2023 Rules of Golf publications now available for purchase
The updated version of the Rules of Golf came into effect January 1st and to complement the rollout, golf’s governing bodies have published two important publications to communicate the updates.
These two publications cover the rules of golf and provide helpful insights for those involved in the game.
The Rules of Golf is the primary publication for officials and the main resource for players, golf club committees and referees. It covers the rules and includes updates and amendments from the 2019 edition.
The second publication, The Official Guide to the Rules of Golf 2023, provides context and sample scenarios for the rules, as well as clarifications and procedures for committees to follow. The Official Guide to the Rules of Golf essentially acts as a guidebook. Committees and officials will find information on the Rules, its clarifications, and any appropriate supporting procedures. It will act as a vital resource document intended as a supplementary publication for golf administrators, referees, officials and players.
“The 2023 Rules have a focus on making the rules easier to understand and more accessible with an emphasis on inclusion and sustainability,” said Mary Beth McKenna, Golf Canada’s Director of Amateur Championships and Rules. “The use of gender-neutral terms and the inclusion of Rule 25: Modifications for Players with Disabilities shows the games efforts on welcoming golfers of all abilities and demographics. Equally, there has been a reduction in the number of publications printed, encouraging casual golfers to utilize the Rules of Golf online or through the R&A app.”
Where to purchase them?
Golf Canada is the authorized distributor for The Rules of Golf Publications in Canada.
You will be able to access digital copies of both publications here.
The Rules of Golf and The Official Guide to Golf can also be purchased online using the links below;
Click here to buy the Rules of Golf
Click here to buy the Official Guide
Golf Canada provides both publications in English and French.
Note; The printed publications of the Rules of Golf and Official Guide are intended for golf administrators, referees and officials and rules enthusiasts.
In an effort to be more sustainable, please consider accessing the Rules of Golf for free through digital channels either on golfcanada.ca/rules, by visiting randa.org or usga.org/rules. Full updates to the official Rules of Golf digital applications are available now.
Golf Ontario Announces Kyle McFarlane as CEO
Uxbridge, ON – The Board of Directors of Golf Ontario (GO) has announced Kyle McFarlane will replace Mike Kelly as the next CEO of the organization beginning on March 1st, 2023.
“Following the completion of a comprehensive search process which included a deep field of talented candidates, it is my distinct pleasure to share the exciting news that Kyle McFarlane will assume the leadership of Golf Ontario,” said Dr. Susan Vail, President of the Board.
Since 2004, Kyle has demonstrated tremendous dedication to the organization across his multiple roles most recently as Chief Sport Officer. Over the course of his career with the association he has been directly involved in significant growth in the operational and financial breadth of Golf Ontario. He has helped strengthen core and value-added services to members, led the development of new initiatives to introduce more golfers to the game and supported the launch of systems for our best athletes to achieve their highest potential.
Kyle brings a breadth of knowledge and experience that is valued within the sector. As a respected member of the industry, Kyle has developed credibility and in turn strong relationships with Golf Ontario members and industry partners alike. He is well positioned to work collaboratively with partners to positively impact the health of the game and the industry.
In accepting the role, Kyle shared that “For almost two decades, I have had the pleasure to be involved in the evolution of Golf Ontario into a recognized world class operation. This opportunity couldn’t have come at a better time as I’m fully prepared for a new challenge, and am energized to take on the responsibility of leading Golf Ontario through the 2023-26 Strategic Plan.”
Kyle’s passion for golf started at an early age and continues to this day. He is a sports enthusiast and actively involved in his community. Kyle graduated from the University of Memphis with a Master’s degree in Sport Commerce. He currently resides in Whitby with his wife Lisa and their three children Nolan, Jake and Maya.
Hot start to golf season has Canada’s Megan Osland
It’s all been coming together for Megan Osland this winter.
Osland fired a 6-under 66 in the third round of Sunday’s Cactus Tour event for a one-shot victory. It’s the third win the native of Kelowna, B.C., has earned on the mini-tour this winter, and she feels she’s reaping the rewards of her hard work.
