Bromont, Que. – It was a rainy morning, but the University of British Columbia Thunderbirds continued to shine in the third round of the 2022 Canadian University/College Championship, presented by BDO at Golf Château Bromont.

On Saturday afternoon, the Thunderbirds will attempt the four-division sweep, looking to become only the second group in the history of the event to do so, and first since 2016. As it stands, UBC leads in the men’s and women’s team divisions, while Thunderbirds Élizabeth Labbé and Aidan Schumer sit atop the individual standings.

The T-Birds women’s team built on their notable lead in round three, which now stands at 77 strokes, just nine shy of breaking the record for the largest margin of victory in any of the team divisions at the event since 2004. That year, the Thunderbirds won by 135 shots.

The men in blue and gold stayed steady in round three shooting a combined 4-under 284, but it was the team in red and gold from Université Laval who made the biggest splash on moving day, combining for a 9-under 279.

Alexis Leray, who has flown under the radar all week, piloted his Laval team with a 4-under 68, and re-entered the conversation in the men’s individual competition. The 2021 RSEQ Champions will, however, need to make up at least six more shots on the T-Birds in the final round for any hope of a national championship.

Schumer, who finished birdie-birdie on holes No. 17 and 18 to take the outright lead, holds a one-shot advantage over Leray and Samuel Breton Gagnon (Champlain St-Lawrence) ahead of the final round.

“It’s just like with running; if you run more, you’re going to get faster. You’re to get better at anything you train, including your mind,” said Schumer on visualizing winning a national championship. “I definitely enjoy being in this position and regardless of the outcome, it’s been a really good week with the guys. Hopefully I can put together one more good round.”

Labbé stretched her lead to four strokes in the women’s individual competition with an even-par 72. Round three was a rollercoaster ride for the Lévis, Que., native, who made three bogeys out of the gate, but negated the slow start with five birdies coming in.

“I’ve been having a little more trouble settling into my last two rounds, so I’ve just been trying to be patient,” said Labbé. “Obviously the pins today were a little bit trickier and a little bit harder to reach, so I just stayed patient and I knew it would balance out.”

The Thunderbird, who has lead wire-to-wire thus far, says she feels more and more comfortable playing with the lead and for now, is simply focusing on what she can control: her own game.

As for scoreboard watching tomorrow, there won’t be any for Labbé – “I’m just going to do my thing and hope for the best,” she said.

Sonja Tang is four back of her teammate entering the final, while Shania Remandaban and Grace Bell round out the all-UBC top four in the women’s individual division.

A heavy rainfall early Friday morning delayed the start of the third round. With all hands on deck, the grounds crew took the necessary actions and the course was deemed playable at 9:30 a.m.

“Patrice Fredette and his team did an outstanding job of providing playing conditions worthy of a Canadian Championship,” said Martin Ducharme, general manager of Golf Château Bromont. Unfortunately, Mother Nature didn’t contribute to the start of the third round, but the grounds crew did the necessary work, and I would say a miracle to get the course back in shape.”

As a result of the morning delay, the gas tank on daylight ran dry and forced a stoppage to round three at 8:31 p.m. due to darkness. Play resumed at 7:30 a.m. Saturday morning and wrapped up at 8:15 a.m.

A quick turnaround is in the works as the final round is scheduled to tee off at 10:00 a.m.

Click here for more information including the leaderboard, final round pairings and course information.

Top-5 Women’s – Individual

Top-5 Men’s – Individual 

Top-5 Women’s – Team

Top-5 Men’s – Team

Golf Canada and RBC are pleased to announce the final field vying for the US$8.7 million purse at the 2022 RBC Canadian Open, June 6-12 at St. George’s Golf and Country Club in partnership with nearby Islington Golf Club as the official practice facility. 

After a wait of 1,093 days and two years of cancellation due to the global pandemic, 2019 champion and world no. 7 Rory McIlroy returns to Canada looking to defend his title against a stellar field of PGA TOUR stars led by world no. 1 and 2022 Master champion Scottie Scheffler, world no. 3 and 2022 The Players champion Cam Smith, world no. 4 and 2022 PGA champion Justin Thomas and world no. 9 Sam Burns, a 3-time PGA TOUR winner in 2022.

