PEBBLE BEACH, Calif. — Justin Rose played alongside Tiger Woods, and then joined him in the U.S. Open record book at Pebble Beach.

In a gentle start to the toughest test in golf, Rose birdied his last three holes Thursday for a 6-under 65, giving him a one-shot lead on a day so accommodating that more than three dozen players broke par.

It was an ideal start for Rose and for the USGA, which wants a smooth ride after four years of various mishaps in the U.S. Open. The idea was to start safe and make the course progressively more difficult, and a forecast of dry weather for the week should make that easier to control.

This was the day to take advantage, especially with a cool, overcast sky for most of the day.

Rose knew what was at stake when he blasted out of a bunker short of the par-5 18th to about 12 feet. He was watching the telecast earlier when Rickie Fowler had a birdie putt for a 65 to tie the lowest U.S. Open round at Pebble Beach, set by Woods in the first round of his record-setting victory in 2000.

“I was thinking, ‘This would be kind of cool doing it front of the great man himself,”’ Rose said.

He lightly pumped his fist, partly for the record, mainly for the best start.

Fowler had to settle for a 66, tied with Aaron Wise and two others who had big finishes. Xander Schauffele caught a break when his tee shot on the 18th caromed off the rock edge of the left fairway, setting up a 12-foot eagle. Louis Oosthuizen finished on No. 9 by holing a bunker shot for a birdie. It felt almost as good as the wedge he holed from 95 yards for eagle on No. 11.

Woods took advantage of the scoring holes with three birdies, but there was one blunder _ a tee shot he hooked on the par-3 fifth that smacked off the cart path into gnarly, deep grass some 20 yards behind the edge of the bleachers. He blasted that out beyond the green and made double bogey.

After two straight birdies, he finished with 11 straight pars for a 70.

“Pebble Beach, you have the first seven to get it going, and after that it’s a fight,” Woods said. “I proved that today. I was trying to just hang in there today. Rosey proved the golf course could be had.”

Two-time defending champion Brooks Koepka proved the opening holes could be had. He was 4 under with his birdie on the par-5 sixth hole and appeared to be on another major mission until a few errant tee shots into nasty rough, a few missed putts and a few bogeys. Even so, he had few complaints about his 69 to begin his bid for a record-tying third straight U.S. Open.

“I didn’t shoot myself out of it,” Koepka said. “I’m right there. I feel like if I get off tomorrow to a good start, I’m right back into it.”

Phil Mickelson, in another U.S. Open quest to complete the career Grand Slam, didn’t feel he was out of it either, despite only two birdies in his round of 1-over 72, which included a 22-inch par putt that he missed.

Woods also had a one-shot lead when he had his opening 65 in 2000, a lead he stretched to six shots after the second round, 10 shots after the third and 15 shots at the end, a record for major championships.

But only 17 players were under par in the first round of 2000. For this U.S. Open, in these relatively soft conditions, 39 players broke par.

Perhaps more telling about the course, and depth of talent compared with two decades ago, there were 17 eagles. That’s the most for any round at any U.S. Open, breaking the record of 13 set in 1983 at Oakmont. The eagles included Callum Tarren holing out from a bunker on No. 10, the hardest hole at Pebble, and Rory Sabbatini making a hole-in-one on No. 12.

No one was expecting a breeze the rest of the week.

“It’s a very soft start to a U.S. Open, which is a good thing,” Rory McIlroy said after a 68, his first sub-70 round at the U.S. Open since he won at Congressional in 2011. “They can do whatever they want with from here. It’s not as if you’re starting with a course that’s in the condition like a Sunday, and then you get three days and it sort of starts to get away from you.”

Scott Piercy, who bogeyed the 18th for a 67, was the first player to get everyone’s attention when he was at 5 under through six holes.

Graeme McDowell saw the score when he walked off the 10th green at the start of his round and quipped to his caddie, “All the USGA radios are going off and they’re saying, ‘Turn off the water – NOW!”’

McDowell won the last U.S. Open at Pebble Beach in 2010 when it was so difficult he made only one birdie in the final round and no one broke par for the week. Even as he saw low scores on the board _ he had a bogey-free 69, one of 27 rounds in the 60s _ McDowell feared what was to come for those falling into a comfort zone.

“Careful what you wish for, because I think we’re going to see it come the weekend,” McDowell said.

