ANCASTER, Ont. – Golf Canada’s plans to elevate the RBC Canadian Open have paid off.

Laurence Applebaum, Golf Canada’s CEO, called the 2019 edition of the tournament a success on Sunday, even as the national sport organization was still adding up its figures.

“I can categorically say that the RBC Canadian Open 2019 will be a record year,” said Applebaum at a morning news conference before most pairings had teed off in the final round of the national championship. “It’s going to be a record on basically every single metric we look at.”

Golf Canada reported a 65 per cent increase in attendance, a total of approximately 120,000 people over seven days. Beer sales, always a point of pride for the only Canadian stop on the PGA Tour, doubled from last year’s event at Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Ont.

Setting the stage for a thrilling Sunday finish at the #RBCCO

Tickets ➡️https://t.co/7mfBsjhFcY pic.twitter.com/ZoSzqMSSUn

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

That growth was part of a plan initiated by Golf Canada, lead sponsor RBC, and the PGA Tour, to raise the RBC Canadian Open’s profile.

The overall purse was increased to US$7.6 million for 2019, up from $6.4 million. The date was also moved from late July to the first week of June, a more advantageous position in golf’s calendar, a week before the U.S. Open instead of a week after the British Open.

A pair of concerts were added to the event, with country music stars Florida Georgia Line playing on Friday night and Kingston, Ont., rock group the Glorious Sons performing on Saturday night.

“I think we saw on Friday and Saturday that music and golf do work together,” said Mary DePaoli, executive vice-president and chief marketing officer for RBC. “Anecdotally there were so many people that came to hear music but got here early to see some golf.”

The Hamilton Golf and Country Club hosted the Canadian Open for the first time since 2007. It will welcome the national championship in 2023. St. George’s Golf and Country Club in Toronto will hold the event in 2020 and 2024, with the hosts for 2021 and 2022 expected to be announced by the end of this year.

Looking back on the Sunday morning hype that surrounded the 2019 RBC Canadian Open.

HAMILTON, Ont.  — Rory McIlroy, Matt Kuchar and Webb Simpson sit in a three-way tie for the lead at 13-under par heading into the final round of the 2019 RBC Canadian Open at Hamilton Golf & Country Club.

McIlroy catapulted to the top of the leaderboard with a 6-under 64. He was bogey free, while knocking in six birdies and says he has been enjoying the atmosphere during his first visit to Canada’s National Open Golf Championship.

“It’s probably the best atmosphere I’ve played in in a long time,” said McIlroy. “The Canadian fans really come out and support this event. That 13^th hole there [The Rink] is pretty cool. I think what they’ve been able to do here is right on the limit of fun, but still in keeping with the traditions of the game, so I think it’s been awesome. I’ve had a wonderful reception from everyone and just excited to get to play in front of them again tomorrow.”

Kuchar started the day with a share of the lead and remained steady, shooting 1-under-par 69 Saturday. Currently sitting No. 1 in the FedEx Cup standings, Kuchar was atop the leaderboard for most of the day, but a bogey on No. 15 pulled him back into a tie with McIlroy and Simpson.

”It was a tough day out there,” said Kuchar. “It took a lot of good scoring to stay in the position I’m in. The support out here has been fantastic. The crowds have been great. The energy has been great. The Rink is completely unique.”

Simpson had a bogey-free 67 that helped him grab a share of the lead with 18 holes remaining.

Canadian Adam Hadwin is one-shot back, sitting T4 after moving day. A bogey on No. 2 made for an unfavourable start, but Hadwin clawed his way back into contention with three back-nine birdies. He is tied with Shane Lowry and Brandt Snedeker, a stroke behind the leaders at -12.

“I certainly got a lot more out of this round,” added Hadwin. “I really struggled with that left-to-right wind off the tee – couldn’t really figure it out. I’m just proud of the way I battled today. You know you have to go out and shoot a low one tomorrow.”

Mackenzie Hughes enjoyed his third straight round in the 60s – a 1-under par 69 – that dropped him one-spot into a share of 8^th.

Nick Taylor started the day tied for third but carded a 73 to slip into a tie for 9^th.

The final round of the 2019 RBC Canadian Open tees off at 8:25 a.m. on Sunday, June 9. Pairings and tee times and be found here.

Canada’s Roger Sloan takes a tour through the Hamilton Fare Way and the Titleist Fitting Zone

ANCASTER, Ont. – As Roger Sloan walked up the 14th fairway at Hamilton Golf and Country Club he thought about how he could be doing better with his approach shot.

After opening the par-4 hole with a 294-yard drive the product of Merritt, B.C., knew that to stay competitive in the third round of the RBC Canadian Open on Saturday he’d have to get as near to the pin as possible.

“I’d been thinking all day ‘I haven’t hit it close, I haven’t hit it close,” said Sloan, whose 152-yard shot with his eight iron landed within eight feet of the hole.

“To be able to hit that eight iron in there within a couple of feet was definitely nice.”

With the green slightly elevated from his position on the fairway, it was the cheers from red-clad Canadian fans that let him know he was in position to birdie.

