Three of Canada’s best golfers are in one of the marquee groups at the RBC Canadian Open and they’re living up to that top billing.

Taylor Pendrith of Richmond Hill, Ont., Nick Taylor of Abbotsford, B.C., and Mackenzie Hughes of Dundas, Ont., were in the morning wave together in Thursday’s opening round. They were just ahead of a group that featured world No. 2 Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland, Sweden’s Ludwig Aberg and Luke Clanton of the United States.

Pendrith was tied with Americans Alex Smalley and Paul Peterson at 5-under 65 to hold the clubhouse lead. They dropped down into a nine-way tie for eighth once the afternoon wave was finished. Denmark’s Thorbjorn Olesen and Chile’s Cristobal Del Solar both flirted with the course record at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley, firing 9-under 61 rounds to finish the first round atop the leaderboard.

“It was great out there. I felt like the crowd really filled in on the back nine,” said Pendrith, standing within sight of the 18th green. “Nick was making some birdies, and I was making some birdies. Mac holed a 6-iron on 5. 

“So it was a lot of fun. The crowd was into it. Nice to see a lot of people out here on a rainy day. We had a blast out there, and we all played pretty well.”

Taylor, the 2023 winner of the men’s national golf championship, was a shot back of Pendrith tied with a group for 16th. Hughes shot a 2-under 68 to sit in a tie with Ben Silverman of Thornhill, Ont., among others.

“It was fun to feed off each other. It’s better than going the other way, obviously,” said Taylor. “Everyone played well. 

“Mac probably could have made a couple more putts where he normally does, but for all of us to be under par, it was a good start.”

It was a far cry from their first appearances at the Canadian Open, when they were all amateurs getting to play in the national championship thanks to sponsor exemptions.

“It’s cool to look back on. I think 2008 might have been my first Canadian Open, and I teed off at 7:30 at night because we had a long rain delay, and that was kind of my unique first start,” said Taylor. “Fast forward 17 years, being the featured group, it’s cool. It’s what we dreamt about.”

Pendrith agreed with Taylor, adding that his first Canadian Open appearance at Royal Montreal Golf Club in 2014 was formative for him.

“Those experiences, I think, help me,” said Pendrith. “It’s one of the biggest events for us, and it’s one that we look forward to all year. 

“It’s my fifth or sixth Canadian Open now, and it’s nice to play in a group with those guys and have all the fans supporting us. It’s the week that we look forward to every year.”

It’s a tradition on the PGA Tour that all the Canadians in the field practice together on the Tuesday of tournament week. That camaraderie bled over into Thursday’s round.

“To play a practice round with a couple buddies — excuse me, tournament round, it felt like a practice round is what I’m trying to say — It was a lot of fun,” said Taylor. “We kept it loose. It was nice to see a few birdies go in.”

A thunderstorm Wednesday night and continued rain into the morning made the greens soft and accuracy important. It affected spectators too, as they had to seek cover in the morning.

Fans who tried to come in the early afternoon struggled to find parking as one of two public lots at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley had to be closed because the heavy rainfall made the ground too soft to be driven on. The other parking lot quickly filled up, so Golf Canada encouraged spectators to use ride share or public drop-off if possible.

Olesen said that the rainy conditions actually helped him take the lead.

“Obviously, they’re a little bit softer than what they were yesterday,” he said. “I didn’t actually see the front nine until today. That worked out well maybe not to know any of the holes really.

“Sometimes you just have a feel of the greens and you just look at it, and you can sort of see the lines easy, and that was one of those days for me.”

UBC Thunderbirds’ Una Chou leads by two strokes in women’s individual championship; Alek Mauro of the Windsor Lancers leads men’s division by one in crowded leaderboard 

Kamloops, B.C – The UBC Thunderbirds Men’s team roared to life on Wednesday while the women’s team failed to take their foot off the gas throughout the second round to maintain the program’s lead at the 2025 Canadian University / College Championship at Rivershore Golf Links in Kamloops, B.C. 

The Thunderbirds take an 11 and nine stroke lead in the men’s and women’s divisions respectively into Thursday’s third round and by virtue of their veterans that led the program to a sweep of the tournament last year.  

Fifth-year duo Aidan Schumer of Columbus, Ohio and Dylan MacDonald of Markham, Ont., carved out rounds of 68 and 67 respectively to each soar up the leaderboard of the men’s individual championship and add to UBC’s team lead.  

Starting his second round on the back nine, MacDonald – who won in a playoff to claim last year’s men’s individual championship – collected four-consecutive birdies between holes 14 and 17 to get to two-under par and wipe away an uncharacteristic opening-round 74. He added birdies at the fourth and fifth holes to get to three-under par and more crucially stay well in the hunt to defend his title. 

“We’ve all been pretty calm this week,” commented Schumer on MacDonald and the rest of the Thunderbirds following his four-under round of 68. “All five of us are graduating after this year so we’re just trying to enjoy the moment, and I think that gives us a lot of peace out here,” he added.  

Schumer sits just one back of Alek Mauro of Windsor, Ont. (Windsor Lancers) who holds the outright lead in the individual championship after 36 holes at five-under par. Kicking off Wednesday in a tie for fourth at one-under par, Mauro started his round with a trio of birdies and an eagle at the par-five eighth hole to help steal the top spot from first-round leader Daniel Abraha of Kingston, Ont (Queen’s Gaels). 