“I don’t think level par wins this week,” he said. “Careful what you wish for, because I think we’re going to see it come the weekend.”

For one day, Pebble Beach was paradise.

“I wouldn’t say it’s exhilarating, because I feel like my mindset is I am in a 72-hole tournament,” Rose said. “This is just a very small step toward outcome. So you don’t feel that buzz that you would on a Sunday, but you can’t help but look around over your shoulder and … damn, this is Pebble Beach. Shot 65 and you’re in the U.S. Open. It’s a cool moment. Whatever transpires the rest of the week, it was a cool moment.”

Canadians Mike Weir and Nick Taylor opened with rounds of 74.

Mary DePaoli (EVP & Chief Marketing Officer for RBC) sums up a fantastic 2019 RBC Canadian Open.

Josh Whalen understands that finding success on the golf course is not a sprint but rather it’s a marathon. And so he’s taken the time necessary to fine tune his game since graduating from Kent State University in 2017.

As one of the top amateur golfers in Canada, Whalen is close to taking that next step on his journey – one that he hopes will see him follow in the success of fellow Kent State and Team Canada alums Corey Conners and Mackenzie Hughes.

Whalen’s journey on the golf course began in Napanee, Ont., when he was introduced to the sport at the age of four by his grandfather, Burt Whalen.

“My grandparents would babysit my sister and myself. My sister would stay with my grandma and I would go to the golf course with my grandpa,” recalled Whalen.

“When I started school, my grandpa would pick me up after school and we would go play. Eventually, when I was seven or eight I got a membership of my own and started to play quite a bit more.”

Whalen says his grandfather and his father, Terry, were avid golfers and encouraged him to pursue the sport further.

“I started playing at local one day golf tournaments to get my feet wet and then played some CJGA tournaments in Ontario.  I didn’t do too well at the beginning but eventually I started getting some good results.  Eventually, I would move on to play in some Golf Ontario events and then some Golf Canada events,” he recalled.

Josh Whalen [Duncan, B.C.] August 6, 2018, Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship at Duncan Meadows & Pheasant Glen Photo by: Golf Canada“When I was able to compete and win against some of the top golfers in Canada, it made me realize I could do something more with golf – and by that, I mean play Division 1 golf down in the U.S.”

Whalen would score a scholarship to Kent State University in Ohio where he was mentored by Hall of Fame Coach Herb Page.

“It’s a great program. In my first year I got to play with Taylor Pendrith and Corey Conners which was a great experience. I look up to those two guys a lot,” he pointed out.

During his four years at Kent State, Whalen enjoyed a number of highlights including a second place finish at the Ontario Men’s Amateur in 2015; and was selected first team All-Mid-American-Conference in his sophomore year.

“I can’t say enough about Kent State, it was an amazing atmosphere. It’s also motivating to know that Mackenzie Hughes and Ben Curtis are both also graduates of the program,” Whalen continued.

“All the coaches there really helped me develop as a player and as a person.”

Even though he was Canada’s top-ranked amateur player after he graduated from Kent State in 2017, Whalen felt his game still needed some work.

Ultimately, the Kent State grad believed there was more to learn and was willing to put in the time before turning pro.

“I just felt it was important to work on certain areas of my game before taking that next step,” said the second-year member of the National Amateur Squad.

“I’ve really benefited from being part of the National Team Program. We get a lot of support both on and off the golf course. And working with Derek (Ingram) has helped me in terms of understanding the game a little better,” he said.

Whalen says the next step in his journey will take place later this autumn.

“I’ll probably play in the Web.com Q-School in the fall; and if that’s not successful then I will look to play the Mackenzie Tour for next year and work my way onto the Web.com Tour,” said Whalen.

“The ultimate goal is to play on the PGA Tour. I know it’ll be a bit of a climb and it’ll take a bit of time but I’m prepared for it.”

According to Derek Ingram – head coach of the men’s National Team Program – Whalen has made significant improvements since joining in 2018.

“Josh’s chipping and pitching has improved the most; and his putting as well,” he pointed out.

Ingram speaks highly of the current state of Whalen’s game.

“Josh’s game is actually quite similar to Corey Conners. He drives the ball really well. It’s a  combination of long and straight and he’s got great iron play. He hits a ton of greens in regulation.  He’s very consistent,” said Ingram.