Other notable additions to the field for the 111th playing of Canada’s National Open Championship include world no. 15 Matthew Fitzpatrick, world no. 16 Tony Finau, world no. 23 Tyrell Hatton and big-hitter Cameron Champ along with past Major winners, Shane Lowry, Patrick Reed, Justin Rose, Jason Dufner and Danny Willet. 

Team RBC will be represented at St. George’s by a collection of international and Canadian talents including world no. 38 Harold Varner III and 2013 RBC Canadian Open champion Brandt Snedeker along with world no. 34 Corey Conners and fellow Canadian PGA TOUR players Mackenzie Hughes, Adam Hadwin, Nick Taylor, Roger Sloan, Michael Gligic, Adam Svensson, and Taylor Pendrith.

The field for the celebrated return of the 2022 RBC Canadian Open includes five of the top-10 players in the world (Scheffler, Smith, Thomas, McIlroy, and Burns) and the top-four players on the current FedEx Cup ranking. Seven major championship winners (accounting for 11 titles) will compete along with eight 2021-22 PGA TOUR in-year winners, six past champions of the RBC Canadian Open, and 21 Canadians. 

“We are extremely pleased with the field of world-class competitors that make their way to Canada to join us in the celebrated return of the RBC Canadian Open and challenge for the 111^th playing of Canada’s National Men’s Open Championship,” said RBC Canadian Open Tournament Director Bryan Crawford. “Led by our defending champion Rory McIlroy, this year’s championship features a strong mix of stars from all around the world and the deepest field of Canadian talent ever to challenge for our National Men’s Open title. Along with great golf, fans will be treated to an incredible festival environment with terrific on-site activities including the Recipe Unlimited Fareway food and beverage experience and the RBCxMusic Concert series featuring Flo Rida (June 10) and Maroon 5 (June 11). It is the return that Canadian golf fans deserve as we get set to kick off summer.” 

In total, 156 players will compete for the US$8.7 million purse next week in Toronto when the RBC Canadian Open returns to the storied Stanley Thompson design for the sixth time and first since 2010. 

Due to current Government of Canada travel restrictions extending beyond June 1, Team RBC ambassadors Webb Simpson and Matt Kuchar are not able to participate in the championship and have officially withdrawn from the 2022 RBC Canadian Open. Golf Canada and RBC look forward welcoming Simpson and Kuchar back to Canada for the 2023 RBC Canadian Open at Oakdale Golf & Country Club.

Click here for a full field list for the 2022 RBC Canadian Open.

PGA TOUR Season Winners…

A total of eight in-year PGA TOUR winners accounting for 14 PGA TOUR titles in 2021-22 will compete at St. George’s led by 4-time winner Scottie Scheffler, 3-time winner Sam Burns, and 2-time winner Cam Smith. Other in-year PGA TOUR winners in the field include Rory McIlroy, Justin Thomas, Luke List, JJ Spaun, and Chad Ramey. 

Past Champions…

Six past RBC Canadian Open champions will compete at St. George’s including Chez Reavie (2008), Sean O’Hair (2011), Scott Piercy (2012) Brandt Snedeker (2013), Jhonattan Vegas (2016-17) and defending champion Rory McIlroy (2019). 

Twenty-one Canadians to compete for their National Men’s Open Title…

Current PGA TOUR players Corey Conners, Mackenzie Hughes, Adam Hadwin, Nick Taylor, Adam Svensson, Michael Gligic, Taylor Pendrith and Roger Sloan will lead a talented roster of 21 Canadians competing in the RBC Canadian Open. The 2022 event welcomes home a legend as 8-time PGA TOUR and Canadian Golf Hall of Famer Mike Weir will make his 29^th start in the RBC Canadian Open. Other Canadians competing on exemption include David Hearn, Aaron Cockerill, Stuart MacDonald, Albin Choi, Myles Creighton, Jared du Toit, Brendan Leonard, Wes Heffernan, Callum Davison, and Max Sekulic along with Team Canada amateurs AJ Ewart and Johnny Travale. 

Final Tournament Exemptions to be Named…

The final four exemptions into the field for the 2022 RBC Canadian Open will be handed out at the Monday Qualifier on Monday June 6, to be played at Oakdale Golf and Country in Toronto, host site of the 2023 and 2026 RBC Canadian Open. 

