For Mike Weir, it is his record-tying 32nd appearance at the RBC Canadian Open. But for most of the players, it is likely their first time playing TPC Toronto/Osprey Valley, a resort course north of Toronto that was heavily renovated for the tournament. In a year when Canadians have risen up in support of their country, the field is full of countrymen trying to follow Nick Taylor’s win at Oakdale, when he became the first Canadian since Pat Fletcher to win the country’s national open.
The venue
The RBC Canadian Open is making its first appearance at a new venue for the tournament—TPC Toronto/Osprey Valley. With three courses, and a brand-new clubhouse, Osprey Valley’s North Course, a parkland design, will hold the tournament. Originally designed by Toronto architect Doug Carrick, the course was significantly renovated by golf designer Ian Andrew for the tournament. Longer and tougher, the North Course can be stretched to nearly 7,500 yards. Key holes include the 18th, a risk/reward par-5 that could decide the tournament, and the 350-yard 6th, a drivable par-4 that will surely see its share of eagles, as well as double-bogeys.
Canadians in the field
The contenders: Corey Conners, Mackenzie Hughes, Nick Taylor, Taylor Pendrith, Adam Hadwin
Of the group, Conners is in the best form, currently ranked 20th in the world. He’s posted some strong finishes in recent months, including a tie for 8th at the Masters, a tie for 6th at the Players Championship, and a third place showing at the Bay Hill Invitational. If his putter holds up, he could be a factor at Osprey Valley. Pendrith is ranked 39th in the world and has lots of experience playing the North Course at Osprey Valley. He’s having a strong year, with a tie for 5th at the PGA Championship.
Notables: Mike Weir, Ben Silverman, Adam Svensson
Neither Svensson, from British Columbia, nor Silverman, from Toronto, are having strong years, so hopefully returning to Canada benefits them. Weir, who has never won the Canadian Open, is playing in his 32nd national open, tying a record held by George Cumming. At 55, the Golf Town Ambassador has been working hard on his game in recent weeks following a year where his role as Presidents Cup team captain kept him busy.
New (and old) Canucks: Sudarshan Yellamaraju, Matthew Anderson, Ashton McCulloch, Hunter Thomson, Richard T. Lee, Wes Heffernan, Roger Sloan, Cougar Collins, Matt Scobie, Brett Webster.
A varied group, this might not be the best-known lot of Canadians in the field, but there’s some potential surprises here. That includes Yellamaraju, who plays on the Korn Ferry Tour, and won at the Abaco Classic. He currently ranks 10th on the Korn Ferry points list and is making his first appearance at the RBC Canadian Open.
Kingston, Ont.’s Ashton McCulloch is making his second RBC Canadian Open start, and is currently ranked as the top Canadian male amateur golfer.
Cougar Collins could be the biggest surprise in the field. The Eastern Michigan University product knows Osprey Valley very well, having grown up in nearby Caledon. This is his first RBC Canadian Open, and Collins, who is a member at The Pulpit Club, calls Osprey Valley his “home course.” Expect local knowledge to help him this week.