OAKVILLE, Ont. – The PGA TOUR, RBC, Golf Canada and the Heritage Classic Foundation jointly announced today that RBC has signed six-year extensions as title sponsor of both the RBC Canadian Open and RBC Heritage. The new agreements take effect in 2018 and run through 2023.

“Since assuming sponsorship of Canada’s National Golf Championship in 2008, RBC has been a tremendous partner of the PGA TOUR,” Jay Monahan, Deputy Commissioner of the PGA TOUR, said during a press conference at Glen Abbey Golf Club, site of this week’s RBC Canadian Open. “RBC became passionately involved with the tournament from the outset and since that time, has increased its involvement in golf by sponsoring the RBC Heritage, supporting PGA TOUR and LPGA players through Team RBC, and funding youth and amateur golf initiatives in Canada. We couldn’t be happier to continue our relationship with such a strong advocate of golf through these two long-term extensions.”

“We are excited to extend our commitment to both the RBC Canadian Open and RBC Heritage for an additional six years,” said Dave McKay, President and CEO, RBC. “As the largest company in Canada, our sponsorship of the RBC Canadian Open reflects our leadership position in our home market, while our support of the RBC Heritage demonstrates our strong and growing presence in the U.S., particularly following our recent acquisition of City National Bank. We know many of our clients around the world have a passion for golf. With two PGA TOUR stops and a roster of world-class golfers representing our brand, RBC is proud to promote this great game and to have the opportunity to give back where we live and work, helping our communities prosper.”

The RBC Canadian Open is among the oldest tournaments on the PGA TOUR, dating back to 1904. Since becoming title sponsor, RBC has worked closely with Golf Canada to elevate the tournament in a variety of ways, including the implementation of a rotation of golf courses throughout the country and enhancing the tournament experience for fans and players.

“RBC is playing a major role in supporting excellence in Canadian golf and we are honoured to have them continue on as title sponsor of the RBC Canadian Open,” said Golf Canada CEO Scott Simmons.  “RBC is one of Canada’s most respected corporations and as a partner in golf and its continued commitment to conducting a world-class event has elevated the status and prestige of Canada’s National Open Championship.  On behalf of our Board of Directors, staff and Canadian golf fans from coast to coast; we thank RBC for its continued investment in Canadian golf.”

The RBC Heritage debuted in 1969 at Harbour Town Golf Links, a Pete Dye design at the Sea Pines Resort that quickly became a favorite course among TOUR members. In June of 2011, RBC was introduced as the new title sponsor of the PGA TOUR’s annual stop on Hilton Head Island, S.C.

“The Heritage Classic Foundation is pleased to continue our relationship with RBC,” Steve Wilmot, Chief Operating Officer and Tournament Director for the Heritage Classic Foundation said. “RBC’s sponsorship means the Heritage will be able to celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2018. RBC and its team of ambassadors have helped the Heritage Classic Foundation continue to elevate the event year after year. We look forward to the next seven years and the positive impact we will be able to provide to the State of South Carolina.”

The RBC Canadian Open begins Thursday with Jason Day, the No. 1 player in the world and one of 14 touring professionals who make up Team RBC, defending his title.

TORONTO – This year’s RBC Canadian Open is once again set to be the most sustainable Canadian Open to date. Each year we aim to push the environmental programming to be better and better. This year we have built off of a successful pilot program, and increased the number of Zero Waste Sorting zones.

“RBC is excited to again work with Golf Canada and our partners to host one of the most sustainable golf tournaments on the PGA tour and continue to improve our environmental programing year over year.” says Andrew Craig, Director Corporate Environmental Affairs, RBC.

“We are excited to support these new initiatives to ensure the environmental impacts of the RBC Canadian Open continue to decrease,” said Brent McLaughlin, tournament director for the RBC Canadian Open. “Glen Abbey is a great location to reinforce these initiatives, and the golf course itself has been certified as an Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary since 2004.”