“Josh has seen Corey, Mac and other guys have success in amateur golf, college golf and on the PGA TOUR – and so they’ve really paved the way for him in terms of providing an example of ‘this is how you do it.'”

In terms of the big picture goal of becoming a successful PGA pro, Ingram believes Whalen is on the right track.

“Josh just needs to be able to compete and do well in bigger tournaments to get that confidence in his game. And he needs to stay the course and continue what he’s been doing,” Ingram noted.

“He’s a smart player and knows it’s going to take time, it’s a long process – but he’s got a great work ethic and a great attitude and so I really like his chances of following in Mac and Corey’s footsteps someday.”

YORKTON, Sask. —  The Future Links, driven by Acura Prairie Championship is set to take place June 14-16 at Deer Park Municipal Golf Course.

With support from Golf Saskatchewan, the Future Links, driven by Acura Prairie Championship is the fifth of eight regional junior championships presented in partnership with Acura. The 54-hole stroke play tournament begins with a practice round on June 13 before the tournament gets officially underway with the opening-round June 14.

Regarded as one of Saskatchewan’s top-ranked 18-hole golf courses, Deer Park Municipal Golf Course’s already challenging terrain is dotted with numerous water and sand areas.

“Golf Canada and Golf Saskatchewan are delighted to present the 2019 Future Links, driven by Acura Prairie Championship at such a terrific venue,” said Steve Ryde, the tournament director and Sport Development and Championships Manager with Golf Saskatchewan. “We are confident Deer Park Municipal Golf Course will challenge Canada’s premier junior golfers as they showcase their skills.”

The field will consist of 46 junior golfers in the Junior Boys Division, with the top five earning exemptions into the 2019 Canadian Junior Boys Championship August 11-15 at Covered Bridge Golf & Country Club in Hartland, N.B. Should there be a tie for the fifth position, a playoff will be conducted following the conclusion of play.

The Junior Girls Division consists of 17 golfers, with the top five (including ties) earning an exemption into the 2019 Canadian Junior Girls Championship July 29–August 2 at Lethbridge Country Club in Lethbridge, Alta.

Additional information about the 2019 Future Links, driven by Acura Prairie Championship can be found here.

Results from the previous 2019 Future Links, driven by Acura Championships can be found here: Pacific, Ontario, Western, Quebec.

NOTABLES
Josh Nagy, Saskatoon, Sask.
Nagy won the Golf Saskatchewan U19 Men’s Order of Merit event in Estevan, Sask. in early May and is ranked No. 2 on said Order of Merit. He also won the 2018 Saskatchewan Junior Men’s Championship.

Carey McLean, Deer Valley, Sask.
No. 1 on the Golf Saskatchewan U19 Women’s Order of Merit, McLean finished T3 at the 2018 Saskatchewan Junior Women’s Championship and competed at the 2018 Canadian Junior Girls Championship.

Cort Tunall, Kindersley, Sask.
Currently No. 4 on the Golf Saskatchewan U19 Men’s Order of Merit, Tunall finished in the top-10 of both Order of Merit events he has entered this season, including a T4 in early May.

FAST FACTS
In 2019, Golf Canada is conducting its eight regional Future Links, driven by Acura championships in conjunction with the Provincial Associations.

Top five finishers in the Boys Division earn exemptions into the 2019 Canadian Junior Boys Championship.

Top five finishers (including ties) in the Girls Division earn exemptions into the 2019 Canadian Junior Girls Championship.

Wesley Hoydalo went wire-to-wire to earn the victory last year in the Junior Boys Division.

Sydney Scraba shot a tournament-low 1-under par 71 in the second round, en route to winning Junior Girls Division at the event in 2018.

More information on the event can be found here.

When you drop in relief areas defined by one or two club-lengths, in the 2019 Rules, a club-length will always mean the length of the longest club in your bag, except your putter.

Click here to learn more about the Rules of golf.

Thank you to the fans, the volunteers, the tournament organizers and the sponsors for a fantastic end to a fantastic tournament!

A picturesque end to the day, nothing beats the last group walking up the final fairway to a thunderous ovation from an adoring crowd. We couldn’t have written a better end to the day, with Rory McIlroy, the darling of the golf world, taking home the championship (in a Toronto Raptors jersey to boot!)