“I think it validates all the work that I’ve been doing in the off-season,” she said in an phone interview from Scottsdale, Ariz. “All my training is paying off.
“I’ve been working with my swing coach, my putting coach, and my mental coach. Everything’s coming together with all three of those.”
Osland said that she’s just made small adjustments in every facet of her game.
“Nothing major in any, in any category, just tweaking little things and just improving kind of the consistency of each area,” said Osland.
Those changes paid off in a three-stroke victory at the Sun City Country Club on Nov. 2, a seven-shot win at Riverview Golf Club on Jan. 15, and then Sunday’s win at Willow Creek Golf Club.
All three of those events were in Sun City, Ariz., but the Cactus Tour will shift to Beaumont, Calif., for its next two tournaments.
Osland plans to play in both as they could be a stepping stone from the developmental Cactus Tour to the second-tier Epson Tour. That circuit serves as a direct feeder to the LPGA Tour, the highest level of women’s professional golf.
“The carrot for that is the you get points for both of those tournaments and the overall point winner at the end of the two tournaments gets an exemption into an Epson Tour event,” said Osland, who played in five Epson Tour events in 2022 and was a regular on the second-tier circuit 2016-2019.
“Getting back on the Epson Tour full time is the biggest thing that I need to do. Then from there, obviously, the goal is to get an LPGA Tour card, whether that’s through Epson or Q-school at the end of the season.”
Osland’s hot start to the season puts her in a strong position to quickly meet her goals, as long as she continues to produce results.
“You’ve just got to play, well make some money, and then they’ve got a reshuffle in May,” said Osland, referring to the LPGA and Epson Tour’s annual recategorization. “Basically you can get reshuffled into having full status again, if you’ve made enough money.
“That’s the route that would be ideal if I can just get a couple starts early in the season.”
The Epson Tour kicks off its season next week with the Florida’s Natural Charity Classic at the Country Club of Winter Haven in Winter Haven, Fla. Sue Kim of Langley, B.C., won the event in 2015 and Samantha Richdale, also from Kelowna, took the title the next year for back-to-back Canadian wins.
Mike Weir Announced as First Tee – Canada Ambassador
Canadian golf icon and philanthropist to help foster donor relationships and support the advancement of First Tee programming for children and families across Canada
TORONTO, February 21, 2023 – Golf Canada and the Golf Canada Foundation are pleased to announce that Canadian Golf Hall of Famer and dedicated philanthropist Mike Weir has been named the first official First Tee – Canada ambassador.
As an ambassador for First Tee – Canada, Weir will support the program through attendance at fundraising events, helping to foster donor relationships, and broadening the reach of First Tee – Canada’s positive impact on children and families.
Born and raised in Bright’s Grove, Ont., the eight-time PGA TOUR winner and 2003 Masters champion has been a philanthropic supporter of Canadian youth for nearly 20 years through the charitable work of the Mike Weir Foundation.
First Tee – Canada provides affordable access to golf for youth across the country, striving to diversify and grow the game of golf to reflect the strengths of Canada’s multiculturalism more closely. Inclusive programming is delivered at golf courses, schools, and community centres introducing golf and providing life-enhancing experiences through sport to children.
“I am honoured to take on the role of First Tee – Canada ambassador,” said Weir. “Historically, golf has not been the most accessible sport for families to get involved with, and I am proud to be part of a program that is working with donors and community leaders to break down those barriers. My passion for golf and supporting children’s development is well aligned with the First Tee – Canada’s mission and I am excited to contribute wherever I can.”
“We are extremely proud to welcome Mike Weir as a First Tee – Canada ambassador,” said Golf Canada Chief Sport Officer Kevin Blue. “Mike has meant so much to Canadian golf and his altruism and charitable experience will help generate meaningful awareness of First Tee across the Canadian philanthropic community. We highly anticipate Mike’s ambassadorship adding to the continued advancement of the program, and its ability to positively impact Canadian youth.”
