MacIntyre pulls ahead of the pack at RBC Canadian Open; Canada’s Hughes tied for 2nd
Mackenzie Hughes is having fun, he really is. He’s just trying to stay focused as he chases the RBC Canadian Open title.
Shouts of “atta boy Mac!,” “Let’s go Canada!” and “We got you, Mac!” rang across Hamilton Golf and Country Club on Saturday as Hughes shot a 3-under 67 to sit in a tie for second with New Zealand’s Ryan Fox and American Ben Griffin. All three are trying to catch Scotland’s Robert MacIntyre, who shot a 4-under 66 to build a four-shot lead heading into the final round of Canada’s men’s golf championship.
“I never get cheered for like this really ever, because when I’m playing in the U.S., I’m pretty much a nobody,” said Hughes, who is from Dundas, Ont., just eight kilometres away from the course. “Being here at home you feel like they’re really pulling you across the line.
“I made a putt on 10 and it was just like, it was like chills. The putt went in, the crowd went nuts, and just some of those moments and things I felt I’ll remember for a long time.”
If Hughes can catch MacIntyre in the final round it will be the first time in 110 years that Canadians have won the men’s national golf championship in back-to-back years.
Nick Taylor of Abbotsford, B.C., ended a 69-year drought at the home open at Toronto’s Oakdale Golf and Country Club in 2023.
As long a wait as it was for a Canadian to win the national title — Pat Fletcher was the last to do it in 1954 — it has been even longer since Canadians won it in consecutive years. Albert Murray (1913) and Karl Keffer (1914) were the last homegrown back-to-back champs.
Hughes has said all week that he’s trying to shelve any pressure to keep the title in Canada and just stay present when he’s on the course, even as the crowd is very vocally in his corner.
“For me, it’s about not trying too hard, not forcing things,” he said. “For the most part I would say I did a pretty good job.
“There were a few things I would like to do over again, but, yeah, for the most part playing near the lead in your National Open I felt like I did a pretty good job handling everything and kept myself within distance for tomorrow.”
At the hockey-themed No. 13 hole, dubbed The Rink because of the hockey boards surrounding the tee box, Hughes did allow himself to get personal. For a second time at the tournament he pulled on the hockey jersey of family friend Bill Bath, who died April 23.
“I just feel like he was a huge part of my life and my journey to this point,” said Hughes of Bath, who caddied for him in 2019 when the Canadian Open was last in Hamilton. “We walked these hills the last time I was here and it’s just nice to kind of keep him out there with me, if you will.
“I know we’re in the midst of a lot of chaos and competitiveness on that Rink hole and it’s actually a super hard shot with like a 6-iron or 5-iron, but there are bigger things than golf and he was a really close friend of mine and I’m thinking about him a lot.”
MacIntyre was 1 over on the day through 13 holes, allowing Hughes to briefly take the lead, but he reeled off three consecutive birdies and eagled No. 17 to pull way ahead of the field.
“I didn’t have it great at the start, but I feel like whenever I dropped a shot I bounced back with maybe two good shots into the green, and I would pick up a shot back,” said MacIntyre. “It never got away from me.
“A bit of luck, a bit of myself staying in the moment, staying calm. I got my reward with the putter in the end.”
Two-time Canadian Open champion Rory McIlroy remained an obvious fan favourite on Saturday. Roars could be heard every time he made a birdie putt as he fired a 5-under round to bounce back from a disappointing 2-over struggle on Friday. That lifted him into a four-way tie for 11th at 7-under overall.
“I feel like an honorary Canadian at this point and the support I get here is amazing,” said McIlroy, who won his first Canadian Open on the same course in 2019. “I keep saying it, but just a pleasure to play in an atmosphere like that.
“The crowds are so good, they’re so supportive, so enthusiastic, looking forward to one more day of it.”
Corey Conners (67) of Listowel, Ont., was in that group with McIlroy. Taylor Pendrith (66) of Richmond Hill, Ont., was a shot back in a five-way tie for 15th.
Hughes, Conners, and Pendrith were all on Kent State University’s men’s golf team together.
Canada’s Ben Silverman pushing for FedEx Cup points at RBC Canadian Open
When Ben Silverman was announced in the 13th tee box at the RBC Canadian Open, the fans at the feature Rink hole knew just what to do: rise and sing “O Canada,” in its entirety.
The ovation was the highlight of Silverman’s day, as the golfer from Thornhill, Ont., one of eight Canadians left in the men’s national championship, shot an even-par 70 on Saturday to sit in a tie for 49th at 1-under overall.
“I didn’t expect that,” said Silverman of the patriotic serenade. “I kind of was getting pumped up for it. It’s just a fun environment. It’s cool to be around.”
Silverman had five birdies in Saturday’s third round at Hamilton Golf and Country Club, but also had three bogeys and a double bogey on the par-4 No. 3 hole to finish his day no better or worse than the previous day. He liked how he’s played through the first three rounds of the Canadian Open, however.
“No major adjustments,” said Silverman on how he’ll prepare for Sunday’s final round. “Just keep doing what I’m doing and hope that all balls stay in the fairway and then I can have a better chance to score.”
Silverman is ranked 112th on the FedEx Cup standings with 229 points this season, having made 10 cuts at 16 events with four top 25s. The Canadian Open is his third consecutive made cut and given his position on its leaderboard it’s projected that he’ll hold his position on the PGA Tour rankings.
“Making cuts just cements the fact that I’m playing well, which I know I am,” said Silverman after coming off the course. “But honestly, the way the FedEx Cup points work unless you’re finishing top 20 at full field events like this, you’re not building enough points to make playoffs.
“So it’s bittersweet at the same time because T-40 essentially doesn’t mean much. You need to climb up to top 20, top 10 and contend for wins.”
Taylor Pendrith (66) of Richmond Hill, Ont., fired a 4-under 66 on Saturday afternoon to move 15 spots up the leaderboard and into a tie for 15th. He did it all with a new caddie as Mitch Theoret, who usually carries his bag for him, was in a wedding party on Saturday.
Instead, “Dynamite” Dean Emerson, who usually caddies for Patton Kizzire, stepped up.
“Dynamite Dean! He was great,” said Pendrith. “We had a fun time out there. Kept it pretty light.
“He kept me hydrated, made sure I was eating my bars, and gave me some good numbers, so, yeah, he was awesome.”
Anaheim Ducks centre Ryan Strome was also in contention to carry Pendrith’s clubs for him.
“We joked about it,” laughed Pendrith. “I didn’t know how serious he was, because he was supposed to be at the same wedding that Mitch is in.
“He said he would do it if I needed him, but he’s realizes that it’s my job and I should probably take a professional caddie, so it’s all good.”
Mackenzie Hughes (67) of nearby Dundas, Ont., was the low Canadian after three rounds, sitting in a tie for second at 10 under, four shots back of leader Robert MacIntyre of Scotland.
Corey Conners (67) of Listowel, Ont., was tied for 11th at 7 under and Edmonton’s Wil Bareman (72) dropped 23 spots into a tie for 36th at 2 under.
Adam Svensson (69) of Surrey, B.C., was tied with Silverman at 1 under.
Myles Creighton (71) of Digby, N.S., was tied for 58th at even-par 70 and David Hearn (72) of Brantford, Ont., was tied for 64th at 2 over.
Golf Canada Hole-In-One Report – Month of May 2024
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.
Mitch Jones, Applecross Country Club, Hole #3
I was playing with two good friends and teammates of mine in the lacrosse world at the beautiful Applecross Country Club, never did I expect the day to go like it did.
Hole #3 was playing about 185 yards with a slight downhill, I chose a 6 iron and hit a good one that took a great first bounce on the green and started rolling directly at the cup. It actually found its way behind the hole and appeared to sit right on the back edge. My playing partner with better vision then I started yelling that it was trapped leaning on the flagstick and started running towards the hole, he even yelled, “Look up the rules that’s a hole-in-one!”
