it up in his 28th RBC Canadian Open.
Each of the 16 Canadian players in the field will look to become the first Canadian to capture the national title since Pat Fletcher accomplished the feat in 1954.
Twelve Canadians to receive Tournament Exemptions….
Web.com Tour players Adam Svensson and Roger Sloan as well as European Tour player Austin Connelly, and Golf Canada Young Pro Squad member Jared du Toit, along with a trio of National Amateur Squad members—Hugo Bernard, Joey Savoie and Chris Crisologo—are among the Canadians receiving tournament exemptions.
Svensson is tracking well to earn his PGA TOUR card, sitting eighth on the Web.com Tour money list with $187,607. The 24-year-old Surrey, B.C., talent and Team Canada graduate has four Web.com Tour top-10 finishes this season, including a win at the 2018 Bahamas Great Abaco Classic in January.
Calgary native Roger Sloan currently sit no. 52 on the Web.com Tour money list and will make his fourth appearance in Canada’s National Men’s Open Championship. He has two top-10 finishes on the Web.com Tour this season.
Austin Connelly, a dual citizen of Canada and the United States, is a former member of Canada’s National Amateur Team. He made international headlines at last year’s Open Championship, where he finished with a share of 14th. He has three top-20 finishes on the European Tour this season, including a tie for 11th at the Rocco Forte Sicilian Open.
In 2016, Jared du Toit of Kimberley, B.C., took a thrilling run at the RBC Canadian Open, taking a share of the 54-hole lead into the final round before eventually finishing tied for ninth. A member of Golf Canada’s Young Pro Squad, du Toit is ranked 21st on the Mackenzie Tour – PGA TOUR Canada Order of Merit including four top-10 finishes.
Tournament exemptions were also given to Team Canada National Amateur Squad members Hugo Bernard of Mont St-Hilaire, Que., Joey Savoie of La Prairie, Que., and Chris Crisologo of Richmond, B.C.
As well, 50-year old Winnipeg native Todd Fanning earned his place in the RBC Canadian Open by claiming victory in the 2017 Canadian Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship. Fanning, a former pro who returned to amateur golf, will be making his fifth appearance in Canada’s National Men’s Open Championship.
PGA of Canada professional Marc-Etienne Bussières of Gatineau, Que., earned his way into the 2018 RBC Canadian Open by claiming the no. 1 position on the PGA of Canada Player Rankings presented by RBC.
Other confirmed tournament exemptions to notable international competitors including American Zach Bauchou, winner of the 2017 Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship; Nyasha Mauchaza of Zimbabwe who topped the 144-player at the Ontario Regional Qualifer at Blue Springs Golf Club in Acton, Ont. to earn automatic exemption; and recent amateur standout turned professional Norman Xiong of Canyon Lake, Calif., the 2018 recipient of the Jack Nicklaus National Player of the Year Award as the top player in NCAA Division I golf and Haskin Award as the most outstanding collegiate golfer.
Final Tournament Exemptions to be Named…
Following the Osprey Valley Open which concludes on Sunday July 22, the top-three players on the Mackenzie Tour – PGA TOUR Canada Order of Merit will earn exemptions to compete in the 2018 RBC Canadian Open.
The final four exemptions into the field for the 2018 RBC Canadian Open will be handed out at the Monday Final Qualifier on July 23, to be played at Heron Point Golf Links near Ancaster, Ont.
Click here for the full current list of competitors competing in the 2018 RBC Canadian Open at Glen Abbey Golf Club from July 23-29.
Tickets for all tournament rounds of the RBC Canadian Open are still available for purchase at www.rbccanadianopen.com. As well, kids 17-and-under get FREE admission all week long.
THE GLENLIVET RENEWS PARTNERSHIP WITH GOLF CANADA
TORONTO – Corby Spirit and Wine Ltd. and Golf Canada are pleased to announce that Single Malt Scotch Whisky brand, The Glenlivet, will continue as the official spirit supplier of Golf Canada’s National Open Championships—the RBC Canadian Open taking place from July 23-29, 2018 at Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Ont. as well as the CP Women’s Open, August 20-26 at The Wascana Country Club in Regina, Sask.
“We’re excited to extend our partnership with the RBC Canadian Open and CP Women’s Open as it allows us to celebrate the tremendous excellence and heritage of golf in Canada with The Glenlivet,” says Bryan Lin, Scotch Whisky Brand Manager, Corby Spirit and Wine. “The Glenlivet is the ultimate Single Malt Scotch whisky that was distilled for pleasure since 1824. We are committed to delivering a first-class experience that can be shared by golf fans and patrons throughout the championship with multiple onsite activations and touchpoints.”
Attendees at the RBC Canadian Open Spectator Village will have the opportunity to sample the award-winning Single Malt Scotch Whisky The Glenlivet Founder’s Reserve and take home their own custom label with The Glenlivet Label Maker Experience.
Fans can also enjoy a more premium viewing experience inside the Single Malt Super Seats Lounge behind the 16th Hole Green, with feature tastings of the newly launched Ballantine 15 Year-old Glenburgie Single Malt Scotch led by The Glenlivet Brand Ambassador, Frank Biskupek.
Additionally, Corby Spirit and Wine will feature several of its premium spirits at public concessions, including Absolut Vodka, Havana Club Rum, Altos Tequila and Ungava Gin.
“We are proud to continue our partnership with Corby Spirit and Wine Ltd. an offer our fans a truly world-class whiskey at both the RBC Canadian Open as well as the CP Women’s Open,” said Craig Sharp, Golf Canada Managing Director, Partnerships. “The tremendous history behind The Glenlivet pairs perfectly with well over 100 years of delivering a premium spectator experience at our historic National Open Golf Championships.”
COMMISSIONAIRES RETURNS AS A PROUD PARTNER OF THE RBC CANADIAN OPEN
Oakville, Ont. (Golf Canada) – Commissionaires, the largest private employer of veterans in Canada, has announced a renewal partnership with Golf Canada to once again host Canadian Armed Forces Day on Saturday July 28, 2018 as part of the RBC Canadian Open.
“We are very pleased to renew our relationship with Golf Canada and the RBC Canadian open” says Benjamin Alexander, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Commissionaires Great Lakes. “Last year’s event was very well received within the Veteran community. With our expanded involvement to host selected members of the Veteran community to play in the Championship Pro-Am, this year promises to be a memorable event for those who serve our country”
All current and former members of Canada’s Armed Forces who register at www.commissionaires-cgl.ca will be entitled to complimentary access into the Military Outpost, a hospitality area hosted by Commissionaires. Within the Military Outpost, guests of Commissionaires along with their immediate family will receive a complimentary lunch and an invitation to engage with a PGA TOUR Player in an exclusive engagement event.
“We are very proud to renew our partnership with Commissionaires and once again celebrate Canadian Armed Forces Day at the RBC Canadian Open,” said Golf Canada Chief Championship Officer Bill Paul. “We believe in honouring our veterans and are pleased to join Commissionaires in welcoming the brave men and women who served our country to enjoy a meaningful day at Canada’s National Open Championship.”
The 2018 RBC Canadian Open will be contested at Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Ont., from July 23-29, 2018.