Click here for the full current list of competitors competing in the 2022 RBC Canadian Open, June 6-12 at St. George’s Golf and Country Club in partnership with nearby Islington Golf Club as the official practice facility. 

Tickets for the 2022 RBC Canadian Open are available here.

Each week we write to Golf Canada members who record a hole-in-one, congratulating them and asking if they’d tell us how it happened. These are their stories (edited for length and clarity).

Alice Yeung, Glencairn Golf Club, Hole #17

Thank you for the email.

I was playing with my husband Joseph and a Korean couple, however, they left after playing 9 holes.

I had my hole-in-one on 24/5/2022 at Glencairn GC, Speyside #17, blue flag of around 140 yards, I used my 5 wood.  The ball ran really well on the green and along the break towards the flag, but owing to the slope, we could not see it ran in.  After reaching the green, we could not find the ball anywhere.  My husband walked to look at the hole, and saw the ball there.

This was my 3rd hole-in-one, my 2nd hole-in-one was at a charity golf tournament, I won $10K.

Hahaha, I will work hard on my 4th, and many more to come, cheers!

Alice

Alvin Shen, Scarlett Woods Golf Club, Hole #16

Thanks very much for this email!

I was paired with two other guys who were great to play with. The hole was only 80 yards and I hit a lob wedge. The ball actually clipped the end of a tree that hangs between the tee box and the hole. Unfortunately, we couldn’t see the ball landing or going in. However, I was fairly confident it was on the green (80 yards is a great number for me – just a stock/smooth LW) and the line was right at the pin – so I thought it may be in the hole as I didn’t see the ball anywhere. After the short walk, we found the ball sitting in the hole!

Thanks very much,

Alvin

Brad Aitken, Islington Golf Club, Hole #15

Playing with Head Pro Phil K. and two long time friends since Junior days, Rick S. and Glenn S.

15 hole. 165 yards 7 iron. 

Brad Klein, Riverside Country Club, Hole #11

I was golfing with a couple of weekend golf buddies and fellow members of Riverside, Corey H. and Wes U.  The scoped yardage was 205 yards from our gold tees, I used a well struck, baby cut 4 iron.  Unfortunately, I did not see the ball fall into the hole, as the tee box angle and pin placement obscured the view of the green with the slight ridge just in front of the green.  My playing companions also hit good shots that looked to be green high, and as we approached the green we only saw two balls, it was at that point that I thought, maybe just maybe, I had my second hole in one of my 40 year golfing career.  Walked to the green with wedge and putter in hand, but low and behold I took a peek into the hole and there it was…slightly muted celebration, but high fives all around.

Happy to let you know it was just my 11th hole of the season…lol…tough way to start the season.

I am attaching a picture of the illustrious occasion, and you have my permission if you decide to share.

Thanks,

Brad Klein

Cam Robinson, Tor Hill Golf Club, Hole #17

I was playing with my friends from the Tor Hill men’s club. I was playing the West Course hole number 8 which is a beautiful downhill shot that is well bunkered and lots of trees to go over. We were playing the blue tees and it played 195 yards with the back pin position. I hit my 5 wood to clear the tree height and landed just short of the green and bounced up and rolled it into the hole. Although it is my 2nd hole in 1 this one in particular holds special meaning to me as my father’s ashes are spread around this hole and I was hoping that 1 day that I could get an ace there.

I am sure my dad was helping me out that night so thanks pops.

Thx.

Cam Robinson

Daniel Waugh, Metcalfe Golf Club, Hole #8

For my round at Metcalfe Golf Club, I was a single who was paired with a twosome whose first names were Phil and Tony (not sure about last names). 

Hole #8 was 180 yards and I hit a 7 iron. Slam dunk.

Dennis Campbell, Vernon, Hole #17

On May 24 I was playing in an interclub Seniors’ match at the Vernon Golf & Country Club. My partner was Rob L. from my club, the Kelowna Golf & Country Club, and our Vernon opponents were two much younger, fitter, and harder hitting players, Mike S. and Earl S. The 17th at Vernon was playing 178 yards that day into a strong breeze; I went up a club and selected my old 5 wood. The shot, a gentle draw, was virtually perfect, all four of us watched my ball disappear into the hole; Rob claimed he even heard it hit the pin.