I wasn’t as convinced as we all have had those shots that appear perfect from distance but when you get closer are faced with a knee knocking five to ten footer to deal with. So I tempered my expectations. Pleased with the stroke nonetheless I took my time getting into the cart and driving up, when I was about 40-50 yards away I saw it clearly drop in and that’s when I started celebrating!
To wrap up the story and add some humour. On the fourth tee I was still in mild shock and I ripped the ball into the woods never to be found again! Haha!
Darren Sabino, Wyldewood Golf & Country Club, Hole #9
I was playing with my two favourite golf partners – Ernie Bordin and Rob Andrews. In fact I am truly grateful to have been able to share the moment with them.
It was our first 18 of the season. It was the 9th hole, playing 149 yards. I hit a 7 iron and it took one hop and disappeared! The 9th hole plays to the clubhouse so there were quite a few witnesses.
Tucker Braund, Coyote Springs Golf Club, Hole #3
It was hole #3, 185 yards into the wind with a 5 iron, two bounces, rolled and broke right into the hole, which we could see from the tee box! I was playing with three friends I’ve played with since we were all junior members at Pinebrook in Calgary. It was one of my friends bachelor party, so even more fun to do it there!
Joseph Abbatangelo, Mill Run Golf Club, Hole #9
What an awesome day today! My first round of the season alongside my 11-year-old daughter Valentina. On hole #1, she takes a Titleist ProV1 ball out of her bag (with a TD Canada Trust logo) and says, “Here Dad, use this ball!” On hole #9 at Mill Run Golf Club (Highland Course), I hit an 8 iron from 183 yards with a 20 mph tailwind. The ball bounced on the front of the green and headed straight to the hole. The entire walk up to the green my daughter asks me, “Daddy, where is your ball?” I kept repeating, My ball is in the hole! I decided to video the last 30 yards to the green and it was awesome to see her pull my ProV1 out of the hole! After 30 years of golf, I shared my first hole-in-one with my youngest daughter. She quickly reminds me that she got her first hole-in-one after only six weeks of starting golf. Lucky for me, the 19th hole drinks were cheap, only a few root beers!
R.A Jones, Oshawa, Hole #18
The 18th hole, 98 yards, red tees and I hit a seven iron.
My playing partners were Gavin Watts, Steve Poots and Bill Lyon. Bill Lyon happens to be 92 years old and plays regularly at the club. Half the time he shoots his age.
I have done the cycle at Oshawa, I have had hole-in-one on holes #3, #5, #12 and now #18 I have been a member at Oshawa since 1970.
I don’t have a picture of the event, but I have something even better. I have a video of the hole-in-one. It just happened by fluke that a member of our Green Crew was checking out the camera over the 18th hole and was taking pictures while I was on the tee.
Ron Macdonald, Legends, Hole #8
On Masters Sunday, cI alled and asked Legends if they had room for a single. So I was a walk on with a twosome, Griffith and Luke.
Second round of the year, it was about a 35-40 km wind directly into my face on the 8th hole it was playing at 171 yards. Plus the wind. I used a 7th heaven wood and it was on line right off the tee and landed about 12 feet short and then rolled in.
My first hole-in-one!
Cameron Weir, Two Eagles, Hole #15
I was playing with a nice couple as my friend was too “sick” to make it for our tee time. It was 163 yards with a cross wind. I hit a stock 7 iron. Watching it land left of the pin and start rolling towards it, knowing it was getting better and better, great to have a short birdie putt. But all of a sudden, the ball disappeared. Quite a surreal experience!
Jason Porter, Devon and the Devon Golf and Country Club, Hole #9
I was golfing at Devon Golf and Country Club on April 29th with my wife Chantelle and Isabella, my 10 year old daughter, for her first round ever. Got to hole #9 and drained it with my 5 iron. Was a great memory for my daughter. She loves the game and now wants to get one herself!
John Hamilton, Windsor Park Golf Course, Hole #16
I got my first hole-in-one on April 21, 2024 at Windsor Park Golf Course in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Hole #16, 160 yards with a 7 iron into the wind. Landed in front of the flag stick and we watched it role back and disappear! I was golfing with three others (one Golf Canada member) and had them sign the scorecard and attest the round.
Marilyn Webster, Carnoustie Golf Club, Hole #8
I was playing with fellow ladies club members Irene Clarkson, Denise Pineau and Janine Wilson on April 5th when I got my second hole-in-one on the 8th hole at Carnoustie Golf Club. It was 115 yards to the pin over water. I pulled out an 8-iron, but as I had been pulling my irons that day and didn’t want to end up in the bunker on the left, I put the 8-iron back in my bag and pulled out my trusty 7-hybrid and teed it up higher than normal. As it bounced and rolled towards the hole Irene grabbed my arm and said, “It’s going in’” but I thought I could see my ball sitting just past the pin. As we walked up to the green and my ball was nowhere to be seen, I started to think that maybe it had gone in the hole and sure enough, it had! We had to have a shot of birdie juice to celebrate the occasion before heading to the next hole to finish our round.
Andy Alcock, Summit, Hole #2
– Played with Stew Smith and Nick Yuen
– Was 165 yards into the wind, hit a 6 iron
– Was my fifth hole-in-one
James Finlay, Riverside Country Club, Hole #18
I was playing with two other new members and friends, Andy Jay and Nick Demerchant. We got out early for a quick nine holes and opted to play the back nine.
The hole was the 18th hole at Riverside Golf and Country Club. The hole was 195 yards, a bit into the wind, but downhill. I opted to use a 7 iron, as the previous day I used a 6 iron and proceeded to lose two balls into the woods left of the hole.
I hit a straight shot that landed just short of the green and rolled up and into the cup. Thankfully we had a great view of the ball rolling into the hole. After celebrating what we were confident was a hole-in-one, I ran down to the hole to collect my ball.
What an experience!
Rob Connell, Mall River Golf Club, Hole #3
It was 138 yards. I used an 8 iron. My playing partners were Gerard MacDonald, Peter Johnston and Zach Connell.
Joey Fabing, National Pines Golf Club, Hole #4
I was playing with Shane Quinlan and Sentilar Sebastian. The yardage was 114 yards and hit a pitching wedge. It flew pass the hole and spun it back. We got to see it all the way.
Matt Knox, Georgetown Golf Club, Hole #8
On Saturday, May 4th, Georgetown Golf Club hosted their men’s opening golf tournament. My brother Bradley Knox got a hole-in-one on the 16th hole. The following day, Sunday, May 5th, I was golfing with my wife (Courtney Knox), as well as a friend of ours (Dima Babych). We got to hole #8, and it was playing 142 yards (adjusted to about 135 yards downhill). I hit a 52 degree wedge and it landed behind the pin and spun back into the hole! All in all, a very memorable weekend for the Knox brothers!
Zach Vanderlee, Settlers’ Ghost Golf Club, Hole #11
My playing partners for the day were Brett Way and Danny Kalfus. We were playing the gold tees that day and the yardage was about 145 up hill with a right to left cross wind, I grabbed my 9 iron and hit it about as well as I’ll ever hit a golf ball and the rest was history! Funny enough Brett and I were just talking about how poorly we had been playing up until that point where I tol him, “I just need to make a good swing here to get back on track.” Unfortunately, due to the hole design I didn’t watch it go in the hole from the tee, but we were elated to walk up to the green with my ball playing a disappearing act in the hole! Needless to say the celebrations would begin immediately after with some loud yelling and cheering that grabbed the attention of groups ahead and behind.
