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.

It didn’t take very long into his major debut for Ashton McCulloch to get his name into a unique circle of Canadian golfers. Under the backdrop of Donald Ross’ architectural masterpiece that is Pinehurst No. 2 in North Carolina, McCulloch – who earned his spot in the 2024 U.S. Open by edging out a handful of regulars on the PGA TOUR in a qualifier – discovered that his name was more recognizable than he initially thought as the top Canadians on TOUR were already familiar with the then 21-year old amateur.  

“The fact that they knew my name was so cool,” recalled McCulloch after his run-in with professionals including Nick Taylor, Mackenzie Hughes and Taylor Pendrith throughout the tournament. “I’m just a kid from Kingston, Ontario, and I play golf and those are professional golfers and obviously some of the best in the world, so the fact that they knew me and that we could have a normal conversation not even surrounding golf was really cool and something I won’t forget.”    

McCulloch’s name started wedging itself into conversations of up-and-coming Canadian talents well before his appearance at a major tournament. His triumph at the 2023 Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship at The Pulpit Club in Caledon, Ont. vaulted McCulloch into an elite group of names to have found success at the third-oldest amateur championship, joining a list of familiar figures in which he had the luxury of meeting at last year’s U.S. Open, including Taylor’s victory in 2007 and Hughes back-to-back championships in 2011 and 2012.  

“It’s really cool to look at kind of what I’ve done in the game of golf and what other greats like Taylor, Hughes, Pendrith and all those guys and what they’ve done,” commented McCulloch. “I’m still far away from how good they are but just trying to continue to grow like they did,” he added.  

The win clinched McCulloch a spot in the 2024 field at the RBC Canadian Open, his first professional event and one he grew up watching. The euphoria of playing his National Open immediately kicked in after rolling his final putt to take the Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship by five strokes, and so too was the desire to prove to a lot of people that he was capable of playing at the highest level.  

Though his debut experience at Hamilton Golf & Country Club last summer left him on the outside looking in come the weekend, McCulloch was pleased with his ball striking ability and ultimately adding an early steppingstone in his young and aspiring career. 

The 22-year-old with have another opportunity on the biggest stage in the nation from June 4 to June 8 at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley in Caledon, Ont. Eager to build off his debut experience, McCulloch – the lowest raked Canadian in the World Amateur Golf rankings – adds to the strong list of Canadian talent competing next week as a result of his exemption. 

“To have that opportunity to not only play against the best players in the world; test my game, learn from them and learn more about myself, but also just the pride in the opportunity to play for our country and our Canadian Open is something I’m so grateful to receive,” said McCulloch.  

One of 18 male members part of the Team Canada program, McCulloch has steadily improved throughout his amateur career, competing in the Big Ten at Michigan State University (MSU) where he just finished his senior season. The top finisher on the team in his last six starts of the 2024 campaign, McCulloch was a major force at MSU and placed third in both the Big Ten Championship and the Canadian Collegiate Invitational as a junior. He also picked up a win at the Johnnie-O at Sea Island event last season and finished the year with the best scoring average in program history.  

Earlier this month, McCulloch was awarded a sponsor’s exemption into the 2025 Rocket Classic set to take place in Detroit, Mich. in June. By the time he arrives at Detroit Golf Club, he will already have two other PGA TOUR events under his belt and looks to use the experiences as a launching pad towards his pursuit of a professional golf career. 

“To use those events and not only the [ranking] points that you get from them but the experiences you get from them that are so much more valuable,” said McCulloch ahead of the 2025 RBC Canadian Open. “The journey is far from over and you just kind of keep on pushing and use those [events] as confidence boosters and not to get too complacent,” he added.  

The 2025 summer will see McCulloch’s name featured alongside the game’s best players and add another Canadian threat to a pair of fields on the PGA TOUR. Nearing the end of his collegiate tenure, the future looks promising for McCulloch, a rising star with a name already familiar with several current Canadian on TOUR.  

“I just want to keep progressing, keep the boots on the ground and keep going and try to chase the best golf that I can.” 

