The RBC Canadian Open returns to the PGA Tour schedule for the first time since 2019, and with the return comes plenty of intrigue, excitement, and buzz.
“You take the bad and make the best out of it. When it was time to come back, we were going to come back in a big way, and that’s what is about to happen,” Tournament Director Bryan Crawford told an assembled group at the tournament’s pre-event media day in May.
The Canadian Open, one of the oldest events in all of professional golf, was put on ice – no pun intended – in both 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It was the only tournament on the PGA Tour’s schedule, based in North America, that was not played for back-to-back seasons.
The return of the Canadian Open also sees the return of Rory McIlroy, who won the 2019 edition by seven shots after shooting a 61 in the final round at Hamilton Golf and Country Club.
McIlroy is one of five top-10 golfers in the world to tee it up at St. George’s Golf and Country Club, just 20 minutes from Toronto’s downtown core.
St. George’s has hosted five Canadian Open championships in the past (the most recent being in 2010) and also five CP Women’s Open events.
Scottie Scheffler, the world No.1, along with Cam Smith (No.3), McIlroy (No. 7), and Sam Burns (No.9) are some of the top-ranked players in the field.
Justin Thomas, who won the PGA Championship, is making his second straight appearance at the 2022 Canadian Open after teeing it up in 2019.
There’s plenty of notables near the top of the world rankings, but it’s the Canadian contingent making the most noise. A Canadian hasn’t won the Canadian Open since 1954.
Led by Canada’s top-ranked male golfer, Corey Conners, the Canadian crew for this year’s national open is 20 deep. Adam Hadwin finished sixth at the 2019 Canadian Open, earning Low Canadian honours.
A pair of Canadians are showing their longevity this week as well. David Hearn, who will be inducted into Brantford’s Sports Hall of Fame during tournament week, will be playing his 18th Canadian Open, while Mike Weir is teeing it up for the 29th time.
Weir’s 29 starts are third all time. The closest he came to winning the Canadian Open was in 2004 when he lost in a playoff to Vijay Singh.
“It’s a really special week for me… it’s right up there with the majors on my schedule. I’m looking forward to trying to get myself in contention and I know it’ll be a great event.,” Conners said in a pre-tournament media availability.
But regardless of whether it’s a notable or a home-grown champion one thing is for sure – everyone is just excited to have the PGA Tour back in Canada.
“I’ve been telling lots of people” said Conners, “The Canadian fans are sure going to be excited that the PGA TOUR is coming back north of the border.”