The perfect end to a perfect day, but there is a lot of work that goes into it. The fairytale ending we all experienced today is not what it is without the thousands of volunteers tending the ropes. Dedicated golf fans that are teachers, police officers, members of the host club, retirees, and a million other things. These are the lifeblood of Our Open. They are the engine that drives the wheels of our championship.

And we owe them a massive thank you. For the 25,000 people in the sold-out crowd on Sunday, there were volunteers everywhere, making sure that the tournament was as great as it turned out to be. The unsung heroes of the championship, they are the ones that drive the parking lot shuttles, hold the “Quiet eh?” signs in the air for hours on end, keep the players and crowd safe, tend to the hospitality tents and make sure the complicated effervescent tangle of gallery rope line is in working order.

These people come together from all walks of life and descend upon the host golf course, working a long week and longer hours. They partake in the beehive-like efficiency of running a PGA TOUR event – but why? They do it because they love it.

They love the players, the TOUR, the golf course, the RBC Canadian Open, the experience of being inside the ropes, the experience of helping people, and the experience of showing the game they love off to the country, the players, the patronage and the world.

Les Palango, Hamilton radio personality, said that “I love to volunteer because it gets me in the action, I can man the ropes and the players all walk right by me. You see them on TV all the time, but to have Rory McIlroy walk by you and personally thank you for doing your job, that makes it worth it to me.”

It’s the spirit of the volunteers, the thousands of them that sign-up for forty-nine PGA TOUR events all over the country (but especially ours), that is the heart and soul of the game. The grow the game initiative comes from the passion of people like these. It’s awe-inspiring the passion of the golfer.

As the day was wrapping up, and our champion golfer McIlroy was signing his scorecard before the trophy presentation, I turned to a volunteer standing on the 18th green and asked him his favourite part of the week, “This,“ he told me. That was all he needed to say. This was everything. This moment. Thousands of people carved into the natural amphitheatre, all sharing the collective consciousness of pride in their tournament. They were chanting for the Raptors, Rory, singing Oh Canada, and not a soul had left since the final putt dropped. They all wanted more. “Wow eh?,” was all I could muster back to him, and we both stood there, taking in the moment, knowing exactly what we were talking about without saying anything.

So sign up to be a volunteer. Get more. Show the game you love to your friends, your family, a total stranger. Within your passion will ignite their passion.

The amazing experience of being a volunteer at the 2020 RBC Canadian Open is right around the corner, and you don’t want to miss out.

Click here to learn more.

Rory McIlroy may have won the RBC Canadian Open, but he left Ontario with the best prize of all: friendship.

The world No. 3 golfer and Toronto Raptors all-star Kyle Lowry became fast friends over the past week, bonding over their performances in high-pressure events. McIlroy went on to win the Canadian Open at Hamilton Golf and Country Club in Ancaster, Ont., while Lowry was instrumental in Toronto taking a 3-1 series lead over the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Finals heading into Monday night’s Game 5.

They first met when McIlroy, in Toronto ahead of the Canadian Open, attended Game 2 of the NBA Finals on June 2 at Scotiabank Arena. McIlroy went into Toronto’s locker room after the Raptors’ 109-104 loss to Golden State and started chatting with Lowry, exchanging phone numbers.

“We messaged back and forth a little bit this week,” said McIlroy, who watched Toronto’s two wins in Oakland, Calif., on television between rounds of Canada’s national golf championship. “It was awesome to see them do what they did over on the West Coast.”

When McIlroy won the PGA Tour event on Sunday, he pulled on an autographed Lowry jersey on the 18th green and shouted “Raptors in five!” to cheers from the thousands in attendance. A source told The Canadian Press that Lowry had made plans to watch McIlroy’s final round in person on Sunday, but opted to stay in Toronto and rest ahead of Monday night’s Game 5.

"I've been to a couple basketball games, but there was just nothing like it"@Raptors | #WeTheNorth pic.twitter.com/7vCRgI2fP1

— RBC Canadian Open (@RBCCanadianOpen) June 9, 2019

McIlroy wanted to return the favour, but had to fly to California to play in this week’s U.S. Open at Pebble Beach.

“If I didn’t have a big tournament next week, I would be sticking around for that Game 5,” said McIlroy, who is also friends with L.A. Lakers superstar LeBron James and been his guest at previous NBA Finals. “I’m sure it’ll be awesome.”