Here are the 2016 RBC Canadian Open key environmental initiatives:

Hosting a carbon-neutral event

RBC and Golf Canada have taken responsibility for GHG emissions where possible through the following initiatives:

• The event will be bullfrogpowered with 100 per cent green natural gas and green electricity. Across Canada, Bullfrog Power’s green electricity comes exclusively from a blend of wind and low-impact hydro power sourced from new Canadian renewable energy facilities. Bullfrog’s green natural gas is a climate-friendly alternative to conventional, polluting natural gas, and is sourced from the Rive-Nord green natural gas facility in Quebec, a unique, ground-breaking methane-capture project.
• GHG emissions associated with the use of diesel generators and event vehicles will be neutralized through the purchase and retirement of high quality carbon offsets. The carbon offsets will be acquired through RBC’s carbon emissions trading group in RBC Capital Markets.

Reducing waste sent to landfill

The event’s goal is to divert waste from landfill using the following initiatives:

• Three zero waste sorting stations located in high traffic concession areas will improve waste sorting at the point of disposal and increase waste diversion.
• Visible and well-marked recycling and organics collection receptacles throughout the course will reduce the amount of waste being sent to landfill.
• For the sixth consecutive year, Event Water Solutions is providing free filtered water at water stations located across the grounds. In 2015, more than 57,000 bottles were filled at the water stations. That’s more than 114,0000 plastic bottles diverted from landfill. Collapsible water bottles will be available for purchase at the tournament with proceeds benefiting the official charity partner, Ronald McDonald House Charities Canada.
• Concession service provider Bingeman’s is reducing waste by using compostable or recyclable food packaging and condiments will be served in bulk where possible.
• Unused food will be donated to a local food bank
• Food items not suitable for donation will be separated for composting.
• Volunteers, including a large contingent from the Burloak Canoe Club, will ensure waste is properly sorted and that the golf course remains litter free.

Sustainable transportation options

Steps have been taken to reduce the environmental impacts of transportation and provide sustainable transportation options such as:

• Complimentary bicycle valet for ticket holders and tournament volunteers near the main gates.
• The event is accessible by public transportation with shuttle bus service from Bronte and Oakville GO Stations.

Sustainable golf course operations

Since 2004, Glen Abbey has been certified as an Audubon International golf course by Audubon International. Only five per cent of Canadian golf courses have this prestigious environmental designation. To earn this designation, golf courses are subjected to an audit and certification program covering six categories: Environmental Planning, Chemical Use Reduction & Safety, Water Conservation, Water Quality Management, Wildlife & Habitat Management, and Outreach & Education.

Tiger Woods withdrew from the PGA Championship, the first time he will go an entire year without playing a major.

The decision, while not a surprise, also means he will go an entire PGA Tour season without playing.

His agent, Mark Steinberg of Excel Sports Management, said in a text to The Associated Press on Tuesday that Woods will not play the remainder of the tour season as he continues to rehab following back surgeries. That would have amounted to only three more tournaments before the start of the FedEx Cup playoffs.

Steinberg said Woods will continue to work hard and assess when he can play the following season, which starts in October.

In public appearances dating to April, whether it was opening his golf course in Houston or hosting his tournament in Washington, Woods has given no indication when he will be ready to compete. He had his second and third back surgeries last year and has said he wants to take his time making sure it heals.

Woods now has gone eight full years since winning his 14th major championship at the 2008 U.S. Open.

He was replaced by Harold Varner III at the PGA Championship, which starts July 28 at Baltusrol Golf Club in New Jersey.

The start times for the 2016 RBC Canadian Championship Pro-Am at Glen Abbey Golf Club have been released. Wednesday, July 20 will see 52 professional golfers take to the historic Oakville course to entertain 156 amateurs. Click here for pairings and start times.

The pairings for the opening two rounds of the 107th playing of Canada’s National Open Championship on Thursday, July 21 and Friday, July 22 are now available online here.

CN FUTURE LINKS – WALK WITH A PRO
Canada’s National Junior Golf Program – CN Future Links – is welcoming a number of its program participants to the 2016 RBC Canadian Open to join PGA TOUR professionals on the 7th hole during the Championship Pro-Am. The “Walk with a Pro” event offers junior golfers the chance of a lifetime – to carry a professional’s putter or bag and maybe even take the pro’s first putt. CN Future Links is conducted by Golf Canada, the PGA of Canada and Canada’s provincial golf associations. Visit www.CNfuturelinks.com for additional information or to find a CN Future Links program in your area.