Weir, who took up the game at Huron Oaks near Sarnia, Ont. was recently named International Team Captain of the 2024 Presidents Cup at Royal Montreal Golf Club. As a philanthropist, the Mike Weir Foundation has raised over $8,000,000 for Canadian children’s charities since 2004.
“I have tried to use my platform for good and being a First Tee – Canada ambassador is an extension of that commitment,” added Weir. “I hope that my involvement can inspire supporters looking to introduce more children and families to the sport I love, especially those who may have otherwise not had the opportunity. I want to welcome youth to experience the game and develop important life skills they can carry forward through life off the course.”
Launched in 2020 with the generous support of the Golf Canada Foundation and its network of donors, First Tee – Canada has operating chapters in Ontario, British Columbia, Quebec, the Atlantic region, and a newly launched Prairies region. With programming in schools, at community centres, and at golf courses, Golf Canada’s goal is to welcome 100,000 First Tee – Canada participants by 2024.
For more information and to learn how you can support First Tee – Canada, visit www.firstteecanada.ca.
Brampton Golf Club to host 2023 World Junior Girls Championship presented by Sargent Farms
Terry Lenyk
BRAMPTON, ONT. – Brampton Golf Club will open its fairways to elite talent from across the globe when it plays host to the World Junior Girls Championship presented by Sargent Farms from October 2–7, 2023.
In addition to 72-hole team and individual golf competitions, the World Junior Girls Championship will be a celebration of the sport with a focus on developing the game. Prior to the tournament getting underway, the World Junior Girls Championship will host a coaching summit and a girl’s skill development clinic supported by Sargent Farms and their partnership of the event.
The opportunity to host the week-long event spurs a sense of pride for Brampton’s membership.
“We’re truly excited to be sharing our course with the top girls from around the world,” said Boris Uvakov, Brampton’s General Manager. “We’re invested in the growth of the game at all levels and our membership is proud to do our part in hosting world-class championships.”
The World Junior Girls Championship is conducted by Golf Canada in partnership with Golf Ontario and supported by the R&A and International Golf Federation. Recognized by the World Amateur Golf Rankings (WAGR), the World Junior Girls Championship will run for its 8th time, with the individual champion earning an exemption into the 2024 CP Women’s Open.
Since its inception in 1921, the fairways at Brampton Golf Club have hosted many of Canada’s best. The venerable club has hosted the PGA of Canada Championship, the PGA of Canada Senior Championship, PGA TOUR Canada, the Ontario Men’s Amateur and Ontario Women’s Amateur.
The club will provide an opportunity to showcase its recently renovated golf course to the world’s top 78 junior golfers from 25 countries across the globe, an increase from 2022 and the largest field size of the tournament’s history.
“Being in the GTA there are a lot of opportunities for visiting girls to explore outside of the golf competition,” added Uvakov. “We’re very proud to welcome competitors, coaches and spectators to our course and the great city of Brampton.”
Many of the Canada’s top-ranked golfers have competed in the World Junior Girls Championship since its inception, including LPGA superstar Brooke Henderson who competed in the 2014 inaugural competition.
“I am excited to hear that the 2023 World Junior Girls Championships will be held at Brampton Golf Club. The WJG Championship provides a great platform for competition against the world’s best, along with demonstrating the importance of growing the game of golf for female golfers. The event brings together the best junior golfers from across the globe, providing young women the opportunity to compete at the highest level. I was happy to win the Ontario Women’s Amateur held at Brampton GC back in 2014. It is a wonderful golf course that will provide a great challenge for the championship.”
Brooke Henderson
Other notable competitors who went on to become LPGA Tour winners include world Atthaya Thitikul of Thailand who won back-to-back World Junior titles in 2018 and 2019 as well as Yuka Saso of Philippines who won the 2016 World Junior title. Other former World Junior competitors who have gone on to win on the LPGA Tour include Hannah Green of Australia and Maja Stark of Sweden.