Anne Moore, Loyalist Country Club, Hole #8
I had my first hole-in-one on hole #8 September 5, 2016. On Monday, May 6, I played with my two regular golf companions – Jackie Nesbitt and Lorne Sarmiento. It’s a short par 3 (85 yards), but with the gusty crosswind I used more club than normal. My Ping 425 7 did the magic. I’m in my 70’s, so age doesn’t matter in golf for hole-in-ones!
Lynn Pavlik, The Pulpit Club – Pulpit, Hole #3
I was playing with my husband, Jim Cambell, on Monday, April 29th and the hole-in-one occurred on hole#3 at the Pulpit. The distance was 144 yards that day and I used my 7 hybrid. It was later in the day with gloomy weather so there were only a handful of members in the clubhouse to celebrate. I would have happily bought the entire club a round! My husband was extremely excited for me too and was texting all his golf buddies. Jim is my favourite golf partner so it was extra special that he was with me that day. I have also been struggling with a very damaged knee so the hole-in-one was a wonderful gift from the golf gods.
Chad Hauser, Highwood Golf & Country Club, Hole #17
Last year I had my first hole-in-one on a par 3 at The Canal at Delecour Golf Club in my second round of the season in May. This year it was another great start to the season and my fourth round of the season at the Highwood Golf & Country Club. It was the 17th hole, 306 yards. I pulled out my 9 degree Taylormade Stealth Driver and knew that I needed to go over the trees and water to go straight at the green. I had a line and told my playing partners Mike Grainger and Cory Williams that I need to go right over the tip of the tall pine tree but need to tee it a little higher so that it will land soft if I hit the green. I choked down my driver a couple inches and teed it up a little higher and let it go. It came off the face absolutely perfect. Once it went over the trees we couldn’t see it. My one partner Mike said, “I think it should be just left of the green.” and my other partner Cory said, “How about more like just left of the pin.”
We drove up the fairway and they hit there second shots and I was looking through my laser and couldn’t see anything on the green or around the green. We pulled up and automatically went to the back of the green and checked the bunkers because I have driven over this green before. Cory didn’t see anything, so I decided I would just go look at the hole. Sure enough as soon as I got towards the hole I saw the ball. We went absolutely crazy! Everyone within two fairways of us heard us! I had always wanted to get a hole-in-one on a par four. I have been inside of 3’ a few times in my life, but never thought this was going to happen. It was definitely an awesome day!
So now I have two hole-in-ones, par 3, par 4, and an albatross on a par 5 as well. Definitely things I didn’t think I would be able to do.
Dawson Gilgan, Prince George Golf Club, Hole #10
I was with Golf Canada member Tyler Smith and his friend who’s name I don’t know. It was a 7 iron.
Josh Kerychuk, Blue Devil Golf Club, Hole #12
It was my first hole-in-one and I was pretty excited. It was hole #12, 172 yards and I used a 7 iron. I was playing with my buddy Carman Penner. The best part was there were two maintenance guys at the back of the green that started celebrating before I did! They were very excited and kind, and even notified the pro shop on my behalf. The team in the pro shop had a nice souvenir waiting for me when we finished our round. The whole team at Blue Devil deserves kudos for how awesome they were.
Scott Miller, Murray Municipal, Hole #9
– Played with Joe Bladyko and Shaun Koroluk
– 160 yards
– 22 degree hybrid
– Third career hole-in-one
Michael Karasinski, Twenty Valley Golf & Country Club Inc, Hole #7
It was great! Played with a few members here at the club, Mal Smithson, John Gardner and Ed Devries! It was playing 181 yards into the wind and I hit a 5 iron! Initially, I thought it was long and then I heard Mal from the other tee block yell over to say it was in! I couldn’t believe it! There was excitement and fear knowing it was our Men’s League opening dinner that night and it could get expensive! All in all, it is a moment I will never forget!
Francis Macdonald, River Hills Golf Club – Shelburne, Hole #18
Happened at River Hills Golf and Country Club on hole #18 using a 8 iron. Bounced twice than rolled into the hole. It was about 115 yards. Playing with Bobby Stoddard Sr. and Don Dares.
By the way Bobby had a hole-in-one about a week and half earlier. I missed his as I wasn’t there but two of us in our regular group has an ace. His was on hole #10.
Michael White, Oshawa Golf & Curling Club, Hole #12
Thanks for the email. I was playing with Rob Ford a buddy of mine. Played in the rain and into the wind, I hit a seven iron high draw, it rolled five feet into the hole from 156 yards. My friends were playing in front heard it hit the pin. Our pro was playing behind us and heard the cheers. This was my fourth hole-in-one.
Maurice Robert, Stony Plain Golf Course, Hole #12
– Playing with Ian Mccreath and Gord Duckering
– 148 yards
– Big Bertha 8 hybrid
Bruce Card, Craigowan Golf Club, Hole #14
I did get a hole-in-one on April 22nd my first round of the year after being away in Florida for the winter. I had it on hole #14 at Craigowan it was playing 180 yards and I hit a six iron. I was playing with Dean Olson, Mike Aggerholm and Gord Munro it was the third one that I have had.
Brian Kebic, Conklin Players Club, Hole #2
I was with ClubEG on their annual trip to Binghamton, NY at the Conklin Players Club. On the Saturday, April 27th outing I was playing with Owen Preston from ClubEG along with Jack Kenny and Keith Blake from Brockville Country Club. It was hole #2, playing 111 yards. I hit my pitching wedge and was asking for it to get a big bounce so it would get up and on the green. The ball landed just short of the green and rolled up to the hole, breaking from right to left. We watched as the ball went behind the pin and then disappeared, obviously falling backwards into the hole.
Louis Forbes, Timber Ridge Golf Course, Hole #17
The yardage was 117. Used a Ping G15 9 iron. Was playing with Brad Little, Paul Whitley and Ron Romard.
Jeremy Spence, Bear Creek, Hole #15
The hole-in-one was Friday, April 26th. It was on Island course, hole #6, par 3, 154 yards and I used 8 iron. Playing partners/witnesses: Paul Shervill and Dan Babins.
William Garbarino, Greyhawk Golf Club, Hole #12
This was my first hole-in-one after 15+ years of playing golf. The yardage was 161 and I played a 7 iron. Ball landed five and half feet before the hole, took one bounce and rolled in. The rest of my foursome are all GreyHawk Golf Club and Golf Canada members (Jim Neubauer, Tim Smith and Chris Seidl).
A very exciting moment! The group photo includes a fifth person who was a prospective member driving by, he stopped to congratulate me when he witnessed the hole-in-one shot.
Derrick Tuyl, National, Hole #5
It was hole #5 at The National Golf Club of Canada, 8 iron, 168 yards with two of my closest buddies: Danny Mauti and Danny Tersigni.
Jamie Bagan, Arbutus Ridge Golf Club, Hole #9
Here are the details of my hole-in-one; golfing with Perry Mogus, Ron Pacholko and Adi Lintner (part of a group of 16 that golf every Friday at Arbutus Ridge Golf Club). Hole #9. Approximately 110 yards and the club used was a pitching wedge.
Nick McBride, Oakfield, Hole #15
Been playing for over 30 years and this was my first ace! Such a great experience. It was hole #15 at Oakfield Golf and Country Club. 160 yards from the white with a 7 iron. Playing partners were Mike Juurlink, Kyle Millen and Ryan Millen.
