The RBC Canadian Open is back.

Yes, after two years, the RBC Canadian Open returns with a star-studded field that includes defending champion Rory McIlroy, PGA Championship winner Justin Thomas, and Masters winner and current No. 1 player in the world, Scottie Scheffler.

No one thought it would take this long. In 2019, when McIlroy rolled in the last putt in a terrific final round at the RBC Canadian Open at Hamilton Golf, the RBC Canadian Open was on lift off. Big crowds came for McIlroy and the other stars, as well as for the newly-launched concert series that drew thousands of spectators to a golf tournament for the first time.

Two cancelations during the pandemic followed, but now it is back, coming to the highly regarded St. George’s Golf and Country Club this week as a precursor to the U.S. Open. Big crowds are expected, and there’s already been significant talk about the tournament because of the departure of Dustin Johnson, who ducked out of the field to compete in London as part of the nascent LIV golf tour.

Regardless, with new stars being added every day—Justin Rose and British Open winner Shane Lowry are the latest—expect fireworks at St. George’s this week.

The Contenders

This year’s RBC Canadian Open features one of the best fields in (recent) history, despite the fact vaccination restrictions are keeping some out of the country.

Rory McIlroy: The defending champion has played well of late, including a surge during the final round of the PGA Championship. Expect him to be in the mix.

Scottie Scheffler: With four wins, including The Masters, Scheffler has emerged as one of the game’s best players. With eight Top 10 finishes this year, Scheffler has a game perfectly suited for the classic style of St. George’s and should be in the mix this week.

Justin Thomas: Thomas showed up at Hamilton three years ago to tune up for the U.S. Open. This time he comes to Canada fresh off his win at the PGA Championship and has to be considered an early favourite.

Sam Burns: No. 9 in the world with three wins already this year, Burns is one of golf’s brightest young stars and a great addition to the RBC Canadian Open.

Cam Smith: The Players 2022 champion, Smith was red hot earlier in the year, and has risen to No. 3 in the world. St. George’s might be tough for a player who doesn’t always hit it straight off the tee.

Other notables: Justin Rose, Matthew Fitzpatrick; Tony Finau, Harold Varner III, Shane Lowry and others.

The Canadians

In all, there are 21 Canadians in the field this week, highlighted by:

Golf Town Ambassador Mike Weir: Weir, who has never won at the RBC Canadian Open, says he thinks he can be competitive on the classic fairways of St. George’s.

Corey Conners: The highest-ranked Canadian in the field, St. George’s should play well for Conners, who has emerged as a international star since the last time the RBC Canadian Open was played.

Mackenzie Hughes: Another of the bright lights on the PGA Tour, Hughes is a streaky player who can get hot and play well for a few weeks in a row.

Aaron Cockerill: While not as well know, Cockerill has had a breakout season on the European Tour. Could this be the week he makes his presence known in North America?

Others in the field: Michael Gligic; Adam Hadwin; Taylor Pendrith (is injured, but is expected to try to play); Roger Sloan; Adam Svensson; Nick Taylor; Albin Choi; Brendan Leonard. The Canadians in the field look to become the first Canuck to win the RBC Canadian Open since Pat Fletcher won the championship in 1954.

The Details

When: June 9-12

Where: St. George’s Golf and Country Club. Toronto.

Field Size: 154

Winner’s prize: US$1.44 million

Defending Champion: Rory McIlory