In 2022, Spaniard Cayetana Fernández saved her best for last at Angus Glen Club in Markham, Ont., as the 17-year-old shot a final-round 2-under 70 to lead Spain to victory. Sweden finished second, with Chinese Taipei picking up third.
Admission to the championship is complimentary.
2023 RBC Canadian Open tickets now available
112th playing of Canada’s National Open Championship will feature the return of the RBCxMusic Concert Series on Friday & Saturday of tournament week
Today, Golf Canada in partnership with title sponsor RBC, is pleased to release a full selection of ticket options for the 2023 RBC Canadian Open. Included in all Friday and Saturday tickets are access to the RBCxMusic Concert Series.
Following one of the most exciting championships in the event’s history, the 2023 RBC Canadian Open will take place June 6-11, contested for the first time ever at the historic Oakdale Golf & Country Club – a Stanley Thompson classic located in the heart of Toronto.
CLICK HERE to secure your tickets before they sell out!
Taking place in early June, and a week prior to the US Open, this PGA TOUR event is a week-long summer festival and highlight on the Canadian sports calendar.
“Together with RBC we are incredibly excited to kick off summer with the 2023 RBC Canadian Open,” said RBC Canadian Open Tournament Director, Bryan Crawford. “We are extremely proud to welcome Oakdale Golf & Country Club to our championship host venue rotation and with deep interest in golf at all levels of the game, the return of the RBC Canadian Open is sure to be another can’t miss celebration.”
Oakdale will challenge the stars of the PGA TOUR as a 7,460-yard composite championship routing that integrates elements from each of the course’s three nines (Thompson, Homenuik, Knudson).
Building on the multi-day sellout that thrilled fans in 2022 and culminated with Rory McIlroy’s impressive defense of his RBC Canadian Open title, fans of all ages will once again experience the energy of world-class PGA TOUR golf and exciting activities all week long including the return of the RBCxMusic Concert Series on Friday and Saturday (musical acts to be announced in the coming weeks), The Rink on the 14 hole at Oakdale, and a variety of food and patio experiences at the Recipe Unlimited Fare Way.
“We are thrilled to bring the RBCxMusic Concert Series back at the 2023 RBC Canadian Open and to build on the incredible momentum of last year’s event,” said Shannon Cole, Vice-President, Brand Marketing, RBC. “This tournament continues to attract golf and music fans alike, and we look forward to announcing our headliners in the coming weeks.”
In addition to the full suite of RBC Canadian Open tickets now available, youth aged 12-and-under get free general admission when accompanied by a ticketed adult. All Friday and Saturday tickets will include access to the RBCxMusic Concert Series.
One of Canada’s premier annual sporting events, the RBC Canadian Open features miles of front row seating for golf fans to experience the thrill of live professional golf.
General admission tickets provide access to the golf course—get an up-close look at your favourite PGA TOUR stars, enjoy fan activations throughout the property and experience the thrill of major professional golf.
Upgraded ticket experiences including corporate hospitality packages and premium guest hosting are also available.
Visit www.rbccanadianopen.com/tickets to secure your tickets before they sell out.
Click here to sign up for the RBC Canadian Open newsletter and be among the first notified for upcoming RBCxMusic Concert Series announcements and updates.
Golf Canada releases schedule for 2023 NextGen Championships, fueled by JOURNIE Rewards
Golf Canada is pleased to announce its 2023 NextGen Championship schedule. The 2023 season includes six regional competitions hosted across the country culminating with two Fall Series Championships, on each of Canada’s coasts.
NextGen Championships are open to players who are 18 years of age and under (as of Aug. 1, 2023) and attract the country’s most talented junior golfers.