Although June 2 was the first time they had spoken, Lowry had seen McIlroy play in person before.

“I didn’t realize he followed us around in L.A. at the start of the year,” said McIlroy. “I played with Tiger Woods and Justin Thomas the first two rounds and (Lowry) followed us around. He said in the summertime when he’s got some time off he basically plays 36 holes a day. I was pretty impressed with that.”

GALLOWAY, N.J. – After 3-putting from off the green on the 15th hole to fall two shots off the lead in the final round of the ShopRite LPGA Classic, Lexi Thompson made it a point not to stress out over it.

The calm demeanour paid off as Thompson finished birdie-par-eagle on her last three holes Sunday, and made a 20-foot putt for the eagle at the 18th to win the $1.75 million event on the Bay Course at Seaview by one stroke over Jeongeun Lee6.

“I just really tried to find the positives in it because I knew coming in there were birdie holes,” Thompson said. “If I let it affect me, I wouldn’t have finished the way I did. At that point I didn’t know where I was, position-wise. I kind of thought I was behind for sure . a few back.”

Playing in winds that blew steadily from 20 to 30 miles per hour, Thompson had a 4-under-par 67 for a 54-hole score of 12-under 201. She posted her 11th career LPGA Tour victory – first since last year’s season-ending CME Group Tour Championship. It extended her streak to seven straight years with at least one win on the tour.

Thompson, who made her professional debut in this event in 2010 at the age of 15, set up her eagle at the 18th by needing to hit a 190-yard second shot with the wind at her back, to get it to the front of the green.

“With a jumper lie and the wind, I ended up hitting a pitching wedge, which is my 135 club,” she said. “It ended up landing 50 yards short and rolling up there.”

On the putt, she said, “I got chills, like my hair on my arms was sticking up once I made it.”

Lee6, the champion of last week’s U.S. Women’s Open who was playing two groups behind Thompson, lost her lead with three consecutive bogeys from holes 13 through 15 before bouncing back with a birdie at No. 16 to tie Thompson.

However, needing an eagle to force a playoff after reaching the green in two, she just missed a 45-foot putt to tie and had to settle for a birdie, giving her a 70 and second place at 202.

“The way I’m playing the ShopRite tournament, it’s amazing, and I’m pretty satisfied with finishing in second place,” Lee6 said through an interpreter.

Ally McDonald, seeking her first career LPGA Tour victory, challenged on the back nine and took third place at 204 following a 70. Two-time ShopRite LPGA champion Anna Nordqvist had a 69 for fourth place at 206.

Anne-Catherine Tanguay (67) and Brooke Henderson (68) were the top Canadians, tying for 11th at 4-under, while Alena Sharp (72) tied for 21st at 3-under.

Mariah Stackhouse, who began the day one stroke off the lead, fell back with a double bogey at the fifth hole and couldn’t come back. Her round of 74 left her in a three-way tie for fifth at 207 with Ariya Jutanugarn (68) and Yu Liu (72).

Joly, Que. – Eric (Joohyung) Byun of Richmond Hill, Ont. maintained his second-round lead to win the boys’ division, while Brooke Rivers of Brampton, Ont. remained dominant to win in the girls’ division of the Future Links, driven by Acura Québec Championship at Club de golf Les Boisés de Joly, Sunday.

Byun entered the final round with a share of the lead and shot 2-over par 74 Sunday to win the 54-hole tournament by a single stroke. Byun’s three-straight birdies on holes No. 5 through 7 put him atop the leaderboard and he withstood a strong push from Remi Chartier, who finished second.

Byun was T21 at the 2018 Future Links, driven by Acura Québec Championship. He finished T38 at last year’s Canadian Junior Boys Championship.

Chartier, a Montreal native, held a share of the lead heading into the final round. He finished second at last year’s Future Links, driven by Acura Québec Championship and a bogey free back nine helped him to an even-par 216 on the tournament.

Frédéric Rousseau (Longueuil, Que.), Michael Ikejiani (Minesing, Ont.) and Logan Boucher (Beaconsfield, Que.) round out top-five players in the boys’ division advancing to the 2019 Canadian Junior Boys Championship, taking place August 11-15 at Covered Bridge Golf & Country Club.