McCulloch will be amongst a field of 156 players will compete at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley in the 114th playing of the RBC Canadian Open, June 4 -8. For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit rbccanadianopen.com. 

Caledon, Ont. – Teammates William and Alex Nylander (Toronto Maple Leafs) came away victorious in a playoff to win the inaugural RBC Canadian Open / NHLPA Faceoff on Thursday, at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley in Caledon, Ont. 

Each of the 10 teams began their round at different holes, gathering points through a net Stableford format before four squads culminated at the iconic no.14 Rink Hole to compete in a sudden-death, total gross score playoff.  

Competing with Sam Gagner and Ryan McLeod (Buffalo Sabres), Jamie Drysdale (Philadelphia Flyers) and Will Cuylle (New York Rangers), and NHL alumni Jeff O’Neill (Hartford Whalers / Carolina Hurricanes, Toronto Maple Leafs) and Carlo Colaiacovo (Toronto Maple Leafs, Detroit Red Wings, Buffalo Sabres, St. Louis Blues, Philadelphia Flyers), the Nylander brothers successfully hit each of their tee shots closest to the pin to put themselves in position to win the playoff.  

Putting from within 15 feet of the hole and closer than any other player on the 14th green, William rolled in his sixth birdie of the day to secure his team the championship.  

“It feels great,” commented William just moments after landing his walk-off putt. “We had a blast out there, our group was pretty good, and we had a lot of fun.”  

The duo entered the playoff in a tie for second alongside O’Neill and Colaiacovo with 45 net Stableford points. Gagner and McLeod led the field after 18 holes with 47 net Stableford points while Drysdale and Cuylle pieced together 37 points.  

To view the full leaderboard from Thursday’s round, please click here.  

Starting his round on the fourth hole, Drysdale emphatically powered his side into the early lead on Thursday without leaving the tee box. The Flyers defenceman optioned for a pitching wedge on the 150-yard par-3 and tumbled his tee shot towards the flagstick before his ball fell into the cup for a hole-in-one. A major highlight of the round, Drysdale admitted it was the first ace of his life and was initially unaware his ball dropped in the hole after his shot.  

“I didn’t know it went in for thirty seconds and then I just found out it went in. I was kind of shell shocked, not much of a reaction out of the gate but definitely really cool,” said Drysdale following his round.  

“It was a fantastic day for the RBC Canadian Open / NHLPA Faceoff. It was great to see something that started as an idea really culminate into a fantastic event,” commented Tim McLaughlin, Chief Marketing Officer at Golf Canada.  

“We had great support from the NHLPA, all the players were really enthusiastic, and we saw some amazing golf being played. A great way to set up what shapes up to be one of the most exciting RBC Canadian Opens on record,” added McLaughlin. 

The 114th playing of the RBC Canadian Open will take place June 4-8 at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley (North Course) in Caledon, Ont. For more information on the RBC Canadian Open, including volunteer opportunities or to purchase tickets, please visit rbccanadianopen.com. 

Winning team will be awarded NGL title and earn exemption into  
The R&A 9 Hole Challenge at Royal Portrush  

After making its debut ahead of the 2024 RBC Canadian Open, the BDO National Golf League Championship returns on Saturday, May 31 to crown another winner at this year’s site of Canada’s National Men’s Open, TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley in Caledon, Ont.  

104 golfers split across 52 teams will walk the same fairways as some of the game’s biggest stars and battle for the National Golf League championship less than a week before the 2025 RBC Canadian Open gets underway.  

The 2025 BDO National Golf League Championship (NGL) will be contested over 18-holes at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley in Caledon, Ont. using a best ball net Stableford format as the official scoring format of the NGL. Following the conclusion of play, the top two teams (including ties) based on Stableford points will enter into a playoff to determine the national champions. The playoff will take place on the no. 18 and be a one-hole sudden death until the winners are crowned. 

The exciting format was born out of a weather-shortened 2024 NGL Championship, where finalists were only able to play nine holes at Hamilton Golf & Country Club. The playoff pitted the winners of the front nine against the winners of the back nine to determine the inaugural champions. Peter Morse and Tim Charles of Nova Scotia needed just one playoff hole to top Reed Middleton and Brian Thorne of New Brunswick to claim their title.  