Golf Canada’s NextGen Championship season kicks off from May 4-7 with the NextGen Pacific Championship, fueled by JOURNIE Rewards at Sunshine Coast Golf and Country Club in Roberts Creek, B.C. Golf Canada is proud to return to Sunshine Coast after the club hosted a successful 2018 NextGen Fall Series Championship. Sunshine Coast presents players with a classic west coast golf experience—given its unique Salish Sea influenced climate, the course is open 12 months a year and challenges players with fantastic year-round playing conditions.
The schedule then shifts east to Peterborough Golf and Country Club for the NextGen Ontario Championship, fueled by JOURNIE Rewards from May 25-28. With a history dating back to 1897, Peterborough consulted legendary Canadian course architect Stanley Thompson to design what is now their 18-hole layout in 1929. Having hosted several prestigious amateur competitions including the2015 Ontario Men’s Amateur Championship, Peterborough has a proven track record of challenging the country’s best golfers.
From June 8-11, the NextGen Western Championship, fueled by JOURNIE Rewards heads to Athabasca Golf and Country Club in Athabasca, Alt. Set amidst the boreal forest in the Athabasca River Valley, the venue is a challenging yet fun 18-hole layout. Named one of the most scenic golf courses in Alberta, the club’s setting adds to its difficulty and creates a visually stunning and unobtrusive test of golf.
The NextGen schedule continue its Prairie swing as Evergreen Golf Course is set to host the NextGen Prairie Championship, fueled by JOURNIE Rewards from June 15-18. Situated in Saskatchewan’s vacation capital of Nipawin, Evergreen is nestled between two spectacular lakes where the open prairie meets the boreal forest. Nipawin is one of Saskatchewan’s most attractive outdoor recreation destinations offering world class golf, as well as superb fishing, camping, and boating opportunities.
In July, the NextGen schedule returns east, beginning with the NextGen Quebec Championship, fueled by JOURNIE Rewards. Club de Golf Venise in Magog, Que. will host this championship from July 3-6. The Club was founded in 1977 and operates two 18-hole courses, with one in Sherbrooke and one in Magog. The Magog course will present a stiff test for NextGen competitors while also providing fantastic views of Lake Magog and Mount Orford.
In July, the NextGen schedule will wrap up in Vernon River, P.E.I. as Avondale Golf Course will host the NextGen Atlantic Championship, fueled by JOURNIE Rewards from July 17-20. Known for its challenging bent grass greens, Avondale is poised to test the short game skills of the country’s best junior golfers.
The 2023 NextGen Championship schedule concludes with two Fall Series Championships, open to any junior golfers aged 18 and under as of August 1, 2024.
The NextGen Fall Series East Championship, fueled by JOURNIE Rewards will be hosted by Club de Golf Milby in Sherbrooke, Que. from September 21-24. Founded in 1965, Milby has hosted several provincial and national championships, most recently the 2014 Canadian Women’s Senior Championship.
The season wraps up Sept. 28 to Oct. 1 with the NextGen Fall Series West Championship, fueled by JOURNIE Rewards as course still to be determined in British Columbia or Alberta.
Taylor’s second place finish puts five Canadians in men’s top 100 golf rankings
Nick Taylor’s second place finish at the WM Phoenix Open on Sunday made Canadian golf history.
His US$2 million in winnings was the most ever won by a Canadian at a single event, even topping previous winners, as the PGA Tour significantly increased its purses this season.
It also elevated the native of Abbotsford, B.C., to No. 73 in the official world golf rankings, putting five Canadians in the top 100 of the men’s standings for the first time ever.
Corey Conners of Listowel, Ont., is the top-ranked Canadian, sitting at 37th overall.
Mackenzie Hughes of Dundas, Ont., is 53rd, Adam Hadwin of Abbotsford is 63rd and Adam Svensson of Surrey, B.C., is 69th.
Taylor Pendrith of Richmond Hill, Ont., is just outside the top 100 at 112th.
Hughes won the Sanderson Farms Championship on Oct. 2, earning $1.422 million.
Svensson won the RSM Classic on Nov. 20 and earned $1.458 million.