Abraha shot a one-under 71 on Wednesday with 15 pars to stay in contention. He sits alongside Schumer at four-under par and in a tie for second. MacDonald and Dan Kirby of Woodstock, N.B. (Victoria Vikes) trail the pair by one stroke after 36 holes.  

On the women’s side, Una Chou of San Diego, Calif. continued her battle with provincial rival Julia Alexander-Carew of Oakville, Ont. The two – representing the Thunderbirds and the UBC Okanagan Heat respectively – took turns leading the individual championship on Wednesday, with Chou outlasting her closest competitor by sinking a birdie putt in her final two holes to get to four-under par and take a two-shot lead into Thursday.  

Grace Bell of Calgary, Alta. (UBC Thunderbirds) rounded out the podium of the women’s individual championship at one-over par, while Lauren Nedo of Coquitlam, B.C. (UBC Okanagan Heat) and Bo Brown of Mississauga, Ont. (UBC Thunderbirds) trail the third spot by one and two shots respectively after 36 holes.  

The top three daily scores count towards the women’s team total throughout the week, while the top four daily scores accrued by the male teams count towards their overall total.  

The field will be reduced to the top nine male teams and top six women’s teams – including any squad within 10 shots of the lead – following the conclusion of the third round on Thursday. As for the individual competition, players within 10 shots of the leader will make the cut, or any player within the top 10 of the leaderboard.  

To view the full leaderboards from Wednesday’s second-round action, please click here. For Thursday’s pairings and tee times, please click here.  

Men’s Team Championship – Top-5 

Women’s Team Championship – Top-5 

Men’s Individual Championship – Top-5 

Women’s Individual Championship – Top-5 

UBC Okanagan Heat’s Julia Alexander-Carew and UBC Thunderbirds Una Chou share top spot in women’s individual championship 

Kamloops, B.C. – The UBC Thunderbirds got their title defence off on the right track during Tuesday’s opening round at the 2025 Canadian University / College Championship, leading both the men’s and women’s team competition after 18 holes at Rivershore Golf Links in Kamloops, B.C. 

UBC’s male and female sides battled windy conditions on Tuesday to build four and eight shot leads respectively over their closest chasers, though several players in the field remain well in contention for an upset, particularly from the male Ontario University Athletics (OUA) contingent.  

A third year for the Queen’s Gaels, Daniel Abraha of Kingston, Ont. paced an OUA-packed leaderboard to open the first round of the Canadian University / College Championship.  

Starting his round on the ninth hole on Tuesday, Abraha played the tougher back nine at one-under par while collecting eight pars to throw his name into contention. He added birdies at Nos. 4, 6 and 8 to steal the clubhouse lead from McMaster Marauders’ fifth-year Nicolas Dessureault of Oakville, Ont. and solidify his place atop the leaderboard entering Wednesday.  

“I was very aware that the course was playing pretty firm out there,” said Abraha following his round on Tuesday. “Not putting yourself short-sighted made it much easier to avoid or limit the amount bogeys you made out there,” he added.  

Dessureault sits in a tie for second place with Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks’ Matthew Whitehead of Cambridge, Ont. The two opened the tournament with rounds of two-under par to track closely with Abraha, while Kai Baerg of Edmonton, Alta, Alex Mauro of Windsor, Ont. and Zachary Burt of Guelph, Ont. sit two back of Tuesday’s leader and in a three-way tie for fourth.  

Defending champion Una Chou of San Diego, Calif. got off to a flying start on Tuesday, carding a trio of birdies through her first five holes to find her familiar footing at the top of the women’s individual leaderboard. A double bogey at the 16th hole bumped her down to a one-under par finish but kept her well in the mix to defend her title throughout the week.  

Julia Alexander-Carew of Oakville, Ont. will enter Wednesday in a deadlock with Chou at one-under par after rallying from a pair of bogeys at the turn with an eagle on the par-5 15th to highlight a strong start from the sophomore representing the UBC Okanagen Heat.  

“I think that eagle on 15 set me up to finish the last three holes pretty strong and gave me some extra-needed confidence,” commented Alexander-Carew following her first round. “Anything can happen in a four-day tournament. I just think continuing to do what I’m doing and be aggressive when I can, but also just playing smart and minimalizing those big numbers,” she added.  

Grace Bell of Calgary, Alta. and Bo Brown of Mississauga, Ont. rounded out the top four spots in the women’s individual championship on Tuesday, helping carve out a nine-shot lead for the UBC Thunderbirds in the women’s team championship. Lauren Nedo of Coquitlam, B.C. and Morgan Best of Pointe Claire, Que. sit in a tie for fifth at three-over par.  

The top three daily scores count towards the women’s team total throughout the week, while the top four daily scores accrued by the male teams count towards their overall total.  

The field will be reduced to the top nine male teams and top six women’s teams – including any squad within 10 shots of the lead – following the conclusion of the third round on June 5. As for the individual competition, players within 10 shots of the leader will make the cut, or any player within the top 10 of the leaderboard.  

To view the full leaderboards from Tuesday’s first-round action, please click here. For Wednesday’s pairings and tee times, please click here.  

Men’s Team Championship – Top-5 

Women’s Team Championship – Top-5 

Men’s Individual Championship – Top-5 

Women’s Individual Championship – Top-5 

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).

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.

Karen Purdy, Royal Regina Golf Club, Hole #16

This was my second hole-in-one on the same hole at the Royal Regina Golf Course. Distance was 106 yards and I used a 9 iron. I was playing with my son, who is 20. The first time I hole-in-one’d that hole was in 2017.