In addition to being awarded the second national championship in the league’s modern history, the winning team will also 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.  

Reigning NGL Champions, Morse and Charles, placed second in The 2024 R&A 9 Hole Challenge at Royal Troon in Troon, Scotland last summer, stringing together 33 points (net Stableford format) to cap off a memorable debut for Canada. The R&A held its inaugural challenge in 2016 and has used the competition to promote the physical and mental health benefits of golf participation as well as to encourage the growth of the sport’s shorter format. For more information on the 2025 R&A 9 Hole Challenge, please visit randa.org/en/nine-hole-challenge. 

“We are looking forward to the second national finals of the BDO National Golf League as 52 pairings will compete for the national championship this Saturday at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley,” said Brian Doherty, Senior Manager, Golf Services, Golf Canada. “The BDO National Golf League has enjoyed two rewarding seasons with growth across the country. We are excited to crown the new champions and support them as they represent Canada at The R&A 9 Hole Challenge in July.”  

Over 10,000 participants teed off in 2024 to cap off the inaugural season of the NGL. 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 107 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 the penultimate stage of the competition – the Provincial Championships. 12 courses across all 10 provinces hosted respective regional competitions in the fall of 2024 to determine the field for May’s national championship.  

Deanna Baker and Lisa Fanning of Creston Golf Club, B.C. along with Dwayne Snell and Tim Fraser of Brudenell Golf Course, P.E.I. are two of the teams that will be competing at TPC Toronto, having topped the 2024 Provincial Championship circuit each with 47 Stableford points.  

“We are going to Toronto, and we are beyond amazed at this whole journey and are loving every minute of it,” said Fanning, who along with her partner, Baker, commuted seven hours from their home club to compete in the B.C East Provincial Championship last fall.  

Only one team will return to the 2025 field after competing in last season’s inaugural national championship. John Anderson and Dao Le were one of two teams from the Ranch Golf & Country Club in Acheson, Alta. to qualify last fall, finishing the Alberta Provincial Championship tied for second with 40 Stableford points. The pair finished last year’s national championship in a five-way tie for 13th place with 17 Stableford points. In addition, Chris Hilliard is also in the final field with a new playing partner, Joey Giammaria from the Carleton Golf and Yacht Club in Manotick, Ont., after competing in last year’s finals. 

“We had a blast playing last year even though due to lightning and fog delays, we only played nine holes,” commented Anderson ahead of his second NGL Championship. “Amazing experience and excited to be coming back.”  

To discover more results from the 2024 NGL Provincial Championships and see which teams qualified for the national championship, please click here.  

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.  

First Tee – Canada is a youth development program striving to bring accessible and inclusive pathways to golf participants at schools, community centres, and golf courses across the country. Strong charitable incentive towards First Tee – Canada have been a pattern throughout each of the NGL’s first two seasons, with gifts and other forms philanthropic practices directly impacting youth in the province in which the money was raised. To learn more about First Tee – Canada programming and ways to support, please visit firstteecanada.ca.  

Vanessa Borovilos is not the kind of person who normally tries to manifest a goal, but after just missing out on qualifying for last year’s U.S. Women’s Open, she put a piece of paper above her bed in Toronto to keep her focused on reaching the major.

She didn’t bring the paper with her to Texas A&M, but the intention paid off — she’ll tee it up in her second LPGA Tour event and first major this week.

“It just helps me check a box at the end of the day, saying like, ‘Hey, did I do everything I could today to get to that goal on the wall?” said Borovilos. “It doesn’t just take one day of good practice, doesn’t just take one day of good sleep, it’s consistent effort over a long period of time, and I think that piece of paper just reminded me constantly.

“It helps me keep going.”

Borovilos has had a standout freshman season at Texas A&M, finishing no worse than 10th in any event so far in 2025.

She tied for 10th at the Moon Golf Invitational, tied for second at the Clover Cup, was solo second at The “Mo” Morial, and won the singles title at the Chevron Collegiate on Feb. 25.