The Vernon Back nine has two par 3’s, I tell everyone I played those two holes in 3 under par. It’s fun to watch some golfers ‘do the math’.

I’m 77, and currently playing to a13.  This was my 6th hole-in-one over 65 years playing golf; in perspective, considering  my 17,378 double bogies over the same time frame; I feel I deserved this one.

Dennis Campbell

Derek Melo, Oakville Golf Club, Hole #11

I was playing with Andrew C., Rob E., and Mike T. Yardage was 148. Played a less than full 6 hybrid cut shot. We couldn’t confirm from the tee block as the hole was cut just a few yards from the back of the green which was surrounded by deep rough.

As I walked to the green, I wasn’t seeing the ball in the back rough. My heart started to pound as I continued to the hole. Looked in and there it was!

Donald Veinot, Kenwo Country Club, Hole #2

Thank you – it was 152 yards uphill I used a 7 iron. Playing partner was Kyle D. You have permission to use it. Thanks again.

Hope you have a great day.

Donny Troschuk, Steinbach Fly-In, Hole #18

Thanks for reaching out to me about the great moment. I was on the 18th hole, par 3 playing 148 yds with a wind into us and off the right…pin was back right over the water and I hit a little extra club with my 6 iron. I had to the pleasure of sharing this experience with Ron T., Don T., Howard S. and Dan M.

Thanks,

Donny Troschuk

Doug Sherman, Bayview, Hole #17

I was with two longtime friends and regular early morning group, Troy M. and Gary K. and our ‘Sunday Guy’, Jeffrey A. The hole measured 150 yards, but downhill, so likely playing 140.

Calloway Big Bertha 9 Wood; it is the same club I used a few years ago for my other hole in one on the 12^th hole at Bayview; the hole in one was obviously great fun, but following it up with a finishing par was very cool too!

Thanks… very cool by Golf Canada!

Iain Carruthers, Dalewood Golf Club, Hole #17

I was playing with part of our usual group, Ron J., Bill E. & John P. Hole 17 goes straight north, there was a 35~40km/h wind out of the northwest into our face, so it was a choice of one or two extra clubs.

I went with two & hit a 3 hybrid with a slight draw, the wind just kept the ball heading straight for the flag until it disappeared from sight, my first ever hole in one.

Please feel free to use the story & photo as you wish.

Iain

Vaughn Perusse, Don Valley Golf Club, Hole #13

Thanks for the email. The hole-in-one I had on Sunday was my 4th, but most satisfying. My first was in 1995 on Dentonia Park #1. I have 2 other aces at Don Valley, #5 in 2000, #15 in 2020 and now #13 last Sunday. I was playing with my wife, Rossana Cossaro, and our regular playing partners Steve Lowe and Eduardo Gutierrez. I believe the yardage was 140 and the best part…my club was a Tom Auchterlonie hickory mashie from St. Andrews, about 115 years old!

Thanks, Vaughn 

Have you recently accomplished the feat of a hole-in-one? Tell us about it! Share your story, picture / video and course information with us at holeinone@golfcanada.ca.

Golf Canada and RBC confirmed today that 8-time PGA TOUR winner and Canadian Golf Hall of Famer Mike Weir has accepted an exemption to compete in the 2022 RBC Canadian Open, June 6-12 at St. George’s Golf and Country Club in Toronto. 

With the appearance, Weir, the 2003 Master champion and past winner on PGA TOUR Champions who recently finished T4 at the 2022 Senior PGA Championship, will be making his 29^th start in the RBC Canadian Open, third-most in tournament history behind fellow Canadian Golf Hall of Famers George Cumming (32) and Gordon Brydson (30).

Also accepting an exemption to compete in the 111^th playing of the Canada’s National Men’s Open Championship are PGA TOUR veteran David Hearn of Brantford, Ont. as well as Winnipeg, Man. native Aaron Cockerill who currently sits 40^th on the DP World Tour ranking. Hearn will be competing in his 18^th RBC Canadian Open while Cockerill will make his first appearance. 