The best part of this story is that since 2015, every time I play a par 3, I announce to whoever I’m playing with, “hole-in-one hole, let’s get a hole-in-one!”

I’ve been really focused on this ever since I took my son to a little par 3 course by our house. My short game was not very good and the holes were so short it hardly felt like golf. So I just decided that I might as well try to get a hole-in-one if I was going to play this little course and it’s stuck. I’ve started a bit of a trend and my husband also says this when he plays with his syndicate group. So his group are also trying extra hard. Haha.

Howard Walton, Northview Golf & Country Club, Hole #6

I was playing with three golf buddies, Chris Dow, Rob Keats, & Ian Russell. They were my witnesses. We are all 67 years old with adequate enough eyesight to see my ball roll into the cup. The yardage was 120, playing about 135 into a head wind. I hit a very nice 9-iron. The ball hit on the front of the green, bounced twice, and rolled 10-12 feet into the cup. We even heard a slight clink as it dropped. It was by far my best shot of an otherwise underperforming round. I was more than happy to pick-up the tab for dinner, a couple of bottles of wine, and a nice Single malt Scotch. A small price to pay for an epic day.

Victor Carriere, Cougar Creek Golf Club, Hole #17

I had a hole-in-one on at Cougar Creek Golf Club. It was hole #17 and for our Men’s league, it was playing 170 yards. I’m not a long ball hitter so I decided to use my driver with an easy swing. My playing partner Mark Henry said he could see it hit the hill to the right of the green and rolled onto the green. Upon arriving to the green we could not see my ball on the green and Mark joked better check the hole. I laughed it off and thought that perhaps it rolled right across the green instead. Mark walked past the hole and turned to me and said you better check the hole! I still laughed but decided to take a look and sure enough my golf ball was in fact in the hole. My ball is easy to identify as I have personalized Titleist Pro V1 balls with the number 97 on them and my name printed on them too! This is my first hole-in-one ever and I told the staff at Cougar Creek to never give up trying because at 60 it still can be done!

Brodie Barth, Elmira Golf Club, Hole #6

My cousin Zak is on the left, I am centered and my wife Emily is on the right. I used a 9 iron from 148 yards.

My wife and I will be volunteering at the 2025 RBC Canadian Open!

Piero Novello, Inglewood Golf & Curling Club, Hole #7

Golfers played with, Ms. Jodi Chambers, Mr. Fintan Ryan and Mr. Mark Veniot. Yardage of the hole was 126 and I used a 9 iron (TaylorMade Q10 Steel shaft – Regular Flex – Jumbo Grips). Golf ball used was a custom Titleist PRO V1x – ball number 13 (red).

Mia He, Meadowlands Golf Club, Hole #1

My daughter Mia He recently played her very first tournament of the season, where she scored a hole-in-one on the very first hole. All the rule officials and her groupmates, parents witness this awesome moment. She couldn’t believe she did it, the rest of round didn’t go well as she hoped, but the hole-in-one definitely made up for it.

The tournament was at Meadowlands Golf Club at Sylvan Lake. It is a 135 yards par 4 (due to her age, the juniors are playing from the gold tee, which is only 2789 yards for all 18 holes). So she’s not only scored a hole-in-one, it was also counted as an Albatross as well.

Submission written by Mia’s father.

Here’s what’s written on the MJT website for the event highlights:

A fantastic highlight was an opening hole-in-one, made in the MJT Girls 9–10 division by 10-year-old Mia He of Edmonton, Alberta, who stepped up and aced the very first hole of her season.

Brad McDonnell, Cordova Bay Golf Course, Hole #13

I was playing with one of my men’s night partners Satnam and I hit the 152 yard shot using my five iron. We saw the ball land on the green and it took one hop and disappeared. I have to say I was a bit confused at first, my first thought was maybe it was behind the pin, so I moved over to the side of the tee box to see if the ball was there but it wasn’t. Then I looked through my rangefinder to see if it was in the fringe, but couldn’t see it. Lo and behold, there it was, in the hole! Woohoo, I yelled and my buddy immediately grabbed his phone and snapped this picture of me.

Laurie Richer, Greyhawk Golf Club, Hole #7

The yardage was 89. I used a 9-iron. The flag was tucked behind a sand trap so no one saw it go in. I was playing with my husband, Morteza Doroudian and another couple, good friends of ours, Darlene Monkman and Marc Carrier. Darlene thought it was awfully close. As we approached the green she noted there were only three balls. My husband got to the green first and also questioned why there were only three balls. As he didn’t see my shot he had no idea it was right at the flag. Darlene told him to look in the hole. Lo and behold there it was! Very exciting.

Denny Smith, Sturgeon Valley Golf & Country Club, Hole #5

The distance was 146 yards, into the wind. I hit a 7 iron with a baby draw and landed the ball right into the cup. I couldn’t see the hole from the tee but we definitely heard the ball land. I thought there might be a chance it stayed in the hole but wan’t sure until we got onto the green.

I was playing with my usual Thursday group of friends: Terry Bludd, Ian Weiss and David Dykstra.

Kamloops B.C. – A year removed from their program sweep of the tournament, the UBC Thunderbirds return to defend their titles alongside several other contenders from across the nation at the 2025 Canadian University / College Championship, presented by BDO.  