Still, Borovilos feels that playing against LPGA Tour players at Erin Hills Golf Course in Wisconsin will help sharpen her game.

“I think the more I can put myself in these situations and learn from the players early on, it’s definitely going to help me in college,” said Borovilos. “I mean, Erin Hills is no joke. I looked at the overview and it’s fairway, rough, and then hay.

“I think that will get me more comfortable playing collegiate courses. I’ll be able to play a major course and see where I need to improve my game. So it’ll definitely help me next year.”

There are five Canadians in the field, headlined by Brooke Henderson of Smiths Falls, Ont., who is currently 48^th in the Race to CME Globe standings. Vancouver’s Leah John, Celeste Dao of Notre-Dame-de-L’Ile-Perrot, Que., and Vancouver’s Anna Huang are also in the field.

Borovilos and John will be in a group together that tees off together Thursday morning.

John, who currently plays on the second-tier Epson Tour, will also be playing in her first major.

“I am so excited. I hope the feeling never goes away,” said John. “It’s always special, but I think doing things for your first time, there’s nothing like it.

“I mean, I’m not on the LPGA yet, so playing with the girls on the big tour and coming in as an outsider from a qualifier, I’m pretty stoked.”

John, whose only LPGA Tour experience is at the CPKC Women’s Open, Canada’s national championship, said that she’s also looking forward to testing her mettle against the best players in women’s golf.

“This is one of the best fields I can be a part of,” she said. “I can’t wait to have a measuring stick like this. 

“You watch them on TV and you watch them live, but being inside the ropes with them and competing against them will be a new experience.”

PGA TOUR — Corey Conners of Listowel, Ont., leads the Canadian contingent into the Memorial Tournament at Muirfield Village Golf Club in Dublin, Ohio. Conners is eighth on the FedEx Cup standings heading into the signature event with a reduced field of only 72 players. He’ll be joined by Nick Taylor (25th) of Abbotsford, B.C., Taylor Pendrith (30th) of Richmond Hill, Ont., Mackenzie Hughes (44th) of Dundas, Ont., and Adam Hadwin (122nd), also from Abbotsford.

DP WORLD TOUR — Aaron Cockerill of Stony Mountain, Man., is the only Canadian in the field at this week’s Austrian Alpine Open at Gut Altentann Golf Club in Salzburg. Cockerill sits 120th in the Race to Dubai standings, the points list for the European-based tour. He moved seven spots up the rankings after tying for 31st at last week’s Soudal Open in Belgium.

CHAMPIONS TOUR — Calgary’s Stephen Ames is the only Canadian playing in the Principal Charity Classic this week. He’s 26th on the Schwab Cup points list heading into Friday’s first round at Wakonda Club in Des Moines, Iowa.

KORN FERRY TOUR — Sudarshan Yellamaraju of Mississauga, Ont., is 10th on the second-tier tour’s points list heading into this week’s UNC Health Championship. He’ll be joined at Raleigh Country Club in North Carolina by Vancouver’s Stuart Macdonald (33rd), Matthew Anderson (47th), also from Mississauga, Myles Creighton (63rd) of Digby, N.S., Roger Sloan (118th) of Merritt, B.C., and Etienne Papineau (140th) of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Que.

PGA TOUR U — Calgary’s Hunter Thomson, a senior at the University of Michigan, finished as the No. 24 player in the PGA Tour University Class of 2025 to become the first Canadian to graduate from the program. As a result, Thomson has earned access to the North America swing on PGA Tour Americas and will be eligible to make his professional debut at the Explore NB Open in Fredericton, N.B., July 3-6.

Since 2024, PING Canada has significantly contributed to First Tee – Canada, helping introduce thousands of children to golf through programs delivered at golf courses, schools, and community organizations nationwide.

Launched in 2021 through a partnership between Golf Canada and First Tee, First Tee – Canada is a youth development program that provides life-enhancing experiences through golf for children from equity-deserving communities. Since its inception, the program has created inclusive and accessible pathways to the sport for more than 170,000 youth from coast to coast.