Hughes, Svensson and Taylor are Nos. 12, 13, and 15 in the FedEx Cup standings, the PGA Tour’s rankings.
Jim Rutledge and Robert S. Weir to be inducted into Canadian Golf Hall Of Fame
Long-time professional golf standout as well as legendary golf writer to become the 84th and 85th inductees into the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame
Inductees to receive the highest honour in Canadian golf as part of RBC Hall of Fame Day in June during the 2023 RBC Canadian Open
The Canadian Golf Hall of Fame today announced that long-time professional and PGA of Canada member Jim Rutledge as well as celebrated writer Robert Stanley Weir have been selected for 2023 induction into the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame.
Rutledge, 63, from Victoria, B.C. will be inducted in the player category while Weir – who was born in 1856 and died in 1926 – will be inducted as a builder for his over two decades of writing on golf. Weir, considered by many to be Canada’s first golf writer, is most famous for writing the English lyrics to ‘O Canada.’
With their inductions, the pair become the 84th and 85th honoured members of the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame.
“The Canadian Golf Hall of Fame is thrilled to welcome Robert S. Weir and Jim Rutledge as our newest honoured members,” said Ted Fletcher, Chair of the Hall of Fame’s Selection Committee. “Jim was – and continues to be – an accomplished player at the professional level while Mr. Weir was a pioneer in golf writing, golf psychology, and a wonderful wordsmith on a variety of subjects beyond golf. I speak on behalf of the entire selection committee as well as the honoured members to say they are deserving of their appointments.”
“My initial reply to Ted’s phone call took me completely off guard. After it all settled in, I flashed back to my career and of how fortunate I have been to represent Canada and travel the world doing what I loved for so many years,” said Rutledge. “I am truly honored and thank all involved in my nomination.”
With his induction, Mr. Weir becomes the 26th person inducted into the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame’s builder category and 18th to be inducted posthumously.
“Weir was a Renaissance man of golf, and beyond golf, given that he was a highly respected judge and poet, and that he wrote the English lyrics to O Canada,” said fellow Hall of Fame member Lorne Rubenstein of Weir. “Of course, I am focusing on what he did for golf as Canada’s first golf writer. He set the stage for all of us who have read his work in a variety of publications. Canadian golf writers stand on Weir’s shoulders and at his side, learning from him and enjoying his work.”
Weir and Rutledge will officially join the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame during an induction ceremony taking place on Tuesday, June 7 during the RBC Hall of Fame Day as part of the 2023 RBC Canadian Open at Oakdale Golf & Country Club.
JIM RUTLEDGE…
Jim Rutledge is one of Canada’s most accomplished touring professionals – and continues to compete to this day.
Born in Victoria, Rutledge was a celebrated junior and amateur golfer in British Columbia before winning the 1975 Canadian Juvenile Championship and the 1977 Canadian Junior Championship. He turned professional in 1978 and has spent the better part of the next four decades competing on golf tours all around the world.
Rutledge was a member of the European Tour (now DP World Tour) in 1990 where he finished a career-high 55th in the Order of Merit. He also competed in the 1990 and 1991 Open Championships. He made the cut in 1990 and finished tied for 57th.
Fast forward a decade and Rutledge was a member of the Nationwide Tour (now Korn Ferry Tour) from 2001-2009. He won his first event on that Tour in 2006 and finished 14th on the money list which earned him PGA TOUR status for 2007. Rutledge earned the distinction of being the second-oldest rookie in PGA TOUR history when he teed it up that season.
After turning 50, Rutledge has made several appearances on PGA TOUR Champions.
He has won on the PGA Tour of Australasia and on the Asian Tour, but most of Rutledge’s success has come in Canada. He is a six-time winner on the Canadian Tour (now PGA Tour Canada) along with the 1984 PGA of Canada championship and the PGA of Canada Senior Championship seven times including most recently in 2022.
Rutledge has also represented Canada at the World Cup three times and the Dunhill Cup twice.