19 men’s teams and 13 women’s teams comprising of 150 players will make up the field at Rivershore Golf Links in Kamloops, B.C. for the 21st playing of the championship set to unfold June 2 – 6.  

The 72-hole event features individual and team competition, with exemptions into Golf Canada events including each of the 2025 Canadian Men’s and Women’s Amateur Championships – awarded to the low male / female individual medalist – as well as the 2025 Canadian Collegiate Invitationals – awarded to the winning team from each division.  

Following the conclusion of the third round, the field will be trimmed down to the top nine men’s teams and top six women’s teams, including any squad within 10 shots of the lead. Individuals within 10 shots of the leader will also make the cut, or any player within the top 10 of the leaderboard.  

Four players – two men and two women – will be competing in the event as individuals and not represent their post-secondary institution in the team competition.  

UBC enter the event as reigning champions after dominating both the team and individual events in 2024. The Thunderbirds’ male contingent captured their eighth national championship last season while the women’s side added a seventh consecutive victory to their program and 17th over the last two decades. Coach Chris Macdonald has been at the helm of every triumph across the two teams and will be vying to add a record 26th title to his resume when play wraps up on June 6.   

All of UBC’s players will return for a title defence in 2025, including Una Chou of San Diego, Calif. and Dylan MacDonald of Markham, Ont. Both completed the Thunderbirds’ sweep by winning their respective individual championships last year, with MacDonald securing his in a playoff.   

The Thunderbirds will have the luxury of playing in their home province for the fifth time as Rivershore Golf Links adds a Canadian University / College Championship to a prestigious hosting resume that includes both the Canadian Women’s and Men’s Amateur Championship in 1997 and 1999 respectively.   

“Rivershore is proud to add another National Championship to our resume of hosting.  This event will make the fifth national championship hosted at Rivershore,” commented Kevin Oates, Executive Professional at Rivershore Golf Links.  

Built in 1981, the Robert Trent Jones Sr. design has surpassed 40 years without any major changes to its original architectural design. Playing in excess of 5,750 yards and as a par-72, the course procures its carnage through all 95 of its strategically placed bunkers littered along the brink of greens and fairways. Water provides an obstacle for players on several holes, including the South Thompson River squeezing the 17th and 18th fairways to play as a disruptor for any final round procession.   

“Laying in a desert-like setting at the foot of sagebrush-covered hills above the majestic South Thompson River, Rivershore is honest, fair, unpretentious and generously bunkered. Water is used sparingly on this superb links style course,” added Oates.  

For more information about the 2025 Canadian University/College Championship, including the player list, pairings and leaderboards, click here.  

Men’s Teams 

McMaster Marauders 

Calgary Dinos 

Victoria Vikes 

Fraser Valley Cascades 

Alberta Golden Bears 

Humber Hawks 

Queen’s Gaels 

McGill Redbirds 

Bishop’s Gaiters 

Brock Badgers 

UBC Okanagan Heat 

Guelph Gryphons 

Windsor Lancers 

Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks 

Montreal Carabins 

UBC Thunderbirds 

Carleton Ravens 

Waterloo Warriors 

Laval Rouge et Or 

Women’s Teams 

Calgary Dinos 

Fraser Valley Cascades 

Toronto Varsity Blues 

Alberta Pandas 

Humber Hawks 

Bishop’s Gaiters 

UBC Okanagan Heat 

Guelph Gryphons 

Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks 

Queen’s Gaels 

Laval Rouge et Or 

Victoria Vikes 

UBC Thunderbirds 

Entwistle, Alta. – Yeeun (Jenny) Kwon of Vancouver, B.C. and Chase Lassman of Parkland County, Alta. each claimed the NextGen Western Championship on Sunday at Trestle Creek Golf Resort in Entwistle, Alta.  

Finishing his second round in a tie for eighth place at one-under par, Lassman finished the tournament at even-par and emerged as the winner after a three-player playoff was required as the 36-hole leader, Ryan Badger of Edmonton, Alta. dropped down the leaderboard to bring the rest of his chasers into contention.  

“I just controlled what I could control and that’s my positivity and mental outlook on everything,” commented Lassman moments after draining a six-foot par putt to win the tournament. “The pressure is what you live for.” 

Kwon – who led the tournament since Friday afternoon – followed up her opening round score of 71 with a 70 on Saturday and 74 on Sunday to soundly take her maiden win in the NextGen Championship series as a wire-to-wire victory.  

Kwon teed off in a trio of NextGen Championships over the last year with her most recent result, a T9 finish at the NextGen Pacific Championship in May, adding to a pair of previous top ten finishes on the circuit.  

Hurdles in the final round ultimately left Kwon winless against the top junior talents in the country, however, pairing her 36-hole success along with a pair of birdies on Nos. eight, 11 and 14 on Sunday allowed her to break through and clinch victory at Trestle Creek Golf Resort.  

“I feel like I improved my game a lot,” commented Kwon following her round. “I just focused on what I needed to do because focusing on the other players wasn’t going to help my round,” she added.  

Kwon entered the final round seven strokes ahead of her nearest competitor and in prime position to take the title. She finished the tournament at one-under par and two strokes ahead of Aleah Shields-Rodipe of Conroe, Texas, with bogeys on her final two holes shrinking her favorable lead. 