A pair of Canadians currently competing on the Korn Ferry Tour – Stuart MacDonald of Vancouver and Albin Choi of Toronto – have also been extended exemption to compete at St. George’s. Choi, who is currently ranked no. 93 on the Korn Ferry Tour money list will compete in his sixth RBC Canadian while MacDonald, a member of Golf Canada’s Young Pro Squad who is currently ranked no. 111 on the Korn Ferry money list will play in his first RBC Canadian Open. 

Two other members of Golf Canada’s Young Pro Squad – Miles Creighton of Digby, N.S. and Jared du Toit of Kimberly, B.C. – have also been extended exemptions. Creighton will make his first-ever start in Canada’s National Men’s Open Championship while du Toit, who made a magical run in 2016 to finish T9 as an amateur, will make his fourth appearance.

Team Canada Amateur Squad member AJ Ewart of Coquitlam, B.C. will also compete in his first RBC Canadian Open. The 23-year-old sophomore at Barry University has earned seven career NCAA Division II victories including four this season. Ewart’s Team Canada teammate, 21-year-old Johnny Travale of Stoney Creek, Ont., has also accepted an exemption. 

A third member of the Team Canada Amateur Squad—Max Sekulic of Rycroft, Alta. will also compete in his first RBC Canadian Open, an exemption he earned by winning the 2021 Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship. Sekulic will compete in the RBC Canadian Open as a professional.   

Calgary native Wes Heffernan will compete in his seventh RBC Canadian Open, earning his exemption as the top finisher of on the 2021 PGA of Canada player rankings. 

Canadian Callum Davison of Duncan, B.C. (2021 PGA TOUR Canada season winner) will compete on an exemption previously earned through PGA TOUR Canada and will be joined by Delta, B.C. resident Yi Cao (2020 Canada Life Series winner). 

Brendan Leonard of Cambridge, Ont. recently earned a spot in the field by winning the RBC Canadian Open Ontario Regional Qualifier at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley. The next 20 finishers from the Ontario Reginal Qualifier will join 11 players from the Quebec Qualifier (May 9 at Club do Golf Le Blainvillier in Blainville, Que.) nine players from the BC Qualifier (May 17 at Meadow Gardens Golf Club in Pitt Meadows, B.C.), and six from the Alberta Qualifier (May 30 at Mickelson National Golf Club in Calgary, Alta.) in the Final Monday Qualifier on June 6 at Oakdale Golf and Country Club. Four exemptions from the Final Qualifier on Monday, June 6 will be available into the field of the RBC Canadian Open.  

A full Canadian contingent will also celebrate the return of the RBC Canadian Open led by world no. 34 Corey Conners, past PGA TOUR winners Mackenzie Hughes, Adam Hadwin and Nick Taylor as well as fellow PGA TOUR members Taylor Pendrith, Adam Svensson, Michael Gligic and Roger Sloan. 

Tickets for the 2022 RBC Canadian Open are available here.

TORONTO – June 2, 2022 – theScore Bet is elevating its presence in its first year as the Official Gaming Partner of the RBC Canadian Open, introducing a premium, first-of-its-kind on course viewing experience. theScore Bet Skyline Seats will bring fans up to 100 feet above the RBC Canadian Open Championship to watch tournament action like never before, overlooking the 1st and 18th holes at St. George’s Golf and Country Club in the greater Toronto area.

theScore Bet Skyline Seats will host tournament attendees high above the course to enjoy food and beverage, providing a bird’s eye view of the championship golf course and sweeping views of the Toronto skyline. The RBC Canadian Open takes place Thursday, June 9 – Sunday, June 12.

“To tee off our partnership with Golf Canada and the RBC Canadian Open, we wanted to create a memorable and completely unique golf viewing experience that adds real value for fans attending Canada’s premier golf event,” said Aubrey Levy, Senior Vice President of Content and Marketing, theScore Bet. “The Skyline Seats is a fresh, new type of sponsor activation for a sporting event and an execution that showcases theScore Bet brand in a way that speaks to how we’re innovating and consistently enhancing the fan experience, helping get fans into Bet Mode offline as we do online. We appreciate Golf Canada’s collaboration and willingness to push the boundaries to bring this very original concept to life.”

theScore Bet Skyline Seats Details:

• The experience opens on Thursday, June 9 at 9:00 AM.

• Patrons will have the opportunity to secure Skyline Seats spots by visiting theScore Bet’s on-course activations, including the BET MODE Putting Challenges and theScore Bet Members Lounge.