In the junior girls’ division, Brooke Rivers was unstoppable throughout the tournament, winning by 16-strokes.

The Brampton, Ont. native shot the only under-par rounds of the tournament in the girls’ division, carding 2-under par 70 in each of her three rounds. She finished at 6-under during the 54-hole tournament.

Raesa Sheikh of Caledon, Ont. was the closest competitor to Rivers. Sheikh made an eagle on the par-5 No. 7 in the final round, giving her a 3-over-par 75 on the day and 11-over for the tournament.

Defending champion Emily Romancew of Pierrefonds, Que. came in third. Romancew shot 12-over par 228 for the tournament.

Rounding out the top five (including ties) headed to the 2019 Canadian Junior Girls Championship held from July 29-August 2 at Lethbridge Country Club in Lethbridge, Alta. are Alexis McMurray (Oakville, Ont.), Élizabeth Labbé (Lévis, Que.) and Heather McLean (Port Williams, N.S.) at 19-over-par 235.

Full scoring and results can be found here.

HAMILTON, Ont.  — Using a loonie as his ball marker, Rory McIlroy fired a final round 9-under par 61 to win Canada’s National Open Championship, the RBC Canadian Open in his first appearance.

McIlroy’s 22-under-par 258 is the lowest 72-hole score ever carded at the RBC Canadian Open. The previous record of 263 was held by Johnny Palmer (1952), Scott Piercy (2012) and Tim Clark (2014). His final round 61 is also the best final round at the 110-year-old event, breaking the record of 62 held by Andy Bean (1983).

The 30-year-old entered Sunday’s final round sharing the lead with Americans Matt Kuchar and Webb Simpson. He started his round by lipping-out a chip for eagle on the first hole, en route to birding four of his first five holes. With the win the Northern Irishman claimed his 16^th PGA TOUR title.

“It’s been a while since I played like this and sort of put my foot down, but it was so nice to do it today,” said McIlroy. “I’m very proud of what I’ve done today. Hopefully this sets up well for the rest of the year, too.”

McIlroy becomes only the sixth player to win the career Triple Crown, having won the U.S. Open in 2011 and The Open Championship in 2014. He joins an exclusive club that includes Tommy Armour, Walter Hagen, Arnold Palmer, Lee Trevino and Tiger Woods.

“The reception from the Canadian crowds have been incredible this week,” added McIlroy. “They couldn’t have been any better. They’ve been so welcoming all week. I can’t wait to come back next year.”

Right back at ya, @McIlroyRory!

Cheers, champ ? pic.twitter.com/WIotjSqxvm

— RBC Canadian Open (@RBCCanadianOpen) June 10, 2019

McIlroy is the first golfer to win the RBC Canadian Open on his first attempt since Chez Reavie in 2008 and the first European to capture the title since Sweden’s Carl Pettersson in 2010.

Ireland’s Shane Lowry and American Web Simpson finished tied for second at 15-under par 265 for the tournament. Americans Matt Kuchar and Brandt Snedeker finished tied for 4^th at 13-under.

Adam Hadwin fired an even-par 70 in the final round, finishing as the low Canadian at 12-under par 268 on the tournament. Hadwin was awarded the Rivermead Cup for the fourth time of his career as low Canadian.

“The crowd was amazing all week,” said Hadwin. “That reception coming up 18 was something special. I pictured it with being a few more [strokes] under earlier in the week, but they were amazing. I’m just disappointed I couldn’t get it done in front of them.”

By virtue of his sixth-place finish, Hadwin qualifies for the 2019 Open Championship being held July 14-21 at Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland. Also earning an exemption in the 2019 Open Championship was Northern Irishman Graeme McDowell. New for 2019, the RBC Canadian Open is included in The Open Qualifying Series. Up to three players who are not already exempt earned places in the 148^th Open Championship at Royal Portrush.

Taste of ??! @Graeme_McDowell drains a 30-footer on 18 and punches his ticket to @TheOpen ????@SteamWhistle ? pic.twitter.com/ijhON9pGOo

— RBC Canadian Open (@RBCCanadianOpen) June 9, 2019

The 2020 RBCCO is being held at St. George’s Golf and Country Club in Toronto from June 8 to 14.

Click here to view the full leaderboard for the 2019 RBC Canadian Open.