Similarly to the Junior Girls division, 36-hole leader, Badger, experienced his multi-shot lead disappear on a course playing nearly three stokes harder than it was on Saturday. Badger entered Sunday’s final round three strokes ahead of Ryan Mosher of Saskatoon, Sask. but endured a tumultuous start to his afternoon with bogeys at the second and fifth holes to relinquish some ground to the field.   

Steadying himself to make the turn at one-over par, Badger unraveled at the 10th hole to begin his plunge into the crowded leaderboard on his heels. Badger played hole nos. 10 through14 at six-over par in a decisive stretch that featured a triple-bogey on the 14th to drop him into a four-way tie for the lead at even par.  

Mosher’s pair of double bogeys at holes 16 and 17 plucked him out of contention to create a three-way tie for the top spot and an eventual playoff on the 16th hole to decide the winner. Badger, Lassman and Lucas Sturgeon of Saskatoon, Sask. each landed their tee shot on the par-three 16th green to open the playoff. The trio failed to make birdie, while Lassman separated himself as the winner with a par putt to claim the title.  

NextGen Western Championship – Advancing to 2025 Canadian Junior Girls Championship  

*Top 8 plus ties qualify  

NextGen Western Championship – Advancing to 2025 Canadian Junior Boys Championship  

*Top 8 plus qualify – won in playoff 

The NextGen Championship schedule continues to roll through western Canada with its next stop at The Legends Golf Club in Warman, Sask. for the playing of the NextGen Prairie Championship. The tournament will run June 13 – June 15 with a practice round preceding the action on June 12.  

For the final leaderboards from the NextGen Western Championship, please click here.    

About the NextGen Championships    
The NextGen Championships are a high-performance junior golf series which totals six competitions. From May to July, six championships will take place across Canada where the region’s best junior golfers will compete to earn exemptions into their respective 2024 national championships. NextGen Championships provide junior players an opportunity to develop and showcase their skills at the highest level of tournament golf.    

Caledon, Ont. – The field is now set as the final four players locked up their spots in the 2025 RBC Canadian Open on Sunday following the Final Qualifier at The Pulpit Club in Caledon, Ont.  

Americans Christian DiMarco of Tampa, Fla., and Josh Goldenberg of Scarsdale, N.Y. claimed the top two spots on Sunday’s leaderboard to earn their exemptions, while Yi Cao of Beijing, China (Delta, B.C. resident) finished in a tie for second with Goldenberg to secure his exemption. 

Team Canada NextGen member, Matthew Javier of North York, Ont., battled out with fellow Canadian Mark Hoffman of Toronto, Ont. for the final spot in the 2025 RBC Canadian Open field.  

The two played the 18th hole to decide the winner with both finding the green on their approach. Putting from distance, Javier placed his birdie putt five feet left of the hole, while Hoffman laboured to a bogey finish. Javier converted on his par putt to secure the tournament’s final spot and end a dramatic Final Qualifier at The Pulpit Club.  

“It’s been a lifelong dream to play an event on the PGA TOUR,” commented Javier following his playoff win on Sunday. Javier started his round at 9 a.m. and wrapped up play nearly 11 hours later, taking to a Matchplay mindset to secure the playoff victory over Hoffman.  

DiMarco – who made his professional golf debut two weeks ago on the Korn Ferry Tour – led the group of players to earn an exemption on Sunday with a three-under par performance. A pair of early birdies at the first and third holes vaulted DiMarco into red figures to begin his round before adding two more birdies at the 11th and 12th to nab the top spot on the leaderboard. DiMarco is the son of golfer Chris DiMarco, who currently plays on the PGA TOUR Champions.  

“I think it’s a testament to the work I’ve put in over the years and know that I just keep doing the right things and good things will happen,” said DiMarco who admitted to not having his sharpest game amid the afternoon’s windy and cool conditions.  

DiMarco’s countryman, Josh Goldenberg of Scarsdale, N.Y., carded five birdies on his round to help secure his spot in next week’s field at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley in Caledon, Ont. Goldenberg entered the final three holes of his round at four-under par, but was reeled into a T2 finish alongside Cao after bogeys at holes 16 and 18. Teeing off at 7:40 a.m. local time, Goldenberg was forced to wait nearly eight hours to confirm his spot in next week’s Canadian Men’s National Open and passed the time by studying for one of his exams.  

“At the end of the day it was totally out of my control and whatever was going to happen, I just tried accepting that,” said Goldenberg. “This is a dream come true, something I’ve thought about for my entire life. I just can’t believe it’s happening.”  

Like the Americans ahead of him, Cao birdied the par-four 12th to get to his round back to even par before going on a decisive scoring run to punch his ticket to the RBC Canadian Open. Adding back-to-back birdies on holes 13 and 14, Cao worked his way to a two-under par performance to join Goldenberg with the clubhouse lead after both headlined the morning wave.  

The 2025 RBC Canadian Open will run from June 4 – June 8 at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley (North Course) in Caledon, Ont.  

Russell and Anderson MacDonald win in a playoff to secure the
national championship and book their tickets to The R&A 9 Hole Challenge at Royal Portrush

Caledon, Ont. – There must be something in the water out east as the BDO National Golf League Championship is remaining in the Maritimes as father and son duo, Russell and Anderson MacDonald claimed the 2025 national championship at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley in Caledon, Ont. on Saturday.

The duo from the Riverside Country Club in Rothesay, N.B. won the championship on the first hole of the playoff when Anderson tapped in a short birdie putt to earn a net eagle and defeat the duo of Ryan Tsang and Howard Wang from Cedar Brae Golf Club in Scarborough, Ont.