Trish Snowdon, Arbutus Ridge Golf Club, Hole #13
This was my first hole-in-one ever so needless to say I was pretty excited. I was playing with my partner, Jayne Boyle, and her two sons Jonathan and Michael Cramton. The day was overcast and rain had been falling for a few holes. The 13th hole has an elevated green with water directly in front. We were playing the white tees, so it was about 140 yards. I pulled out my 5 hybrid and just thought, “get it over the water.” My shot went up directly in line with the flag and landed on the little crest right before the green. We saw it roll off the hill and Jonathan immediately said, “Oh, this has a chance.” Then it disappeared. Because it’s elevated, we couldn’t see where it went after it came off the hill. We jumped in the carts and took off for the green. I fully expected it to have rolled past the pin and be on the far side of the green. But as we got closer, no ball was in sight. I sprinted up to the flag, still holding my club and sure enough, there it was at the bottom of the cup. My TaylorMade TPS 5 was staring back up at me. Let the whooping commence. Even some guys a couple holes over were cheering and giving air high fives. Definitely a hole to remember!
Ingrid Kim, Langara Golf Course, Hole #2
On Langara Ladies Club Day last April 30, Anne Findlay-Shirras, Geordie Stowell, Shelley Sluggett and I teed off in group six. On the 130-yard second hole, after hitting the tee with a 5-wood club, I came down from the tee box after seeing that my ball had landed well on the green and was rolling toward the hole cup. I arrived at the green and couldn’t find the ball right away on and around the green, but eventually, we found my ball sitting in the hole cup and shouted “hole-in-one!” Everyone shouted in unison.
Rylan Isaac, Valleyview Delisle Golf & Country Club, Hole #4
Jeff Reader, Whispering Pines, Hole #5
On hole 5, I used an 8-iron to get my hole-in-one. The blue tees are under repairs and we shot from the red tee box. The yardage from the red tee off is 116. I was golfing with Eric Belanger and Carl Berends who are also members at Whispering Pines Golf and Country Resort.
Andrew Crow, The Oaks of St. George Golf Club, Hole #5
It was the first week of my men’s league at The Oaks of St. George Golf Club. I was having a bad round but having fun as it was the first week for my league foursome to be back together. Blaine, Tony and I played simulator golf all winter but hadn’t played with Teddy since last summer. There is nothing like the verbal abuse Teddy brings to the game. On to the game, I hit a great drive on the par 5 hole #4 but managed to stick handle my way to bogey. We came up the hill to the tee box on hole #5 downed our birdie drinks because Tony drained his birdie putt on hole #4. Hole #5 at The Oaks is a Beautiful Downhill shot with a pond and bunker to the left and a big bunker to the right with a Big Willow tree at the back left. The green is an upside down “L” shape bending to the left with a small bunker at inside of the bend. It plays 127 yards to the front and 143 yards to the back. The pin placement was in the hardest spot on the green four feet from front the edge just past bend and the bunker at about 135 yards. Tony went first and didn’t hit his 9 iron well and ended up pin high. I also had my 9 iron in hand but was too lazy to walk back up the hill to my bag and grab my wedge so I tee’d up my 9 iron and hit a 75% shot really clean. It landed just clear of the bunker slowly rolled in. Of course most of my group was still celebrating Tony’s previous birdie and weren’t sure it went in. I was pretty sure but have been close in the past and didn’t want to get too excited. As we came up to the green Tony ran up to hole and started screaming. At that point my legs got a little wobbly. I couldn’t believe it, it finally happened.
Bill Hillis, Trillium Wood Golf Club, Hole #14
– May 3, 2024 at Trillium Woods Golf Club – Hole #14
– Playing with Richard Bough
– 130 yards with #6 hybrid
– Elevated tee over a swamp to the green
– First hole-in-one at 70 years old, 55 years of playing the game.
Stan Loach, Mississipi Golf Club, Hole #5
Fraser Sutherland, Fort McMurray Golf Club, Hole #8
I was playing hole #8 on our Black Bear nine at Fort McMurray Golf Club. It was playing 171 yards and I hit a 5 iron. My playing partners were from left to right: Barry Reid, Claude Howse, me (Fraser Sutherland) and Brian Goodale.
Cameron MacPherson, Two Eagles Golf Course & Academy, Hole #15
My hole-in-one was the 15th hole at Two Eagles, which was playing 152 yards to a front pin. I used an 8 iron to get there. I was playing in a junior tournament with three others around my age. The round started with torrential rain which seemed to ease off right after hole #13.
Sherri Carroll, Kawartha Golf Club, Hole #8
It was a cool, breezy morning, golfing with my ladies Diane Johnson and Krista Thompson, my second round of the season that started at the pro shop looking to sign up for a refresher lesson with Shanna as my first round was so bad! After this hole I thought, “maybe I will just stick with what I know.” Big surprise and great start to my season.
Robert Hindle, Credit Valley Golf & Country Club, Hole #7
I was playing with my buddies, Ken Johnson, Jim Carmichael and Bob Babensee. On hole #7, at 143 yards, managed to hit a pure 7 iron. It flew high and straight at the pin, landed and rolled about 10 feet, and disappeared into the hole. I started playing golf as a 12 year old, and now, 64 years later, I finally got my first ever hole-in-one!
Shamin Babul, Mayfair Lakes Golf Course, Hole #8
It only took me 22 years to get my very first hole-in-one. On Saturday May 4, I was playing with three other lady members at Mayfair. (Lynne, Judy and Gin). The yardage to the hole, as per my watch was 111 yards. I used my 9 wood which normally hits about 105-107 yards. It was a great shot. Flew high and landed about four feet from the flag. We could see it rolling towards the hole. My playing partners got all excited, but I reassured them that it was probably sitting behind the pin. Low and behold, it was in the hole. What an amazing feeling it was. One to remember forever.
Lillian Zeng, Fraserview Golf Course, Hole #3
I got a hole-in-one on hole #3 , which is a par 3, at Fraserview Golf Course in B.C. on May 3rd. I used a 6 iron aiming for 130 yards and I did it perfectly. I also made my best score of my three years of golfing.
Mark Whitwam, Greensmere Golf Club, Hole #3
I was playing with my golf partner Chris Koch in the Nortel (Northern Telecom) golf league against Dick Keilty and Bill Allan. (Nortel went bankrupt almost 20 years ago, but the golf league lives on with 45 two man teams in three leagues playing Monday and Wednesday evenings at three different Ottawa golf courses). Chris and I have been partners in the league since 1992 and we have won six times including last year. Playing last Monday at the Greensmere golf and country club, from the white tees I hit a 7 iron at the 150 yard 3rd hole on the Premiere course. The ball bounced once in front of the pin and then disappeared. Hole-in-one? When I got to the green, I checked the hole and my ball was at the bottom of the cup. It is my 2nd hole in one. The first was also in the Nortel golf league in 1998.
Jackson Fabris, Mickelson National Golf Club, Hole #3
I was playing with Mateo Kern, Alex Adler and Max-Hamel-Balaski. It was 74 yards and I hit a 54 degree.
Cole Fedorvich, Westlock Golf Club, Hole #17
The moment I watched the ball roll out of site I knew it had gone into the hole. Then like everyone’s worst nightmare I remembered I was golfing alone so to the world it might not be official but to myself and all my family and friends it does. I was playing a par three on the back nine. It was about 135 yards as I didn’t range it specifically and I used my pitching wedge to carry the distance.
Bill Dettweiler, Stone Tree, Hole #16
My first and only hole-in-one at Stone Tree Golf Owen Sound. Mens night June 16, 2022 on hole #16 using an 8 iron, 124 yards to the pin.
Brae Rogalczyk, Ponoka Golf and Country Club, Hole #17
I was playing with my dad and grandpa, as we usually do every week. It was an amazing experience, and a memorable one to have that happen with my family. With my 7 iron in hand looking at the tee box sign I thought about how cool it would be to get a hole-in-one on #17 considering 17 is our family’s lucky number. I was 210 yards out and as soon as the ball landed on the green close to the pin I heard my Dad yell, “It’s going in” then roll about four feet and drop in the cup! We all jumped in the air together in joy sharing the amazing moment together with my dad and grandpa! Special thanks to Ponoka Golf and Country Club for having the course ready in great condition as this was my practice round for my upcoming Alberta Men’s Amateur Central Qualifier.