• The seating structure hosts 22 people, who will be harnessed into their seats.

• The experience in the sky is 30 minutes with additional time allotted for embarking and disembarking. Food and beverage is included in the experience.

Also new to the RBC Canadian Open Championship this year is theScore Bet Members Lounge, a premium hospitality space with complimentary food and beverage that overlooks the 18th fairway. The Lounge will be open exclusively to active theScore Bet account holders.

Additionally, BET MODE Putting Challenge stations will be set up throughout the course,  offering fans the opportunity to test their skills for a chance to win premium prizes, including the Skyline Seats experience.

The 2022 RBC Canadian Open is the first event to take place during theScore Bet’s multi-year partnership with Golf Canada. The partnership provides theScore Bet with access to activate across Golf Canada’s high-profile events and national championships.

theScore Bet Skyline Seats are operated by Events in the Sky Canada, part of a global group installing similar experiences around the world since 2006. Toronto-based SDI MKTG is supporting theScore Bet with its activations at St George’s.

Canada’s National Open Golf Championships will welcome a new wine partner as Golf Canada has aligned with Masi Wines, the historic Italian wine producer which celebrates its 250^th anniversary this year, as the Official Wine of Golf Canada, the RBC Canadian Open and the CP Women’s Open.

Through the partnership, Masi’s premium portfolio, led by Masianco Pinot Grigio, the iconic red Campofiorin and the exciting new Fresco di Masi line – two refreshing organic blends perfect for summer – will be the feature wines poured at Golf Canada’s two National Open Golf Championships.

Masi will also elevate the summer festival atmosphere at the RBC Canadian Open and CP Women’s Open with a pouring experience from the one-of-a-kind Masi Airstream Trailer that offers spectators a custom retreat at the Masi Wine Garden.

“Golf Canada is very proud to partner with Masi Wines to deliver a selection of premium wines to our two flagship properties,” said John Sibley, Chief Commercial Officer at Golf Canada. “Masi’s diverse wine portfolio is well-positioned as the Official Wine of Golf Canada as we look forward to building on the festival atmosphere at the RBC Canadian Open and CP Women’s Open.”

Masi is distributed in Canada by fourth-generation family-owned and operated Authentic Wine and Spirits Merchants – a national fine wine and spirits importer and distributor headquartered in Mississauga, Ont. For Masi, the partnership will allow the wine brand to leverage Canadian golf while continuing to advance its brand profile and portfolio of golfing, hosting, ticketing, and media assets. 

“We are delighted to partner with Golf Canada and honoured to serve as the Official Wine of the RBC Canadian Open and the CP Women’s Open.” says Luc Desroches, Sales Managing Director, Canada for Masi. “Golf, like wine, brings people closer together and is at its best when shared amongst good friends. We look forward to introducing golfers across Canada to our exciting range of wines from the beautiful Venetian territories of northeast Italy and beyond. With golf growing in Canada (and Italy!) we are excited to be along for the ride as the preferred glass of the 19th hole.”

As the National Sport Federation, Golf Canada will conduct the RBC Canadian Open June 6-12, 2022 at St. George’s Golf & Country Club in Toronto Ont. with nearby Islington Golf Club as the official practice facility. The CP Women’s Open, takes place August 22-28, 2022 at Ottawa Hunt & Golf Club in Ottawa, Ont.

Click here for more information on the RBC Canadian Open.

Click here for more information on the CP Women’s Open.

While Corey Conners has enjoyed notable success on the PGA TOUR over the past two seasons, perhaps his biggest regret during that time was not being able to share that success with Canadian fans on Canadian soil. But with the RBC Canadian Open returning this year, the wait is over for the Listowel, Ont., native as he will be teeing off against the best in the world next week in Toronto.

The RBC Canadian Open was cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic but will make its long-awaited return this year at the St. George’s Golf and Country Club, with nearby Islington Golf Club as the official practice facility.

“To have the crowd made up of pretty much all Canadians is going to be amazing,” added the long-time Canadian National Team member. “I know the fans will be really behind all the Canadian players, and that’s something that I’m super excited about and I’ve certainly missed the last couple of years.” 