As the MacDonald’s collected their trophy and championship belts on the 18th green, Russell reflected on the day and was complimentary of his son.

“Well, the wind played havoc with my game, for sure. I was all over the place, but Anderson played really well, but it was a cold, blustery day, and I mean, it was a great day to play but it was cold starting and then it got better, but a lot of wind. Everyone played great, though.”

The New Brunswick duo, who had been playing together for five years finished their round and waited to find out if their score of 43 stableford points would hold, but they weren’t aware of their place on the leaderboard at first.

“Actually, we didn’t until one of our friends from home sent us the updated leaderboard and then we kind of started watching after that.

“But yeah, it was nice that there was just two teams tied, and it was an actual tie, and both teams played amazing on the final hole, and Anderson just carried it for us,” said Russell.

On the playoff hole, both teams sat on 43 points. Anderson smashed his drive into the middle of the fairway and hit a perfect second shot to give himself a chance at an eagle, as did Tsang, both putts fell short, but Anderson’s birdie (net eagle) gave his team the win.

In addition to winning the national championship, the MacDonald’s will receive an all-expenses paid trip to represent Canada at The R&A 9 Hole Challenge set to take place at Royal Portrush in County Antrim, Northern Ireland on the eve of the 153rd Open Championship in July.

Russell described the feeling as “unreal” knowing that they’d be heading to Royal Portrush in July.

“It was kind of a dream since last fall when we qualified for the New Brunswick qualifier, so it was we’ve been talking about it, and now we got there, so it’s going to be a great time,” added Russell.

Launched by Golf Canada ahead of the 2023 season as a nationwide, season-long competition to enhance weekly recreational league experiences for men, women and junior golfers, the BDO National Golf League embodies over 130 leagues across Canada and occurs throughout a six-week period of a club’s league season.

Within those six weeks, the best four scores from a 9-hole net Stableford format were used to determine the individuals that would advance to their respective provincial championships with spots into the BDO National Golf League Championship up for grabs. On Saturday, 104 golfers, spilt across 52 teams competed on the same fairways that the stars of the PGA TOUR will walk next week in Caledon.

“The league’s amazing. I mean, it’s so well run in New Brunswick for sure. They keep us up to date on everything going on, it’s an equitable way to get some other people playing in this type of event at a national stage,” said Russell.

“My first time playing on a PGA course, so it’s pretty exciting,” added a smiling Anderson.

Those who participate in the NGL season play a lively role in growing the sport in their community as well, with 100 per cent of the league’s proceeds benefiting First Tee – Canada in their respective provinces around the country. To learn more about First Tee – Canada programming and ways to support, please visit firstteecanada.ca.

As for what may be in the water out east…“Captain Morgan Rum – moose meat, Moose light beer,” said Russell with a chuckle.

For the final standings from the 2025 BDO National Golf League championship, click here.

For more information on the BDO National Golf League or to register, please visit nationalgolfleague.ca.

Taylor Pendrith of Richmond Hill, Ont., had a breakthrough year in 2024, and he’s keeping the momentum going into the 2025 PGA Tour season. The 33-year-old has already recorded four top-10 finishes, with the most recent coming at the PGA Championship.

At the second major of the season in Charlotte, N.C., the former Canadian national team member finished in a tie for fifth and earned US$694,700 for his efforts.

Pendrith enjoyed his biggest triumph in early May 2024, when he captured the CJ Cup Byron Nelson. In doing so, he became the first Canadian to win the tournament since its inception in 1944.

“I’m not a big history guy, but Byron Nelson is a special name and for my name to be on that trophy is super special,” he said following the win.

While consistency is often cited as the biggest key to success in golf, it’s also one of the hardest things to achieve. But it appears Pendrith has figured it out in his early 30s.

Former LPGA pro Rebecca Lee-Bentham, who went to high school with Pendrith, says his rise is nothing short of inspiring.

“Taylor picked up golf later than most kids, and from what I recall, he would shoot in the high 70s to mid-80s while the other top juniors were going under par in tournaments,” she said.
“If you told me a kid like him would be a winner on the PGA Tour, I wouldn’t believe you. But honestly, it’s one of the most inspiring things to witness. It’s a true testament to his talent, hard work and love for the game.”

Another standout from Richmond Hill, amateur Monet Chun, says Pendrith’s journey motivates her as well.

“I’ve played at Summit Golf and Country Club and know Taylor has played there too. It’s inspiring to see the success he’s having as a professional on the PGA Tour,” she said.

Now 34, Pendrith believes his best golf is still ahead of him. His key to continued success? Keeping the support system around him strong and steady.

“I’ve pretty much had the same team for a long time now. Derek Ingram is my golf coach — he’s been with me since I was part of the amateur national team, so that’s, I don’t know, 13 or 14 years now. He’s great. He knows my game, I’m comfortable with him, and he’s a great guy to hang around with,” said Pendrith.

“I started working with a physio out here a couple of years ago who’s helped with my body and preparation from week to week. I’ve also recently reconnected with a mental coach from the national team who I’ve known for 13 years.

“My family and my wife are a huge part of it. They’re a big part of the team and a huge reason for my success.”

Pendrith also draws motivation from his former teammates on the Canadian national team and at Kent State University — Corey Conners and Mackenzie Hughes.

