The calm conditions that provided the opportunity for low scores were short lived during the first round of the RBC Canadian Open at Glen Abbey Golf Club, as wind and scattered showers blew through the early afternoon. Lightning and inclement weather in the area forced the stoppage of play at 4:30 pm EST—perhaps a blessing for the afternoon wave of players who were battling much tougher conditions than those in the morning. The first round has so far seen a host of low numbers, as players who are looking to extend their seasons fight for valuable FedExCup points.
The Leaders
After a 5th-place finish in last year’s tournament—including a third-round 62—Robert Garrigus showed that he continues to be comfortable around Glen Abbey on Thursday, making five birdies in a row on his front nine en route to a bogey-free 63 (-9). Garrigus took advantage of his length in the first round, making birdie on all four par 5s.
“I love this place—there’s a lot of good vibes here,” said Garrigus, speaking about his enjoyment playing in Canada. “The fans are amazing here. They really, really love their Canadian golfers, and they love golf in general.”
Sitting just one behind Garrigus at 8-under par is Adam Schenk, who made an impressive ten birdies on the day including five in a row to start his round. Chris Stroud used six birdies on his back nine—including four in a row to finish—to climb into third place alone at 6-under.
Notables
Ian Poulter and Ben Crane each produced bogey-free efforts on Thursday, both shooting 66 (-6) to climb into a tie for fourth place.
Fan-favourite and world No. 1 Dustin Johnson got off to a fine start on day one, firing a four-under par 68. With four bogeys on the card, it was an up and down day for DJ, but a chip-in for birdie on 4 and a holed bunker shot for eagle on 16 helped him into a tie for 15th at the time play was called, and well within striking distance of Garrigus.
Reigning U.S. Open champion Brooks Koepka struggled through his front nine in the afternoon wind, and currently sits at four over par through his first 11 holes.
The Canadians
Playing in front of the hometown crowd, Brantford, Ont. native David Hearn opened with a solid round of 68 (-4). It was a day of solid ball-striking for Hearn, hitting 12 of 14 fairways and 14 of 18 greens. Despite the solid play, Hearn says that he knows he left some shots out there on day one.
“I hit the ball really, really nicely tee to green and gave myself lots of chances for birdie,” said Hearn. “I left a few out there today, but overall I feel really positive about the way I played.”
Even though there may be some added pressure playing in front of the Canadian crowds, Hearn says that he feels comfortable.
“You get a little bit of a louder cheer than you get anywhere else,” he said. “It feels great to be home, and I was happy to make some birdies for the home-towners today.”
Playing in his third Canadian Open (2012, 2014), Monday qualifier and Mackenzie Tour member Michael Gligic is making the most of his opportunity, shooting a first-round 69 (-3). Gligic made his lone bogey of the day on the 8th hole, but bounced back with a chip-in birdie on the 9th. He went on to make two more birdies on his back nine and currently sits in a tie for 26th.
The top-ranked Canadian in the world, Adam Hadwin, put up three birdies against one bogey to finish at two under. Hadwin said that, despite it being a stressful week, he’s comfortable in front of the Canadian fans.
“It’s right up there with majors for Canadians,” he said. “I sort of relish the opportunity to be that guy and hopefully be the one that breaks through one of these years.”
Nick Taylor and Mackenzie Hughes were both on course when inclement weather forced the stoppage of play. Taylor is -3 for the day and has four holes remaining—including two reachable par 5s, and Hughes currently sits at -1 through his first 12 holes.
Canadian amateur Joey Savoie got off to an excellent start this morning, birdieing the first two holes of his PGA Tour career en route to a first round 71 (-1).