Grady McDougall, Stone Tree, Hole #16
Par 4, hole #6, blind tee shot over the hill about 310 yards playing more like 295 hit one in line with the left side of the green we thought went and looked in the grass bunker left and to the back and then finally checked the hole.
John Pagotto, Islesmere Blue Course, Hole #5
– Yardage: 135
– Club: 8 iron
– Ball: Titleist ProV1
– Date: May 15, 2024
– Summary hit an 8 iron to elevated green, ball hit three feet to left of the pin, side spin and rolled into the hole
– First ever hole-in-one
– Amazing feeling!
Pat Peden, Sunnydale, Hole #10
How exciting to score a hole- in-one on #10 while golfing on Sunday afternoon, April 14th, in Courtenay, B.C. at our home club of Sunnydale. I must say I hit a pretty good 8 iron 117 yards and was just happy to hit the green. My friends Jen Zbinden, Kathy Binns and Kim Haaf were yelling that it went in the hole as well as the foursome on the next tee. I couldn’t believe it as I never even get a KP on ladies day! To make it even more fun I was playing with Kathy when she got a hole-in-one the year before at our ladies Tillicum tournament. Plus, a couple years earlier I was with another friend Linda Broadbent when she got a hole-in-one. It was the second time for me as I had scored one in my first year of golfing 40 years ago in the early 80’s. Guess I’ll be an old golfer when I score the next one.
Lori Seward, Playa Dorada Golf Club, Hole #17
Heng Phosy, Olympic View Golf Course, Hole #4
I made a hole-in-one on May 20, 2024, on hole #4 at Olympic View Golf Course in Victoria, B.C. The hole was playing 139 yards from the white tee. There was a slight breeze against us. I used a 7 iron, usually my 150 yard club. The ball landed short of the hole, ran out, breaking right as it did and went into the hole. We did not see it go in but thought it was going to be within 15 feet of the hole. Frank Mikkers and David Tobacco were my playing partners. This was my second hole-in-one. The first one was also on this hole years ago.
Blythe Comer, Watson’s Glen Golf Club, Hole #6
I got my first ever hole-in-one while playing in our LPGA Durham Chapter league Wednesday night on May 15th, 2024 at Watson’s Glen GC, hole #6, par 3, hitting a gap wedge approximately 78 yards and witnessed by Rosemary, Nicola and Sandy. Posted round to Golf Canada on May 16th scoring 40 for nine holes.
Greg Parker, Kedron Dells Golf Club, Hole #8
I hit an 8 iron from 141 yards out on hole #8. The ball landed just to the left of the pin, spun to the right and disappeared. At first, we weren’t sure if the ball just rolled off the green and out of sight. But we also thought, “I think that went in the hole.” As we walked closer to the green, the ball was nowhere to be seen. Sure enough, we get up to the hole and there’s the ball. Unbelievable feeling and one that I won’t ever forget. I’m still in disbelief that it happened!
Alexander Nemeskeri, Sherwood Golf & Country Club, Hole #16
Got an ace in 2019 (September 19th) at the Sherwood Golf & Country club on hole #16. 182 yards. 6 iron. Witness was My Oma (Austrian for grandmother).
Sharon Dunn, Viewpoint Golf Resort (Championship), Hole #3
Hole-in-one I got in Mesa, Arizona on March 10, 2024. My first hole-in-one.
Neil Washer, Roundel Glen Golf Course, Hole #1
I got my first hole-in-one at 60 years of age! Roundel Glen Golf Course, CFB Trenton, Ontario. Hole #1, approximately 120 yards, witnesses were Cathy and Ian Taggart alongside Mike Griffiths. Taylormade Stealth pitching wedge and yellow Taylormade distance golf ball.
Joan McFarlane, The Landings Golf Course, Hole #11
Recorded my fourth hole-in-one on Tuesday, May 28th at The Landings Golf Course in Kingston, Ontario with my friends Sharon, Diane and the waiting grass cutter. A perfect shot on hole #11 on a not so perfect weather day!
Peter Renaud, Arundel, Hole #5
Hole #5, 155 yards with a hybrid 4. The hat I was wearing was the first time that I wore it. It’s a gift from my son who is in a Broadway musical in New York called Water for Elephants. You can clearly see the logo. So now it’s my new lucky hat.
Mackenzie Hughes in contention heading into the weekend at RBC Canadian Open
Mackenzie Hughes first competed in the Canadian Open at the Hamilton Golf & Country Club when he was a bright-eyed 21-year-old. Today, 12 years later, the 33-year-old from Dundas, Ontario is a seasoned veteran and has two PGA TOUR victories to his name – and is contention to potentially add one more victory to his resume on Canadian soil.
While some things have changed, the thing that remains the same is the support Hughes receives when he returns home – and his eager desire to play his A game in front of the appreciative and energetic Canadian golf fans.
“I remember doing it at 21 years old and being pretty wide eyed and maybe caught off guard by how big the moment was,” said Hughes, who won the Canadian Men’s Amateur both in 2011 and 2012.
He speaks about watching Canada’s National Open as a young kid in 2003 and 2006 and wanting to get close to the players to get photos and autographs. Today, he’s the one being asked for photos and autographs.
Hughes says the Canadian players competing at the tournament have to multi task with other commitments besides golf during tournament week – but he personally wouldn’t have it any other way.
“I try to relish the fact that I’ll have some extra cheers out there and a lot of friends and family (in the crowd),” said Hughes during his pre-tournament presser.
This year, there are a record number of Canadians competing at the RBC Canadian Open. In total, there are 28 Canadians competing including defending champion, Nick Taylor, and two of Hughes’ former Kent State University teammates, Taylor Pendrith and Corey Conners.
“Amongst the Canadians we talk about this a little bit just in the fact that when we come back for this one week a year you kind of feel like a little bit of a star. You go next week and it feels different – even though it’s a big tournament next week as well,” said Hughes, a long-time member of the Canadian National Team.
“Coming here feels different. The support and the way the fans are behind us is really cool. It’s probably one of the most fun tournaments to kind of get in contention for just because of how much support we have,” he continued.
Hughes acknowledges the significance of Nick Taylor’s dramatic playoff victory last year and strives to achieve his own version of greatness.
“While we’re not answering the question of who will be the first Canadian to win since Pat Fletcher, but I still think that when we come here, we’re all pretty eager to do well close to home,” said Hughes.
“I put a lot of pressure on myself to do well every single week but coming here I really enjoy playing well in front of the home crowd.”
Hughes has certainly brought his A game for the hometown crowd and enjoyed a stellar second round, firing a six under 64.
“When I started the day obviously, I’m just trying to get myself in position for the weekend. Then I kind of got off to a start where I felt like I kind of had some good juices going early,” he said.
As a teammate of Hughes from the Canadian National Team program and during their collegiate days at Kent State University, Corey Conners knows what Hughes is capable of doing when he’s playing his best golf.
“It’s fun to watch. I’m a little bit jealous sometimes how well he rolls it,” said Conners with a smile.
“(Mackenzie) can get on a good roll, and the greens here are rolling beautifully. No surprise he’s rolling a bunch of putts in,” he added about his good friend and former teammate.
At seven under par, Hughes has positioned himself as the top Canadian in the field heading into the weekend.
“I had a few minutes to process the round and kind of the whole day and while the finish was disappointing, I look at the whole body of work. Starting today if you told me I was going to shoot 64, I would have taken it,” noted the Dundas, Ont., native during his post round presser. “It gets me into contention for the weekend and that’s all I can ask for.”
David Hearn makes cut at RBC Canadian Open after long PGA Tour layoff
It’s been six long months since David Hearn played in a PGA Tour event. It’s been even longer since the 44-year-old Canadian made a cut.