“They were on the PGA Tour well before me. I was there to see Mackenzie’s first PGA win in Charleston — that was such a cool moment. And a couple of years later, Corey won,” he said.

“We were all teammates at Kent State and on the Golf Canada national team. It’s a lot of motivation and inspiration for me, having played so much golf with Corey and Mackenzie and knowing my game could compete with theirs.

“It was a huge goal of mine to join them on the PGA Tour, and to now join them in the winner’s circle is pretty cool.”

Now, Pendrith is looking forward to performing in front of a home crowd at the RBC Canadian Open, which will be held this year at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley — a course he knows well.

“I’m hoping to have a great week and put myself in contention on Sunday. It’s something all of us Canadian players dream about,” said Pendrith.

“I’m especially excited for this one. I’ve spent a lot of time at TPC Toronto — played a couple of Mackenzie Tour events there. I’ve practised there a lot and played with family and friends. It’s a beautiful venue and I can’t wait to get back.”

Purchase RBC Canadian Open tickets

Defending champion Robert MacIntyre and two-time winner Rory McIlroy along with international stars Ludvig Åberg, Shane Lowry, Justin Rose, Sungjae Im, Wyndham Clark, Tom Kim, Max Homa, Sahith Theegala, Sam Burns and Cameron Young ready to challenge
TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley

2023 champion Nick Taylor and fellow Canadian stars Corey Conners, Taylor Pendrith, Mackenzie Hughes, Adam Hadwin and Adam Svensson headline a group of 21 Canadians set to compete in 114th playing of Canada’s National Men’s Open Championship

Two-night SiriusXM Concert Series will feature an all-Canadian line-up:
JUNO Award winners Billy Talent with JJ Wilde on Friday, June 6; and
JUNO Award winner, Sam Roberts Band with Ruby Waters
on Saturday, June 7

Caledon, Ont. – Golf Canada and RBC are pleased to announce the final field vying for the $9.8 million US purse at the 2025 RBC Canadian Open, June 4 – 8 at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley (North Course) in Caledon, Ont.

A world-class field led by two-time RBC Canadian Open Champion and world no. 2 Rory McIlroy will compete next week in Caledon. The 29-time PGA TOUR winner and career Grand Slam winner will be looking to claim his third Canadian Open title in 2025 and join a trio of three-time champions in Tommy Armour, Sam Snead, and Lee Trevino.

Other fan-favourites in the field for the 114th playing of Canada’s National Open Championship feature a number of international starts including Ludvig Åberg (world no. 6), Shane Lowry (world no. 14), Justin Rose (world no. 17), defending champion Robert MacIntyre (world no. 19), Sungjae Im (world no. 21), Wyndham Clark (world no. 22), Tom Kim (world no. 45),  Alex Noren (world no. 71), Max Homa (world no. 87) and Gary Woodland (world no. 95).

Along with international stars, a 20-player Canadian contingent will compete at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley. Led by 2023 RBC Canadian Open champion, Nick Taylor of Abbotsford, B.C. (world no. 43) and fellow PGA TOUR winners, Corey Conners of Listowel, Ont. (world no. 20), Taylor Pendrith of Richmond Hill, Ont. (world no. 39), Mackenzie Hughes of Dundas, Ont. (world no. 49), Adam Hadwin of Abbotsford, B.C. (world no. 101) and Adam Svensson of Surrey, B.C. as well as fellow PGA TOUR member Ben Silverman of Thornhill, Ont.

In addition to world class golf, fans at the 2025 RBC Canadian Open will be treated to the two-night SiriusXM Concert Series onsite at TPC Toronto featuring an all-Canadian line-up. Night one is headlined by JUNO Award winners, Billy Talent, featuring JJ Wilde. Night two features Juno Award winner Sam Roberts Band with Ruby Waters opening on Saturday. Fans will also have a chance to enjoy a number premium food and beverage options located in The Fareway featuring The Keg onsite at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley.

“We are proud and excited to welcome TPC Toronto to the host venue rotation for the RBC Canadian Open and look forward to kicking off this exciting new chapter next week for the 114th playing of our Men’s Canadian National Open Championship. Next week’s championship will bring a vision to life for TPC Toronto as the host venue,” said Ryan Paul, Tournament Director, RBC Canadian Open. “Golf fans and event enthusiasts are in for an exceptional experience with a world-class field competing in addition to a two-night concert series along with numerous premium food and beverage options at one of Canada’s premium live sporting events.”

In total, 156 players will compete for the $9.8 million US purse next week in Caledon when TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley will become the 38th golf course in the history of the RBC Canadian Open (and only the eighth since 1977) to host Canada’s National Men’s Open Golf Championship. In 2023, the Doug Carrick-designed North Course underwent a major golf course renovation under the guidance of renowned architect Ian Andrew with consultation from the PGA TOUR for the venue to host large-scale, global championship level competition.

Click here for a full field list for the 2025 RBC Canadian Open at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley in Caledon, Ont.

PGA TOUR Season Winners…

Seven in-year PGA TOUR winners will compete at TPC Toronto including Nick Taylor (Sony Open), Rory McIlroy (AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, The PLAYERS Championship, Masters), Thomas Detry (WM Phoenix Open), Ludvig Åberg (The Genesis Invitational), Brian Campbell (Mexico Open at VidantaWorld), Karl Vilips (Puerto Rico Open), and Ryan Fox (ONEflight Myrtle Beach Classic).

Major Winners….