“PING Canada’s support is making a significant impact on Canadian golf,” said Adam Hunter, Executive Director, First Tee – Canada. “It has enabled us to expand programming into communities where it is needed most, introducing families—who may not have otherwise had the opportunity—to golf and its inherent values. Having an endemic golf brand invest in the future health of the sport in Canada is invaluable. We are immensely grateful.”

Thanks to PING Canada’s philanthropic support, First Tee – Canada has partnered with additional golf facilities, schools, and community organizations, providing the necessary equipment, training, and curriculum to offer the program to participants at no cost.

Participants, many of whom are new to golf, are gaining more than an introduction to the game. They are experiencing opportunities to build friendships and continue to learn life lessons like confidence, integrity and leadership, that extend far beyond the golf course.

“If and when possible, we believe every child should have the opportunity to play and grow through golf,” said Dave Wilson, General Manager, PING Canada. “It is exciting to be part of something that is helping shape the next generation—on and off the course.”

PING Canada has been a long-time supporter of junior golf and their continued support of First Tee – Canada is growing the game in meaningful ways.

For more information on First Tee – Canada’s efforts across the country, visit firstteecanada.ca.

The NextGen Championship season resumes on Friday, May 30 at Trestle Creek Golf Resort in Entwistle, Alta. for the playing of the NextGen Western Championship.

147 junior golfers – 116 Junior Boys and 31 Junior Girls – will tee off on Friday and look to punch their ticket to their respective junior championships later this summer. The 54-hole event will be preceded with a practice round on Thursday, May 29 before play wraps up on Sunday, June 1.

The field will be reduced to approximately the top 53 Junior Boys and top 17 Junior Girls, including ties, after 36 holes. Members of the Junior Boys division that conclude the final round placed within the top eight of the leaderboard will earn exemption into the 2025 Canadian Junior Boys Championship, presented by BDO, set for August 12-15, at Gowan Brae Golf & Country Club in Bathurst, N.B.

In the Junior Girls division, the top eight finishers, including ties, will earn exemptions into the field for the playing of the 2025 Canadian Junior Girls Championship, presented by BDO, August 13-16, at Sainte-Marie Club de golf in Sainte-Marie, Que.

Notable players from western Canada will compete in the event, including Christian Flick of Heritage Pointe, Alta. and Ryan Mosher of Saskatoon, Sask. Flick, a three-time participant, will look to secure his first victory at the NextGen Western Championship after finishing in the top ten three times, including a runner-up finish in 2022. His ambition will be rivaled by Mosher, a proven winner on the circuit and the reigning NextGen Prairie Champion.

Designed by golf architect and fellow Albertan Brad Dupuis, Trestle Creek Golf Resort offers 27 holes of championship-level golf split across a trio of distinctive nines. Opening in 2012, the course has undergone several renovations to expand its unique terrain, spanning across 600 acres of land to include creeks, lakes, forests and hills into its initial design.

“We are extremely excited to host this year’s NextGen Western Championship,” commented Art New – the Head Golf Professional at Trestle Creek Golf Resort. “We feel that the players are really going to enjoy the Brad Dupuis design which encompasses the natural beauty of the terrain. It will pose a challenge to these up-and-coming future stars, and we are quite certain they will enjoy it.”

Trestle Creek Golf Resort has become much greater than a picturesque, affordable and challenging golf hub since its inception and presently surrounds its fairways with resort lots, a sport and water park and a recreation centre to make the property bountiful of outdoor experiences. The course plays its best defense as players get closer to each of the holes, with undulating greens challenging the field’s best putting strokes and forcing players to dial in their short game for the occasion.

“The golf course is fairly generous off the tee,” added New, who believes the strong winds that the property exhibits can also make for a challenge come the final round. “This course is all about your misses approaching the greens. Miss on the correct side depending on pin placement and you can recover. Miss on the wrong side and getting up and down will be a tough challenge.”

To follow the live leaderboard of the NextGen Western Championship throughout the week, 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 2025 national junior championships. NextGen Championships provide junior players an opportunity to develop and showcase their skills at the highest level of tournament golf.