But he will tee it up in the third round of the RBC Canadian Open on Saturday.
Hearn was the low Canadian on Thursday after a 3-under 67 round but then he laboured to a 3-over score on Friday to make the even-par cut and return to the third round of a PGA Tour event.
“It certainly wasn’t what I was looking for but with as much time as I’ve had off from tournament golf, I certainly was fighting through a few things today,” said Hearn before he knew for sure he’d make the cut. “I certainly hope that I’m around for two more days. I’d like two more cracks at it.”
Hearn last played in the Butterfield Bermuda Championship in November 2023 but missed the cut. He didn’t see the weekend at the five other PGA Tour events he played in that season, either.
“A little bit scrappy today, even yesterday. But I feel like it’s closer than it has been,” said Hearn, who is considered a veteran member of the PGA Tour having made more than 150 cuts over the course of his career. “There’s no reason I can’t go and compete and try to get on some of these events.
“There’s been a lot of changes to the PGA Tour in the last year or two and it’s affected guys in my category a lot. Hopefully I can get a few more starts and try to do something.”
Hearn was granted an exemption to play in the Canadian Open, the national men’s golf championship, on May 22. It’s his 20th appearance in the tournament and he has now made the cut in half of those.
“It means so much for me to play in our national championship, to do it here at Hamilton so close to home,” said Hearn. “I had my wife and my kids follow me around, my parents, all my family.
“It was a pretty special week and I get two more days to have a chance to make a few more birdies.”
Mackenzie Hughes (64) of Dundas, Ont., is the low Canadian after two rounds, sitting in a tie for fourth at 7 under. Corey Conners (67) of Listowel, Ont., and Edmonton’s Wil Bateman (66) were tied for 13th at 4 under.
“I knew I was right there,” said Hughes. “I did a great job for most of the day. The finish wasn’t what I planned for, but I’m happy with the result.”
Taylor Pendrith of Richmond Hill, Ont., complicated his life by scoring back-to-back 69s to enter a tie for 30th at 2 under.
His caddie Mitchell Theoret is in a wedding party this weekend and won’t be able to carry his bag on Saturday. Anaheim Ducks centre Ryan Strome was supposed to sub in for Theoret but he’s attending the same wedding and with Pendrith’s later tee time in the third round he’s also not available, leaving Theoret to find a second substitute.
“I didn’t really play great today, I hit a couple squirrelly shots, but short game was good and I had a couple of wedges to a couple feet late in the round so that it’s always helpful,” said Pendrith before heading to the driving range. “I’ve got to straighten it out a little bit for the weekend but I’m excited.”
Ben Silverman (71) of Thornhill, Ont., and Myles Creighton (68) of Digby, N.S., were tied for 42nd at 1 under. Adam Svensson (68) of Surrey, B.C., finished Friday tied with Hearn at even par and made the cut.
A modern-era record of 28 Canadians were in the field at this week’s home open, with 20 missing the cut.
“It’s a testament to Golf Canada and what they’ve done to help grow the game,” said Pendrith. “All the hard work that they’ve put into the amateur programs, young pro squad, and there’s some other guys who didn’t go through that program who are playing great.”
Reigning Canadian Open champion Nick Taylor of Abbotsford, B.C., was the biggest name to miss the cut. He ended a 69-year drought for Canadians at the national championship last year at Toronto’s Oakdale Golf and Country Club.
Canadian golf Hall of Famer Mike Weir of Brights Grove, Ont., Roger Sloan of Merritt, B.C., Hamilton’s Michael Blair, Jared du Toit of Kimberley, B.C., Toronto’s Richard T. Lee, Cam Kellett of London, Ont., Adam Hadwin of Abbotsford, Matthew Anderson of Mississauga, Ont., Michael Gligic of Burlington, Ont., Etienne Papineau of St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Que., Aaron Cockerill of Stony Mountain, Man., Kevin Stinson of Mission, B.C., Vancouver’s Jake Lane, Max Sear of Stouffville, Ont., Vancouver’s Stuart Macdonald and Marc-Olivier Plasse of Mercier, Que., all missed the cut.
Amateurs Ashton McCulloch of Kingston, Ont., Justin Matthews of Little Britain, Ont., and Jakob Chicoyne of Calgary also had their tournaments end on Friday.
UBC Thunderbirds and Victoria Vikes look to defend their titles in both the women’s and men’s divisions at the Canadian University/College Championship presented by BDO
SUDBURY, Ont. – Canada’s best student-athlete golfers will descend on Idylwylde Golf & Country Club in Sudbury, Ont., for the 2024 Canadian University/College Championship, presented by BDO from June 2 – 6. The championship includes both a team and individual component featuring Canada’s top university and college talent.
2024 marks the 20th playing of the Canadian University/College Championship, which was established in 2003 by Golf Canada to give the country’s best university and college golfers a chance to compete at a national championship.
Founded in 1922, Idylwylde Golf & Country Club was developed from the old Howey Farm on the south shore of Ramsey Lake. Idylwylde features a parkland style golf course in the heart of Sudbury between Laurentian University and Lake Ramsey and Nepahwin. The 6656-yard course boasts views of the lake with it coming into play on several different occasions.
“The Idylwylde is extremely proud to be the host venue for the 2024 Canadian University/College Championships. The club has strong ties to the university/college golf world; 20 years ago, our former club professional and current general manager Paul Schweyer created the golf program at Laurentian University. It is a fitting milestone to celebrate by hosting this championship,” said David Bower, Head Golf Professional, Idylwylde Golf & Country Club. “We have continued our partnership with the university to this day, supporting the student athletes with coaching and facilities to hone their games. We are excited to see these athletes have the chance to compete for a national championship and to showcase our beautiful facility with such a prestigious event.”
The 20 teams competing in the Men’s division represent the following conferences (number of teams in brackets):
Canada-West (5)
Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (2)
Réseau du sport étudiant du Québec (5)
Ontario University Athletics (8)
The Women’s division is comprised of 12 teams represent the following conferences (number of teams in brackets):
Canada-West (4)
Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (1)
Réseau du sport étudiant du Québec (2)
Ontario University Athletics (5)
In addition, a limited number of spots are available to individuals attending a Canadian post-secondary institution not otherwise entered in to the championship as part of a team. A total of nine individual players (five men and four women) will compete as individuals.
After the third round, the field will be cut to the low nine (9) men’s teams and the low six (6) women’s teams, including any team within 15 shots of the lead. Individuals within ten (10) shots of third place, or any player within the top-10, will also make the cut.
The University of British Columbia (UBC) Thunderbirds enter this year’s tournament as the defending champions of the women’s division. With their win in 2023, the UBC Thunderbirds have claimed the women’s team division six times in a row, and a dominant 16th time in the 19-year history of the event. The Thunderbirds were led by Sonja Tang who also won her second consecutive individual title last year at FireRock Golf Club in Komoka, Ont. Tang was joined by teammates Grace Bell, Bo Brown and Élizabeth Labbé. Only Bell and Brown are returning this year to defend UBC’s title.
The University of Victoria Vikes men’s team won their first national championship last year at FireRock. The Vikes held a one-shot lead heading into the final round and shot 10-under on Friday to finish the tournament at 14-under, 13 shots clear of the Université Laval Rouge et Or. The University of Victoria men’s team was comprised of Robin Conlan, Zachary Ryujin, Liam Mosher, Aiden Craig-Steele and Chase Basanta. Craig and Ryujin return for the 2024 championship.
In addition to competing for a national championship, the winning men’s team will qualify for the inaugural Canadian Collegiate Invitational, taking place September 15-17 at Öviinbyrd Golf Club in MacTier, Ont. For more information on the tournament click here.