He was inducted in the BC Golf Hall of Fame in 2011 and the PGA of Canada’s Hall of Fame in 2022.
ROBERT S. WEIR…
Robert Stanley Weir was Canada’s first golf writer who wrote on the subject for over two decades.
Ninety articles have been uncovered so far while not all his works have been found. Weir wrote about golf as the sport established itself in Canada and the United States at the turn of the century and as World War I ended. His early work on golf could be found in Canadian Golfer, Golf Magazine (in both the U.K. and U.S.), Golfer’s Magazine, and Golf Illustrated. A collection of his golf writing is available here.
Weir joined esteemed golf writers such as Bernard Darwin, Jerome Travers, and Harold Hilton in the inaugural issue of Golf Illustrated. Darwin once said of Weir: “He has an easily intelligible method of explaining something, which is horribly difficult to explain.”
Weir’s work also appeared in Vanity Fair and Harpers Bazaar. He published two books of poetry, plenty of legal works and is perhaps best known for penning the English lyrics to Canada’s national anthem. Outside of his work chronicling the game, Weir was also a member of Royal Montreal Golf Club and Outremont Golf Club as well as a founding member of Kanawaki Golf Club where he served as the club’s first president in 1902. As a competitive player, he represented Canada as a team member at the 1920 International Match. Weir also served as a Board member with the Royal Canadian Golf Association (now Golf Canada) in 1905.
Scheffler repeats at Phoenix Open to regain No. 1 ranking as Canada’s Taylor cashes in
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – Scottie Scheffler successfully defended his WM Phoenix Open title Sunday at TPC Scottsdale to regain the No. 1 spot in the world.
Scheffler closed with a 6-under 65 to beat Nick Taylor of Abbotsford, B.C., by two strokes on the Stadium Course. The 26-year-old Texan took the No. 1 ranking from Rory McIlroy with his fifth PGA Tour victory.
Taylor earned US$2.18 million for finishing runner-up at the lucrative event, which easily his largest single-tournament payday. He entered the weekend with total earnings of $9.1 million for his career that includes two PGA titles.
Last year, Scheffler beat Patrick Cantlay in a playoff for his first tour title. Scheffler added victories in the Arnold Palmer Invitational, the WGC-Match Play and the Masters and was the PGA Tour’s player of the year.
Scheffler made a 22-foot eagle putt on the par-5 13th to break a tie with Taylor, then took a two-shot lead on the par-3 16th when he rolled in a 15-footer for par after hitting his tee shot far left on the stadium hole.
Scheffler birdied the par-4 17th with a 5-foot putt and closed with a par to finish at 19-under 265. He earned $3.6 million from the $20 million purse in the second of the PGA Tour’s new designated events, created to bring the top players together more often.
Scheffler became the seventh player to successfully defend a title in the tournament, following Ben Hogan (1946-47), Jimmy Demaret (1949-50), Lloyd Mangrum (1952-53), Arnold Palmer (three straight from 1961-63), Johnny Miller (1974-75) and Hideki Matsuyama (2016-17).
Taylor also finished with a 65. The Canadian bogeyed the 16th, missing a 7-footer after Scheffler holed his par putt.
Adam Hadwin, also from Abbotsford, finished in a tie for 10th at 10 under. He entered the final round three shots off the lead but finished with a final round of even par.
Jon Rahm, the former Arizona State star who opened the year with consecutive victories in Hawaii and the California desert, was third at 14 under after a 68. He also was in position to take the No. 1 spot with a victory.
Justin Thomas was fourth at 13 under after a 65. Jason Day (68) followed at 12 under, and Jordan Speith (70) was another stroke back with Sam Burns (68), Sungjae Im (69) and Tyrrell Hatton (69)
Rickie Fowler was in the group at 10 under. The 2019 winner had a hole-in-one on the par-3 seventh, using a 6-iron in the 216-yard hole.
McIlroy closed with a 70 to tie for 32nd at 4 under.