“I’ve always enjoyed this tournament,” said Sloan. “It’s our national championship, golf is obviously a huge part of Canadian culture and Canadian golf fans are very passionate.

“As a Canadian it’s so thrilling to be out there and hearing the cheers and hearing the support.”

Sloan had three birdies on the back nine in a 2-under 68 round. Although not a very low score, the entire field struggled on the rapidly drying course, helping him climb 17 spots up the leaderboard.

“You’ve got to stay patient out there with the wind being a little more severe, it’s in the same direction it has been,” said Sloan, who teed off at 9:10 in the morning. “It’s out there for the guys in the afternoon but I’m very pleased with how I played today.”

Toronto’s Richard Jung had a 5-over 75 round to drop down the leaderboard to 63rd.

Sloan, who has played in five Canadian Opens and made the cut three times, is excited to be playing on the Saturday and Sunday of the only PGA Tour event on home soil.

“Anytime you can play all four rounds here at the Canadian Open, it’s great being a Canadian,” said Sloan. “I’m excited for the opportunity to go out there and play well tomorrow.”

LEWISTON, NY – Brigitte Thibault of Rosemère, Que. and Mary Parsons of Delta B.C. each shot rounds in the 60s, finishing third and fourth, respectively, at the Porter Cup at Niagara Falls Country Club in Lewiston, NY.

Thibault, a member of Team Canada National Amateur Squad, finished at 5-under par 211 over the 54-hole tournament. A final round 69, aided by four birdies on the front nine, helped her to a third-place finish. Thibault finished three shots back of leaders Jackie Rogowicz of Yardley, Penn. and Australian Isabelle Taylor.

Parsons was leading after the first round after carding a 69. Three birdies on her final five holes catapulted her into first place after 18 holes, but she would ultimately finish four-strokes back of the leaders.

Strathroy, Ont.’s Taylor Kehoe finished T8 at 1-over par for the tournament. Kehoe won the 2018 Future Links, driven by Acura Ontario Championship.

A total of 33 Canadians were among the 75 competitors, including Team Canada National Junior Squad members Emily Zhu (Richmond Hill, Ont.), Ellie Szeryk (London, Ont.), Céleste Dao (Notre-Dame-de-l’Île-Perrot, Que.) and Monet Chun (Richmond Hill, Ont.).

Full results can be found here.

The National Junior Golf Development Centre (NJGDC) initiative was established to recognize facilities that offer a first-class experience for children aged 5-18. NJGDC support and run nationally endorsed programs, having trained and certified PGA of Canada golf coaches, they are also linked to schools in their surrounding communities.

All facilities meet the minimum national standards for the delivery of junior golf programs, coaching, and instruction. All of the parties involved are dedicated and committed to making these locations state-of-the-art facilities that offer a welcoming atmosphere for juniors of all levels.

This year there are 35 sites, up from 32 in 2018, established in seven different provinces – all of which were supported by PGA of Canada coaches, certified in the Coach of New Competitors or the Coach of Developing Competitors context.

Each centre has full access and use of National, Long-Term Player Development compliant programming and are recognized as a leading junior golf development facility in Canada.

To find a location near you click here.

Céleste Dao recently turned 18 years old in March but she is already regarded as one of Canada’s top golfing prospects.

That is backed up by her impressive list of recent accomplishments which includes a Quebec Women’s Amateur title in 2017, along with victories at the 2018 Mexican Junior Girls Championship and the Canadian Junior Girls Championship.

And just earlier this month, she won a qualifier in Boston to earn a spot at the upcoming the U.S. Women’s Open Championship – for the second consecutive year.

As she looks ahead to competing in perhaps the most prestigious tournament in women’s golf later this week, the second year member of the National Team Program took some time to reflect on her journey and her humble beginnings in Notre-Dame-de-l’Île-Perrot, Que.

“My dad, Duc, introduced me to golf when I was about three and a half years old. My dad was passionate about the sport as he just loved golf. We had nets and a mat in our garage and I remember just hitting off the mat,” she remembered fondly.

As Dao was growing up, she competed in a number of sports besides golf – notably soccer, tennis, swimming, and snowboarding.

“My parents put me in a lot of sports to see which one I liked the most,” she pointed out.

Young Céleste first realized she had a special talent for the game of golf at the age of 11 when she qualified for the Optimist Golf tournament in Florida.

“It was the first time that I got to play in tournament outside of Canada,” she noted.

“I had never played in Florida before and I remembered that it was so humid. I shot super high but I learned a lot from it and I really enjoyed the experience,” she recalled.

“I realized at that moment that golf can take me to other countries – and I loved travelling,” added Dao, who at the time was focusing her energy on both golf and soccer.

A year later, at age of 12, she decided to dedicate her time to golf – and she has not looked back since.

The five foot nine inch rising young Canadian golfer says her success on the golf course would not be possible without all the support away from it.

“My dad is still one of my coaches today and has always been very supportive. He really knows my swing and ever since I was young he has come to my lessons. He also follows me during my rounds so we could have a briefing afterwards,” said Dao.

“My mom, Annie, may not know as much about the technical aspects of golf but she’s always been there to provide support – kind of like a mental coach. And my younger brother, Malik, also plays golf, and so we would often work on our games together which makes it fun for both of us.”