According to tournament director Bryan Crawford, this year’s RBC Canadian Open will be a treat for players and fans alike. Crawford is quick to point out that the goal is to offer a best-in-class experience for everyone in attendance.

“That’s what we are aiming for, a best-in-class event for players, caddies, volunteers, partners and our fans,” he said. “It starts with a great golf course, and you can’t ask for a better one than St. George’s—it’s one of the premier facilities in Canada.”

2019 champion Rory McIlroy is back this year to defend his crown and reigning Masters champ and current world no. 1 Scottie Scheffler, and five-time PGA TOUR winner and world no. 3, Cam Smith. Other notable names are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.

Besides the star-studded line up on the golf course, this year’s tournament will feature two chart-topping musical acts on stage as Flo Rida and three-time Grammy award winner Maroon 5 are schedule to entertain fans on June 10 and June 11 respectively as part of the RBCxMusic Concert Series taking place at nearby Richview Collegiate.

“The RBCxMusic Concert Series was an overwhelming success in 2019 and will once again attract new fans to experience the energy and excitement of the RBC Canadian Open,” noted Golf Canada Chief Commercial Officer, John Sibley.

At the recent PGA Championship, Conners reiterated his feelings about returning to Canada in early June.

“Apart from the major championships, I don’t know if I’ve been as excited for a golf event or a PGA TOUR event in my life. I’m really excited to get back to Canada. It’s been unfortunate that we haven’t been able to get there the last couple of years,” noted the top-ranked Canadian.

“I know the fans will be out in full force and supporting the Canadians, and hopefully we can put on a good show.”

Given his stellar play, Canadian golf fans are also understandably excited to see their home-grown talent compete against the best in the world.  

Conners has recorded impressive results on the PGA TOUR recently including a tie for sixth place at the Masters in early April—the third year in a row that the talented young Canadian has finished in the top-10 at Augusta National. He also finished in a tie for 15th place last summer at The Open Championship played at the Royal St. George’s Golf Course.

“Personally, I feel now like my game is a lot more refined, so I’m going to be teeing it up (in Canada) with really high expectations for myself,” Conners pointed out.

It is interesting to note that a Canadian has not won the RBC Canadian Open since Pat Fletcher did it back in 1954.  

Besides Conners, there will be a talented group of Canadians eager to end that drought this year at the 11^1th playing of Canada’s National Men’s Open Championship.  Among those already confirmed are Adam Hadwin, Mackenzie Hughes, Nick Taylor, Taylor Pendrith, Adam Svensson, Michael Gligic, Roger Sloan, Aaron Cockerill, and Brendan Leonard. The final field can be found here.

Defending champion Rory McIlroy confirmed his intent to defend his 2019 title this summer at St. George’s Golf & Country Club from June 6-12.

Tickets can be purchased here.

Bromont, Que. – The University of British Columbia Thunderbirds improved their leads in the men’s and women’s divisions in the second round at the 2022 Canadian University/College Championship, presented by BDO.

“We brought four really good women here and there are five left at home that also could have won this event […] so [as a team] we are not here without those girls,” said Shania Remandaban on UBC’s depth on the women’s side.

On the backs of Sonja Tang’s 5-under 67 and Remandaban’s 3-under 69, UBC strengthened their grip on the women’s team division and head into the third round with a 55-stroke lead.

The men’s team also cemented their lead atop their division with a trio of 1-under par performances from Aidan Schumer, Ethan DeGraaf and Dylan MacDonald, and an even par showing for Mackenzie Bickell.

“I think resilience is number one; our coach is always trying to get us to play smart and keep grinding,” says Aidan Schumer on the strength of UBC’s men’s golf team.

The University of Victoria Vikes men’s team carded the low round of the day, shooting a collective 9-under in the team competition to jump six spots on the leaderboard into second place. Each of the five players were under par on the day: Zachary Ryujin (-4), John Morrow (-3), Aidan Craig Steele (-1), Marlon Neto-Bradley (-1) and Robin Canlan (-1).

Despite a stellar effort to etch his way back into the competition, Morrow says the best is yet to come from him and knows he’ll have to go low over the next two days to be in contention for the individual title.

“I was able to keep it respectable yesterday, but I still don’t feel like I am controlling the golf ball very well,” said Morrow. “I’m going to have to play solid, hit a lot of greens and make some putts.”