RICHMOND HILL, Ont. – Cameron Percy, Joey Garber, Corey Conners and Ben Taylor have all earned entry into the field for this week’s RBC Canadian Open through today’s Final Qualifying at DiamondBack Golf Club.

Cameron Percy of Australia and Michigan’s Joey Garber shot matching 5-under par 67s to share co-medallist honours. Percy will be making his 94th career PGA Tour start and his fourth at Canada’s National Men’s Open Championship. His best result came in 2015 at Glen Abbey Golf Club where he tied for 18th. Garber will be making his debut at the RBC Canadian Open.

England-born Ben Taylor finished T3 at 3-under-par alongside Ontarians Corey Conners of Listowel and Chris Hemmerich of Kitchener. Taylor would claim his exemption on the first playoff hole thanks to a birdie on the par-5 18th hole.

Conners, a member of Team Canada’s Young Pro Squad, edged Hemmerich to claim the final spot into the RBC Canadian Open on the second extra hole by making par on the par-5 No. 1.

Conners will be competing in the RBC Canadian Open for a fourth consecutive year.

“I’m really excited,” said Conners. “I’ve been playing really well all year and I really like where my game is at. The atmosphere of being a Canadian and playing at the RBC Canadian Open is really cool. You see young kids who want autographs and there are a lot of people cheering for you, so it’s a great feeling and something that I’m looking forward to experiencing again.”

Additional information regarding the 2016 RBC Canadian Open Final Qualifier can be found here.

TROON, Scotland – Henrik Stenson kept hitting the best shots of his life, one after another, because there was no other way to beat Phil Mickelson in a British Open duel that ranked among the best in golf.

Stenson only cared about that silver claret jug. He wound up with so much more Sunday.

His final stroke of this major masterpiece was a 20-foot birdie putt on the 18th hole at Royal Troon that tumbled into the cup on the last turn. His 10th birdie of the round gave him an 8-under 63 to match Johnny Miller for the lowest closing round by a major champion.

Stenson finished at 20-under 264, the lowest 72-hole score ever in a major. He tied Jason Day’s record for lowest under par set last year at the PGA Championship.

Records didn’t matter. This was about winning his first major.

“I didn’t know until they told me in the recorder’s hut,” Stenson said when asked if he knew that last putt was for 63.

Stenson won by three shots over Mickelson, a runner-up for the 11th time in a major, but never like this.

Lefty played bogey-free for a 65 and posted a score (267) that would have won all but two Opens over more than a century.

“A 65 in the final round of a major is usually good enough to win,” Mickelson said.

Not this time.

Stenson held the claret jug and told Mickelson at the closing ceremony, “Thank you very much for a great fight.” Mickelson said it was the best golf he ever played without winning.

“You know he’s not going to back down and he’s going to try to make birdies on every hole,” Stenson said. “So I just tried to do the same, and just delighted to come out on top and managed to win this trophy.”

This was heavyweight material, reminiscent of the “Duel in the Sun” just down the Ayrshire coastline at Turnberry in 1977, when Tom Watson and Jack Nicklaus battled right down to the final hole, and no one else was closer than 10 shots.

Stenson and Mickelson were never separated by more than two shots over 40 straight holes until the Swede’s final birdie.

Mickelson led only once, a two-shot swing on the opening hole. They were tied with five holes to play until Stenson made an 18-foot birdie on the par-3 14th, and then buried Lefty with a putt that defined his moment as a major champion.

Stenson hammered in a 50-foot birdie putt across the 15th green, walking toward the hole as it was on its way, stopping halfway to pump his fist when it fell, rare emotion for a 40-year-old Swede with ice blue eyes and a stare that can cut through gorse.

Mickelson gave it his best shot in his bid at 46 to become the fourth-oldest major winner in history. He chased a 3-wood onto the green at the par-5 16th, and his eagle putt from 30 feet missed by less than an inch. Stenson matched his birdie with an up-and-down from deep rough, and he was on his way.