11 major winners are represented in the field including five-time major winner Rory McIlroy (2011 U.S. Open, 2012 & 2014 PGA Championship, 2014 Open Championship, 2025 Masters), Wyndham Clark (2023 U.S. Open), Gary Woodland (2019 U.S. Open), Shane Lowry (2019 Open Championship), Danny Willett (2016 Masters), Justin Rose (2013 U.S. Open) and Mike Weir (2003 Masters).

Past Champions…

Four past RBC Canadian Open champions will be in the field including two-time champion Rory McIlroy (2022, 2019) and defending champion, Robert MacIntyre (2024). In addition, Nick Taylor (2023), and Brandt Snedeker (2013) will also be competing.

International winners and other notables…

The field comprises over 180 international tournament wins. Seven winners from past European Ryder Cup Team wins and two winners from the U.S. Team wins and 10 U.S. Presidents Cup Team winners. Along with 34 past Olympians, including 2016 Olympic Games Gold medalist Justin Rose and Bronze medalist, Matt Kuchar.

21 Canadians to compete for their National Men’s Open Title…

In total, a 21-player Canadian contingent will challenge for the national championship led by 2023 RBC Canadian Open champion, Nick Taylor of Abbotsford, B.C. (world no. 43) and PGA TOUR winners, Corey Conners of Listowel, Ont. (world no. 20), Taylor Pendrith of Richmond Hill, Ont. (world no. 39), Mackenzie Hughes of Dundas, Ont. (world no. 49), Adam Hadwin of Abbotsford, B.C. (world no. 101) and Adam Svensson of Surrey, B.C. as well as fellow PGA TOUR member Ben Silverman of Thornhill, Ont. Canadian golf icon and Mike Weir of Bright’s Grove, Ont. will be competing in his 32nd RBC Canadian Open. Six members of Team Canada including Sudarshan Yellamaraju and Matthew Anderson of Mississauga, Ont., Ashton McCulloch of Kingston, Ont., Hunter Thomson of Calgary, Alta along with Myles Creighton of Digby, N.S. and A.J. Ewart of Coquitlam, B.C. who recently accepted exemptions. Joining the Team Canada athletes are Richard T. Lee of Toronto, Ont., Wes Heffernan of Calgary, Alta.,  Roger Sloan of Calgary, Alta and David Hearn of Brantford, Ont. Three other Canadians earned exemptions through RBC Canadian Open Regional Qualifying including Team Canada alumnus Cougar Collins of Mono, Ont. (First Ontario Regional Qualifier at Brampton Golf Club), Matt Scobie of Oshawa, Ont. (Second Ontario Regional Qualifying at Cherry Hill Club) and Brett Webster of Chilliwack, B.C. (B.C. Regional Qualifier at Squamish Valley Golf Club).

Final Tournament Exemptions to be Named…

The final four tournament exemptions into the field for the 2025 RBC Canadian Open will be handed out at the Final Qualifier on Sunday, June 1 at The Pulpit Club in Caledon, Ont. A high number of players attempted to gain entry into the field by competing at five Regional Qualifying sites earlier this month. A total of 103 players including 83 Canadians will compete at The Pulpit Club. Click here for a field list.

Lambton Golf & Country Club to host Final Qualifier for 125th U.S. Open on Golf’s Longest Day

On Monday, Lambton Golf & Country Club will be one of the site’s hosting a Final Qualifier into the 125th U.S. Open. The field is currently comprised of 70 players battling over 36-holes in Toronto. For the field competing at Lambton, click here. The 125th U.S. Open will take place, following the RBC Canadian Open, June 12-15 at Oakmont Country Club in Oakmont, Pa.

Three places in the 153rd Open Championship available at the RBC Canadian Open
The leading three players not already exempt who make the cut at the RBC Canadian Open will earn a place in The 153rd Open at Royal Portrush. In the event of a tie for a qualifying place, the player with the higher ranking in the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) at the beginning of the week commencing June 2 will be awarded a place in The Open.

TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley to host National Finals of the BDO National Golf League…

The BDO National Golf League finals take place on Saturday, May 31 at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley (North Course) with 52 pairings (104 total golfers) competing for the national championship and the opportunity to represent Canada at The R&A 9 Hole Challenge at Royal Portrush in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, one-week prior to the 153rd Open Championship. Launched by Golf Canada ahead of the 2023 season as a nationwide, season-long competition to enhance weekly recreational league experiences for men, women and junior golfers, the National Golf League embodies over 100 leagues across Canada and occurs throughout a six-week period of a club’s league season. Registration for the 2025 BDO National Golf League is now open, for more information please visit nationalgolfleague.ca.

MOBILE APP EXPERIENCE…

Experience the RBC Canadian Open like never before by downloading the Golf Canada Mobile App on your iOS or Android device. Essential features include a live map, leaderboard & pairings, tickets, breaking news, and special events. Plus, use the Golf Canada Mobile App to enhance your experience while playing! Find golf courses, track your game, set up matches against friends, access GPS yardages and more. Click here to download.

RBC CANADIAN OPEN – MEDIA GUIDE & PLAYER PERFORMANCE GUIDE

Below are links to the RBC Canadian Open Media Guide as well as the all-time Player Performance Guide:

2025 RBC Canadian Open Media Guide

RBC Canadian Open – All-Time Player Performance Guide

Tickets for the 2025 RBC Canadian Open are available here. Children aged 12-and-under get free admission with a ticketed adult.