Samuel Breton Gagnon and Élizabeth Labbé continued to pace the men’s and women’s divisions, respectively.

Breton Gagnon recorded a 5-under 67 for the second time in as many rounds and holds a four-stroke lead halfway through the competition. The 18-year-old’s 10-under is the lowest 36-hole score in the event since Scott Secord’s 11-under in 2014.

Labbé’s 1-over par 73 brought her to 3-under on the tournament – two strokes ahead of Tang in second place. Grace Bell and Remandaban, also Thunderbirds, hold the third and fourth place spots, respectively.

The highlight of the day came from Remandaban at the 133-yard, par-3 11^th hole. The 2019 runner-up fired her tee shot at a blind front-right hole location and knew it was good, but didn’t know how good. She would find out soon enough just how good it was.

“I didn’t see it go in, but my playing partners’ parents said, ‘Nice shot!’ and I said, ‘Thanks!’ then they said, ‘No, it’s a really nice shot – it’s in!’” she laughed. “I didn’t know at all, so it was a nice surprise picking it up.”

Thomas DeMarco (University of Windsor) recorded six birdies on the day and sits in a tie for second place with UBC’s Schumer. Alexis Leray (Université Laval) is alone in fourth at 5-under after a 69 in round two.

After the third round, the field will be cut to the low ten (10) Male teams and the low six (6) Female teams, including any team within 15 shots of the lead.  Individuals within 10 shots of third place, including any player within the top 10, will also make the cut.

Click here for more information including the leaderboard, third round pairings and course information.

Top-5 Women’s – Individual

Top-5 Men’s – Individual 

Top-5 Women’s – Team

Top-5 Men’s – Team

Bromont, Que. – Albeit three years later, the University of British Columbia Thunderbirds picked up right where they left off at the Canadian University/College Championship, presented by BDO: on top of the leaderboards.

The T-Birds took a commanding 26-stroke lead in the women’s division, while the men’s squad will enter round two at Golf Château Bromont with a four-stroke lead of their own.

Élizabeth Labbé and Grace Bell lead the charge for the women’s team, firing rounds of 4-under 68 and 3-under 69, respectively. The Thunderbirds duo sit 1-2 atop the leaderboard in the individual competition.

Aidan Schumer, a member of the UBC men’s team, and Samuel Breton Gagnon of the Champlain St-Lawrence Lions share the lead at 5-under in the men’s individual competition.

Labbé, a native of Québec who plays her university golf on the west coast, returned home to La Belle Province and used the familiarity of the course to her advantage.

“I think there’s a fairly good advantage to being familiar with the greens, so my putting was really good today,” said Labbé. ‘‘I gave myself a lot of opportunities and I was able to convert some of them,” added the first-year student, who says she has played multiple events at Golf Château Bromont as a junior.

The Lévis, Que., native caught fire midway through her round, rolling in a pair of birdies and an eagle during a three-hole stretch (nos. 8 to 10).

“I just tried to stay calm and roll with it” said Labbé who, admittedly, even surprised herself.

Breton Gagnon, a native of nearby Quebec City, Que., went out with a bogey-free 4-under 32 before shooting a 1-under 35 on the back nine to finish tied for the lead atop the men’s individual leaderboard.

At the mere age of 18, the Champlain St-Lawrence showed maturity beyond his years at a course he says he knows well. When asked about any possibility of an intimidation factor, Breton Gagnon was quick to shut it down.

Hayley McCallum (Humber College) and Sonja Tang (UBC) finished with a 4-over 76 and are T3 entering Thursday’s second round. Lexie McKay (Western Mustangs) rounded out the top-5 with a 6-over 78.

Matthew Morris (Brock University) and Jacob Armstrong (University of the Fraser Valley) are neck-and-neck at 3-under par, tied for third place.

Armstrong, a third-year student, says this tournament was a long time coming for him and his team from B.C.

“I’ve been waiting for this for a long time, so to get off to a strong start was neat. After waiting so long, I’m very excited to be here this week – especially at a course like this,” said Armstrong.

Full the full leaderboard click here.

For second round tee times click here.

Top-5 Women’s – Individual

Top-5 Men’s – Individual 

Top-5 Women’s – Team

Top-5 Men’s – Team