“I always thought he would come through with a win,” Mickelson. “I’m sorry that it came at my expense.”

J.B. Holmes won the B-Flight. He finished third, 14 shots behind.

“Those guys are playing a different golf course than everyone else,” Holmes said.

Mickelson had not won since the British Open at Muirfield three years ago, with Stenson as the runner-up. Mickelson began the week at Royal Troon with a 63, and Stenson finished what Lefty started.

The Swede won his first major in his 42nd attempt, becoming only the ninth player to capture his first major after turning 40. Beyond the score, the measure of his performance was that he putted for a birdie on every hole Sunday in a mild wind off the Irish Sea. Stenson three-putted for bogey from just off the first green, and he three-putted on No. 10 to fall back into a tie for the lead.

They matched pars on only six of the 18 holes.

Stenson became only the fourth player to win the British Open with all four rounds in the 60s, joining Tiger Woods, Nick Price and Greg Norman. He also ended a streak of six American winners at Royal Troon that dated to 1950.

He gave Sweden a long-awaited major in men’s golf, 19 years after Jesper Parnevik lost a 54-hole lead at Royal Troon. Stenson said Parnevik send him a message that said, “Go out and finish what I didn’t manage to finish.”

“I’m really proud to have done that, and it’s going to be massive for golf in Sweden with this win,” Stenson said.

Maybe he can take that silver jug down to Rio in his search of Olympic gold.

Golf’s top four players have withdrawn from the Olympics, but the Rio Games will have at least two of this year’s major champions – Stenson and Masters winner Danny Willett of England.

There’s one more major to play before Rio. Take a breath, Henrik. The PGA Championship starts a week from Thursday.

OPELIKA, Ala. – Aaron Baddeley made a 24-foot putt on the fourth hole of a playoff with Si Woo Kim to win the Barbasol Championship on Sunday at Grand National.

Baddeley broke into a celebratory run off the green, tossed his club in the air and flung his cap back onto the green after his fourth PGA Tour victory. The Australian secured a two-year exemption and a spot in the PGA Championship, but not the Masters.

Both parred the first three holes of the playoff, three on 18 and the third on 17.

Woo parred 18 again after Baddeley had already clinched his first win since the 2011 Northern Trust Open.

Baddeley finished with a 5-under 66 to match Kim at 18-under 266. Kim shot a 63, closing with a bogey.

Woo, a 21-year-old South Korean, sent his approach down a slope into the rough between two grandstands on the fourth playoff hole. He chipped to 5 feet but Baddeley closed it out before Woo finished.

Woo had a two-stroke lead before a bogey on the 18th hole after putting within 9 inches on his par attempt. Baddeley parred to force the playoff.

The weather turned steamy after a light drizzle on the final regulation holes.

Former Auburn University player Michael Johnson finished a stroke back after a 65 in his first professional tournament, a few miles from campus. He just missed a potential birdie putt on his final hole that would have landed him in the playoff.

Richard H. Lee (65), Michael Thompson (65), Andres Gonzales (67) and Jhonattan Vegas (72) all finished at 15 under.

Vegas opened the day with a three-stroke lead and five holes to go to complete the rain-delayed third round. He posted four bogeys and an eagle over the first nine holes, two days after setting the course record with a 60.

Canada’s Graham DeLaet tied for 8th at 14-under. The Weyburn, Sask., native carded a final round 63 to climb 28 spots the leaderboard.

Oakville, Ont. (Golf Canada) – The final four spots into the 2016 RBC Canadian Open field will be determined Monday as the Final Qualifier is set for DiamondBack Golf Club in Richmond Hill, Ont.

A total of 72 competitors will challenge for one of four spots into the field for Canada’s National Open Championship.

The Final Qualifier features 18 holes of stroke play with the low four competitors receiving an exemption directly into the 2016 RBC Canadian Open field.  If necessary, a hole-by-hole playoff will be conducted immediately following the conclusion of play.

Click here for pairings, start times and results for RBC Canadian Open Final Qualifying on Monday, July 18. Results will be available as players complete their rounds.