The individual winners in both the men’s and women’s divisions will earn exemptions into their respective Canadian Amateur Championships. The 110th Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship, presented by BDO runs July 30 to August 2 at Royal Colwood Golf Club in Victoria, B.C. The 119th Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship, presented by BDO is set for Riverside Country Club in Saskatoon, Sask. August 5-8.
Multiple winners of the Canadian University/College Championship include Christina Spence (2007 & 2008), Kat Kennedy (2016 & 2017), Evan Holmes (2015 & 2017) and Sonja Tang (2022 & 2023).
For more information about the 2024 Canadian University/College Championship, including the player list, pairings and leaderboards, click here.
MEN’S TEAMS
Bishop’s University Gaiters
Brock University Badgers
Champlain St-Lawrence Lions
Humber College Hawks
Laurentian University Voyageurs
Queen’s University Gaels
St. Clair College Saints
Université de Sherbrooke Vert et Or
Université du Montréal Carabins
Université Laval Rouge et Or
University of British Columbia Okanagan Heat
University of British Columbia Thunderbirds
University of Calgary Dinos
University of Fraser Valley Cascades
University of Guelph Gryphons
University of Victoria Vikes
University of Waterloo Warriors
University of Windsor Lancers
Western University Mustangs
Wilfrid Laurier University Golden Hawks
WOMEN’S TEAMS
Humber College Hawks
Université de Sherbrooke Vert et Or
Université Laval Rouge et Or
University of British Columbia Okanagan Heat
University of British Columbia Thunderbirds
University of Fraser Valley Cascades
University of Guelph Gryphons
University of Toronto Varsity Blues
University of Victoria Vikes
University of Waterloo Warriors
University of Windsor Lancers
Wilfrid Laurier University Golden Hawks
Fox, MacIntyre second-round leaders at RBC Canadian Open; Hughes low Canadian
It’s falling on the shoulders of Mackenzie Hughes and seven other Canadians to keep the RBC Canadian Open title north of the border.
Reigning champion Nick Taylor missed the cut on Friday, leaving Hughes as Canada’s best chance to chase down co-leaders Ryan Fox of New Zealand and Robert MacIntyre of Scotland. Hughes said it was important to not let the pressure of winning force him to try too hard on Saturday and Sunday.
“I need to be even more aware of that come the weekend, because as you get closer to the end and as you see the finish line, it gets harder and harder to control those thoughts and to stay in the present,” said Hughes, who grew up in Dundas, Ont., less than 10 kilometres from Hamilton Golf and Country Club.
“I’ll have a big focus on just going out there and having some fun and enjoying the whole moment.”
MacIntyre had a 4-under 66 morning to move to the top of the leaderboard but then Fox fired a 6-under 64 in the afternoon to tie the Scot at 10-under overall and share a two-shot lead over Joel Dahmen (65) of the United States.
Taylor, from Abbotsford, B.C., struggled through a 1-over 71 round to miss the even-par cut by three shots. He ended a 69-year drought for Canadians at their national men’s golf championship last year after a thrilling four-hole playoff victory over England’s Tommy Fleetwood at Toronto’s Oakdale Golf and Country Club.
Although Hughes had five birdies and two eagles on Friday, he had three bogeys including two back-to-back to close out his round for a 6-under 64 day.
“I’ve had a few minutes to process the round and the whole day, and while the finish was disappointing, I look at the whole body of work,” said Hughes, who moved 28 spots up the leaderboard to sit in a tie for fourth at 7 under. “Starting today if you told me I was going to shoot 64, I would have taken it.
“So it gets me into contention for the weekend and that’s all I can ask for.”
Fox said he was able to reel in MacIntyre, who at one point had a three-stroke lead, because “almost everything” was clicking for him on Friday.
“I drove it great, I hit may irons really good, and had a few more putts drop today,” said Fox. “It could have been really silly, but I still had a lot of good putts.
“If you would have given me 64 to start the day I certainly would have taken it.”
MacIntyre did not have a bogey through 36 holes, with his father Dougie serving as his caddie for the first time on the PGA Tour.
“We’re just kind of learning on the run — well, he is, he’s learning on the run and I’m kind of trying to stay as calm as I can,” said MacIntyre. “When I do miss a shot, I’m not trying to get too annoyed.
“We’re just trying to have as much fun as we can.”
Hughes was tied with first-round leader David Skinns (71) of England and American Andrew Novak (67).
A modern-era record 28 Canadians were in the field at the home open, with eight making the cut. Corey Conners (67) of Listowel, Ont., and Edmonton’s Wil Bateman (66) were tied for 13th at 4 under, the closest to Hughes.
“A little bit of a sloppy finish, but game plan’s not really going to change over the weekend,” said Conners. “Just try and get the ball in the fairway.
“I’m hitting my irons well, so if I’m in the fairway I feel like I’ll be able to get a lot of birdie looks, and rolling the putter pretty nicely.”
Canadian rock band Our Lady Peace will be performing on the grounds at Hamilton Golf and Country Club after the second round is complete.
Taylor, Pendrith, McIlroy steal show at RBC Canadian Open even as Skinns leads
If golf was a game of who has the biggest gallery, Nick Taylor, Taylor Pendrith, and Rory McIlroy would be the runaway leaders at the RBC Canadian Open.
England’s David Skinns had a one-shot lead after the first round of the national men’s golf championship on Thursday thanks to an 8-under 62 round in the afternoon.
His final few holes were witnessed by a fraction of the number of fans who had shown up early in the day to follow the marquee grouping of Taylor, Pendrith, and McIlroy, even as they shot higher scores at Hamilton Golf and Country Club than Skinns or early leaders Sam Burns and Sean O’Hair, who were second after the first round at 7 under.
“Usually the morning round for me on a Thursday there’s not that many people there,” said Taylor, who is from Abbotsford, B.C. “The energy was high, which was great, gets the adrenalin going, which is fun that early in the morning, gets you focused on what you need to do.
“Unfortunately, it didn’t go my way, but the crowds have been amazing.”
Skinns and Scotland’s Robert MacIntyre climbed the leaderboard in the afternoon to reel in Burns and O’Hair, who had a three-stroke lead after the round’s first wave. MacIntyre shot a 6-under 64 to take sole possession of fourth after 18 holes.
Even as Skinns and MacIntyre fired bogey-free rounds, the gallery following them was relatively small as many fans had left following the morning start of Taylor, Pendrith and McIlroy.
Taylor and Pendrith, from Richmond Hill, Ont., are the top two Canadians on the PGA Tour, ranked 32 and 33 on the FedEx Cup standings respectively. Taylor is also very much the face of the event after he became the first Canadian to win the men’s national golf championship in nearly seven decades at last year’s tournament.
“There was definitely more people watching us than last time I played (in Hamilton) or last time I played the Canadian Open,” said Pendrith. “We had fun. Rory played, scored, really nicely. It was fun to play with Nick.
“It was a comfortable pairing and it was fun to have the support of the home crowd and should be good tomorrow.”
McIlroy, who won the Canadian Open in 2019 the last time it was in Hamilton and again in Toronto in 2022, did the best of the marquee trio. He finished the day tied for fourth at 4-under 66.
The Northern Irishman, fourth on the FedEx Cup rankings, said he was impressed with all the spectators who were at the 10th tee when his group teed off at 7:40 a.m.
“The Canadian fans came out to support them,” said McIlroy of Taylor and Pendrith. “One of the main reasons I love coming back here is because of that atmosphere that’s created when we’re out there to play, and playing with two Canadians today was, it was exactly what I expected.”
Pendrith had a 1-under 69 round to finish the day tied for 33rd.
Taylor finished his day at 2-over 72, good for 96th. He took heart from the fact that he opened last year’s Canadian Open at Toronto’s Oakdale Golf and Country Club with a 3-over 75 round, made the cut, and went on to win in a thrilling four-hole playoff.
