The best RBC Canadian Open field ever? With four of the top 6 players in the world competing, a case could be made that this year’s field, which will take place at Hamilton Golf and Country Club June 6-9, surely rivals the best we’ve seen in Canada—or at least the best we’ve seen in many years. In a field with Canadians like Corey Conners and Adam Hadwin, some international stars stand apart.
Brooks Koepka
Golf’s best player—at least in major championships. This will be Koepka’s first start since he took apart the field at the PGA Championship, winning his fourth major in two years. Now the No. 1 player in the world, Koepka missed the cut at Glen Abbey last year. It is hard to imagine that will happen twice in a row. Watch for him to contend.
Rory McIlroy
A big enough name that Golf Canada issued a press release around the announcement, McIlroy is in the middle of a great year, though one that has slowed as the year went through the first two majors. All that means is that McIlroy didn’t win either the Masters or the PGA Championship, though he was Top 25 in the first and Top 10 in the second. He’s made more than $5-million already this year and will try to take apart Hamilton with his incredible ability to drive the ball remarkable distances. This is his first time competing in the Canadian Open.
Dustin Johnson
Golf’s second-best player? Johnson is the defending champion at the RBC Canadian Open, but will face a very different test this year as the tournament heads to Hamilton, with its narrower fairways. Hamilton isn’t easy to overwhelm with distance—and that might make it more of a challenge for Johnson. Expect plenty of 3-woods and irons off the tee—with some big drives on the longer par 4s. But with only two par 5s on the course, scoring might be a challenge.
Justin Thomas
A late addition, the big surprise was the appearance of Justin Thomas. The PGA Championship winner is No. 6 in the world, but is coming off a lacklustre tournament at the Memorial and hoping to play his game into shape ahead of the U.S. Open.
Bubba Watson
Another bomber of the ball, Watson is in the midst of a mixed season, which has featured some strong showings, but no wins. Watson, who is married to a Canadian, often makes an appearance at the Canadian Open, but he did not play the last time the tournament was held in Hamilton.
Matt Kuchar
Kuchar finished in a tie for 34th the last time the tournament was held in Hamilton, but if anything, the classic course, designed by Harry Colt, seems like a near-perfect setup for him. Not long, but exacting, Kuchar has the right game to play well at the course. He’s already banked more than $5-million this year in what may be the best season of his career.
Coming to the RBC Canadian Open?
Calling all Golf Town Leaderboard Members! Join us at The Rink on the 13th tee box at our exclusive Golf Town Viewing Deck for a unique view of all the action! Plus receive a Free Golf Town rally towel Thursday – Sunday. Available while quantities last. There will also be a special Golf Town Future’s Bench to give juniors the opportunity to get an up-close look at all your favourite PGA Tour Stars.