Dao says the entire family was able to share a unique and special moment last year when she won the Mexican Junior Girls Championship.

“The last round of the tournament was on my dad’s birthday and I was thinking I really wanted to win this for him.  I was six shots back of the leader and came back to force a playoff; and then won the tournament. I gained a lot of confidence from that victory,” she recalled.

“My dad was really happy and after he was telling me how it was the best birthday present ever.”

The 2018 Canadian Junior girls champion also credits her time on the National Team Program for taking her game to the next level.

“It’s made a huge difference in my game. We have training camps regularly where we are able to practise with the best in Canada. Also, we have the chance to compete in tournaments around the world against the best juniors and amateurs,” said Dao.

She adds that it’s an inspiration to know eight-time LPGA Tour winner, Brooke Henderson, is a graduate of the program.

“Brooke has long been an inspiration to me because I’ve seen her win all those tournaments at such a young age. So knowing that she went through the same program just gives me confidence and motivation.”

Training out of Bear Mountain Resort in Victoria, B.c., Dao is grateful to have the opportunity to work with highly respected coaches and experts that provide support in all aspects of the sport from technical to physiotherapy, mental performance and nutrition.

“All our coaches are amazing and very knowledgeable; and our head coach, Matt (Wilson), has been awesome. He gives me great technical support and always gives me great advice before tournaments,” said Dao.

“We have five junior boys and five junior girls working on our games and pushing each other each day to get better and better. It’s just an incredible program and definitely supports us in our goals to reach our potential,” she added.

According to Matt Wilson – the head coach of the national junior girls squad –  Dao is doing all the right things to reach her potential on the golf course.

“She’s worked really hard on her putting over the past couple of years and she’s progressed a lot in terms of the way she prepares for competition,” he pointed out.

Wilson says Dao is a star on the rise and is quick to highlight the keys to her recent success.

“She’s extremely long and hits the ball solid. The quality of her strike is superb. In addition, she also has a wonderful short game. I believe she’s got a very bright future ahead,” he said.

“Also, Céleste is dedicated to improving her game each day. She has a great attitude and is an excellent student and a quick learner.”

On the topic of learning, the 18-year-old Dao has committed to the University of Georgia for September.

“It was the first university that I visited and I was able to connect with the coach which is very important. The campus is just gorgeous and the practice facilities are great,” Dao said.

The Canadian junior standout hopes to continue her success in the NCAA; and has visions of turning pro and competing at the highest level one day.

But for now, the 18-year-old junior squad member is squarely focused on the U.S. Women’s Open.

“Last year, I didn’t do well, I shot in the 80s. But it was super fun and a great experience to play with the best pros in the world and I was able to learn so much,” said Dao.

“This year, I’m just looking forward to playing better. I will definitely be better prepared and I think the experience from last year will help me a lot.”

HAMILTON, Ont.  —  Nick Taylor and Adam Hadwin of Abbotsford, B.C., as well as Ben Silverman of Thornhill, Ont., and Mackenzie Hughes of Dundas, Ont., all sit within the top 10 after two-rounds of the 2019 RBC Canadian Open at Hamilton Golf & Country Club.

Taylor carded a second-round 65 Friday and finds himself tied for third with 2013 RBC Canadian Open champion Brandt Snedeker at 11-under par. His 5-under par performance included three birdies on his final four holes.

“I felt good, to be honest,” said Taylor. “Early on, I was hitting good shots, but putts weren’t dropping. Then I hit four great shots on the last two holes. It was nice to make that putt on the last hole.”

Snedeker matched the lowest single-round score ever at the RBC Canadian Open by carding a 10-under par 60. Carl Pettersson shot 60 in 2010 at St. George’s Golf & Country Club.

“I didn’t really think about it until I got to the 17^th tee,” said Snedeker, whose scor of 60 is also a new Hamilton Golf and Country Club course record. “I was hitting the ball so well off the tee and making so many putts. It was one of those rounds where everything comes together.”

Hadwin holds sole possession of 6^th at 9-under. Hughes and Silverman share 7^th spot at 8-under.

Silverman handed in a scorecard of 9-under-par 61 Friday, which is the lowest round ever recorded by a Canadian at Canada’s National Open Golf Championship.

“It’s great, it’s where I want to be,” added Silverman. “I was hitting fairways and it’s almost impossible to score around here if you’re missing fairways. “

Americans Scott Brown and Matt Kuchar both shot 7-under to finish the day as co-leaders at 12-under.

The shot of the day belonged to Kramer Hickok. The Austin, Tex., native made an albatross on No. 4 – only the fourth albatross in RBC Canadian Open history and the first since Guy Hill in 1996 at Glen Abbey Golf Club. This was the sixth albatross on the PGA TOUR this season.

Toronto’s Richard Jung was tied for 33rd at 4-under and Roger Sloan of Merritt, B.C., was tied for 55th at 2-under.

The third-round of the RBC Canadian Open gets underway at 8:25 am, while the final pairing tees off at 2:10 pm. Tee times for the third round can be found here.