“I guess I beat last year by three, so I got that going for me,” said Taylor. “Obviously not out of it. I know that but personally, I would have liked to have got off to a better start.
“Again, the score is out there, the greens are soft, they’re receptive, just need to be a little sharper.”
O’Hair played bogey-free golf with five birdies and an eagle and Burns had a bogey, four birdies, and two eagles as they built a three-shot lead in the morning.
“I think with all the rain we had early in the week the greens are still pretty receptive,” said Burns after coming off the course at Hamilton Golf and Country Club. “It makes a big difference on par-5s when you have a long iron or a wood coming in there to be able to stop the ball pretty quick.”
Despite drawing the big crowds, Taylor and Pendrith weren’t even the low Canadians.
Forty-four-year-old David Hearn from nearby Brantford, Ont., was the low Canadian. He was tied for 11th at 3-under 67. Fifty-four-year-old Mike Weir of Brights Grove, Ont., was a shot behind Hearn to sit in a group tied for 20th.
“Hey, how about that? Maybe experience still has something,” said Hearn. “That’s great. I didn’t know that was the case. I saw Weirsy was off to a great start today, so that was good to see.
“Obviously Weirsy and I, that’s a great start. We’ve got three more rounds to follow it up with, so we’ll see what we can do.”
Audi Canada extends partnership as the premier automotive partner of Golf Canada
May 30, 2024 – Golf Canada and Audi Canada are proud to announce the extension of their partnership that will see the luxury automotive brand remain the Automotive Partner for Golf Canada, the RBC Canadian Open and CPKC Women’s Open through 2025.
As part of the renewed partnership, Audi Canada will continue to deliver premium experiences at both of Canada’s National Open Championships, the RBC Canadian Open and CPKC Women’s Open. In addition, Golf Canada and Audi will collaborate on the “Canadian National Audi quattro Cup”. The Audi quattro Cup is the world’s largest amateur golf tournament.
Since its founding in Germany in 1991, 38 nations have participated in the Audi quattro Cup. The tournament currently attracts about 70,000 players a year across the world. More than 2.1 million golfers have participated in Audi quattro Cup competitions during the previous 33 years, establishing the competition’s impressive global expansion.
“We are very excited to extend our partnership with Audi Canada, who have been a tremendous partner of Golf Canada with a collective vision of advancing the sport of golf in our country with precision and excellence,” said Laurence Applebaum, Chief Executive Officer, Golf Canada. “We look forward to continuing to offer golf fans unique experiences at both of our National Open Championships.”
Golf Canada and Audi Canada are committed to inclusivity and diversity and removing barriers from the game of golf, while helping to grow the women’s game in Canada. With this focus, Audi will introduce the Audi Precision Award at the 2024 CPKC Women’s Open, July 23-28 at Earl Grey Golf Club in Calgary, Alberta. The Audi Precision Award will reward the tournament’s “most precise player” and a donation will be made in the winner’s name to a local charity that focuses on growing and advancing women’s golf. More details will be announced at a later date.
“Golf Canada has been a strong strategic partner supporting the growth of our business and the Audi quattro Cup, the world’s largest amateur golf tournament. We are proud to expand our partnership, working together to remove barriers for underrepresented groups. We look forward to the continued partnership and shared spirit of growth with Golf Canada,” said Joseph Ottorino, Head of Marketing, Audi Canada.
As part of the continued partnership, Audi Canada will also remain as the Presenting Partner of the Golf Canada Mobile App. The Golf Canada Mobile App continues to be the all-in-one place to track progress and connect with colleagues and friends. The Golf Canada Mobile App offers users an exceptional experience while at the RBC Canadian Open and CPKC Women’s Open. For more information on the Golf Canada Mobile App, please click here. To download on Apple devices click here, to download on Google Play devices, click here.
ABOUT AUDI
The Audi Group is one of the most successful manufacturers of automobiles and motorcycles in the premium and luxury segment. The brands Audi, Bentley, Lamborghini, and Ducati produce at 21 locations in 12 countries. Audi and its partners are present in more than 100 markets worldwide.
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All eyes on Nick Taylor at RBC Canadian Open
In June of 2023, Nick Taylor put his name into the history books by sinking a 72-foot eagle putt on the fourth playoff hole at the Oakdale Golf & Country Club. By doing so, he became the first Canadian to win Canada’s National Open since Pat Fletcher accomplished the feat back in 1954.
As the 2024 edition of the RBC Canadian Open gets underway, all eyes will be on the 36-year-old from Abbotsford, British Columbia as he sets out to defend his title on Canadian soil.
The defending champion finds himself part of a marquee trio for the opening two rounds, which includes 2019 and 2022 tournament champion, Rory McIlroy, and Taylor Pendrith – who became the most recent Canadian to win on the PGA TOUR after capturing the CJ Cup Byron Nelson at the beginning of the month.
“It’s a huge event and to see Nick win it last year was unbelievable; it was super inspiring,” said Pendrith at his pre-tournament presser. “It was amazing to see him do it and end the drought in that fashion. I still get goose bumps watching the video.”
“It’s a major for us. It’s the one time we get to be here in our home country and play in front of the home fans, so it’s a big deal for the players and the spectators and the whole country,” he added.
McIlroy says he feels right at home competing in front of the Canadian golf fans. The two-time tournament champion recalls his first victory on Canadian soil back in 2019.
“The place was buzzing. The Raptors were about to win an NBA championship. Yeah, it was my first Canadian Open and I was blown away by just the enthusiasm that the fans have and it was such a great atmosphere to to play in,” recalled McIlroy, who attended game two of the 2019 NBA finals featuring the Toronto Raptors and the Golden State Warriors.
The former world number 1 from Ireland admits that while he hasn’t been to a live hockey game, he believes the Canadian golf fans bring that hockey energy to the golf course.
“Full disclosure here, and this isn’t probably a good thing to say in Canada, but I’ve never been to a hockey game, but I would imagine that that’s sort of what it feels like. It feels like you’re playing in that sort of hockey environment, especially with the Rink hole,” said McIlroy.
“I’m very, very fortunate that I feel like I get good support most places that we go play but it’s just for whatever reason it’s just a little bit extra here in Canada.”
While Pendrith and McIlroy will receive plenty of support, the man who will be the centre of attention as play gets underway is the defending champion, who ended Canada’s 69 year drought last June.
To commemorate Taylor’s historic achievement, Golf Canada has created a limited edition Nick Taylor bobblehead which will is available for sale with proceeds going to support the First Tee program.
Taylor says he’s had the chance to replay his clutch 72-foot eagle putt over and over – but watching it never gets old.
“I’ve seen the replay enough now that I kind of have that visual almost now instead of my own perception. Yeah, I’ve seen so many angles now, it’s really cool to see different people’s reaction. I feel when my wife and I see it we find a different person to look at and see how they reacted which is pretty fun,” he noted.
Taylor says his victory last June in Canada has given him more confidence which carried over to his win at the TPC Scottsdale in early February.
“It’s taken work to be able to get in that mental state of focusing on that present moment. When I look back at the Canadian Open, I take confidence from that which only helped me when I was at Phoenix,” he said.
As the defending champion and the first Canadian to win our Canada’s National Open in 69 years, it’s understandable that all eyes will be on Taylor as play gets underway. But it is often said, pressure is a privilege, and mature and confident 36-year-old appears poised and eager to embrace the challenge.
“The biggest change I would say since last year is obviously being recognized more in context of a golf course. Now, especially at the Canadian Open – so yeah, it’s a lot of pictures and signatures,” said Taylor.
“I think our crowds are going to be pretty big the next couple of days with Rory – who always has that following, and playing with Pendy. So, I’m looking forward to that a lot.”