The Final Qualifier on Monday, July 18—which was originally scheduled to be contested at Heron Point Golf Links in Alberton, Ont.—was moved to DiamondBack Golf Club by Golf Canada because of irrigation issues at Heron Point.

“Heron Point’s water control system was damaged late in the Spring which caused them to lose the majority of their water supply,” said Adam Helmer, Golf Canada’s Director, Rules, Competitions and Amateur Status. “Compounded by the drought that we have had in Ontario this season it has left the tees and fairways very burnt. They have worked hard to regain their turf conditions and were hopeful to get the course in shape for the qualifier, however, the conditions have become worse in the last few weeks which resulted in our decisions to change courses.”

The Final Qualifier at DiamondBack Golf Club will begin at 7:30am ET off the first tee.

OPELIKA, Ala. – Jhonattan Vegas’ lead was down to three strokes Saturday when rain finally stopped third-round play in the Barbasol Championship.

Six shots ahead after a course-record 11-under 60 on Friday, Vegas was 1 over for the round and 16 under overall playing the par-4 14th when play was stopped on Grand National’s Lake Course.

The 29-year-old Venezuelan Olympic qualifier failed to qualify for the British Open and has only past champion status – he won the 2011 Bob Hope Classic for his lone tour title – on the PGA Tour. The winner Sunday will get a two-year exemption and a spot in the PGA Championship, but will not be exempt for the Masters.

David Toms and Aaron Baddeley were 13 under.

The 49-year-old Toms was 4 under for the day with four holes left.

Baddeley shot a 64, chipping in on the par-4 18th for his third straight birdie. The 35-year-old Australian, also limited to past champion status, won the last of his three titles in 2011 at Riviera.

“All I was thinking is just playing golf,” Baddeley said. “If you try and force the issue, that’s usually when you go backwards. I was just trying to play golf, just keep playing, keep hitting good shots and, if I keep doing that, there’s a chance I’m going to shoot a low score and I did that.”

Michael Johnson, the former Auburn player making his pro debut, was tied for fourth at 11 under with five holes to go.

Sam Saunders also was 11 under along with Stuart Appleby, Brian Harman, Roberto Castro and Hudson Swafford. Saunders, Arnold Palmer’s grandson, shot a 65.

“It’s just a nice solid round, I played really well,” Saunders said. “Momentum got thrown off a little bit there with the rain delay, but I’m still pleased with the way I finished and put myself in a good position for tomorrow.”

Appleby had a 66. Harman had two holes left, Castro four, and Swafford five.

Canadian Olympian David Hearn of Brantford, Ont., was 2-under through 17 holes when play was halted. He holds a share of 21st, while fellow Olympian Graham DeLaet of Weyburn, Sask., sits T37 and is in the midst of a 4-under round with one hole to play in his third round.

Pace of play was an non-issue Saturday at Glen Abbey Golf Club as the inaugural RBC Canadian Open 5K kicked off tournament week of the 2016 RBC Canadian Open.

The five kilometre run/walk—organized by Landmark Sport Group Inc.—welcomed more than 500 enthusiasts of all ages who raced along a 5km route across the grounds of the renowned Oakville layout. Participants received the full race experience with running bibs and timed results for every competitor.

“What a great kick-off event to help celebrate the 107^th playing of Canada’s National Men’s Open Championship,” said Tournament Director Brent McLaughlin who joined the race as a participant Saturday. “I think it was a great showcase to bring running and fitness enthusiasts out to the golf course in advance of next week’s championship and we couldn’t be happier with the success of this year’s inaugural event.”

The RBC Canadian Open 5K routing began near the first tee of the championship course and trailed across the front nine with a final race leg that included the 17^th hole and grand finish alongside the iconic 18^th green at Glen Abbey Golf Club.

An awards ceremony took place immediately following the conclusion of the race in the Molson Canadian 67 Beer Garden located within the ZTE Spectator Village at Glen Abbey as participants enjoyed live third-round coverage of the British Open Championship.

Every registered participant also received a free ANYDAY ticket to come back and enjoy the 2016 RBC Canadian Open.

Click here to see a photo gallery from the inaugural RBC Canadian Open 5K.

Click here for results.