New Zealand’s Ryan Fox wins four-hole playoff vs. American Sam Burns at RBC Canadian Open
CALEDON, ONT. – Despite recent evidence to the contrary, Ryan Fox doesn’t consider himself a playoff specialist.
The New Zealander beat American Sam Burns in a four-hole playoff to win the RBC Canadian Open on Sunday, the second win of his PGA Tour career. The first also came in a playoff on May 11 when he birdied the first extra hole to beat Harry Higgs of the United States and Mackenzie Hughes of Dundas, Ont., to win the Oneflight Myrtle Beach Classic.
“If you’d have seen any of the ones I had in Europe, you wouldn’t say that,” said Fox, sitting beside the Canadian Open trophy at a news conference. “I didn’t have a great record in Europe in playoffs.
“I feel like you’ve got to take it on a little bit. It becomes match play. You kind of want to put the pressure on your opponent a little bit.”
Fox had an 0-2 playoff record on the European Tour, losing to Scotland’s Russell Knox at the 2018 Irish Open and to France’s Victor Perez at the 2022 Dutch Open.
He had to work to force the extra holes on Sunday.
Burns fired an 8-under 62 round, the best of the day, to lay claim to the top of the leaderboard. However, he had teed off an hour 45 minutes earlier than Fox and Italy’s Matteo Manaserro, the third round co-leaders.
As a result, Fox still had most of the course to play as Burns was signing his scorecard. Fox birdied Nos. 14 and 15 to get to within a shot of Burns and then sank a clutch birdie putt on No. 18 for a 4-under 66 day that forced the playoff.
No. 18 at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley is a 576-yard, par-5 hole with the sloping green tucked behind a small pond with bunkers on the far side.
“I think 18’s a different hole compared to what it has been all week, not being able to get there in two,” said Burns on the possibility of a playoff and how he would prepare for it. “So I’ll probably (be at the range) trying to figure out what distance we want to have in for our third shot and maybe hit that shot a few times.”
After Fox and Burns made par on their first two playoff holes. The grounds crew actually cut a new hole closer to the tee — and the water — for the third and fourth runs down the hole.
Fox’s bolder approach on the second and fourth playoff rounds, designed to put pressure on Burns, finally paid off when he attacked the new pin.
“I had the exact shot I wanted to hit,” said Fox, who qualified for next week’s U.S. Open with the victory. “I wasn’t sure in the air if it was going to be a little short or perfect. I didn’t actually see it land. It was getting a bit hazy out there. Obviously by the crowd reaction I knew it was pretty good.
“Probably the best shot I ever hit in my life given the circumstances.”
Members of the All Whites, New Zealand’s national men’s soccer team, drove up to TPC Toronto on Sunday to cheer on Fox. They beat Ivory Coast 1-0 the night before at BMO Field in the Canadian Shield tournament and will face Ukraine on Tuesday.
“That was really cool, to have the Kiwi support out there, it was great,” said Fox. “They were there all day. We seem to have a lot of weeks where random Kiwis pop up, and to have the All Whites say, ‘hey, is there any chance we can come out and watch on Sunday?’ was really cool.
“To be able to meet them all there at the end and get a photo with them was pretty special.”
Grant Fox, Ryan’s father, was a fly half with the All Blacks, New Zealand’s men’s rugby team, appearing in 46 matches and scoring 645 points in his career. The elder Fox won the Rugby World Cup in 1987 and is still considered one of the finest goal-kickers of all time, getting inducted into the World Rugby Hall of Fame in 2014.
Nick Taylor of Abbotsford, B.C., was the low Canadian, tying for 13th at 13 under. Taylor won the Canadian Open two years ago at Oakdale Golf and Country Club.
“The energy was phenomenal the first couple days and being near the lead the last two days,” said Taylor, who will play in the U.S. Open next week at Oakmont Country Club outside Pittsburgh. “I’m tired from it as well because it’s fun being up close to the lead and trying to get it done.
“I’ll get some rest the next couple days and be prepared.”
TPC Toronto will host the Canadian Open again next year.
It was a tight leaderboard throughout the round, with eight players tied for first before Fox and Manaserro even teed off.
Ireland’s Shane Lowry, for example, began his day with an eagle and followed it up with three consecutive birdies to start his day 5 under through just four holes to take sole possession of the lead. He bogeyed Nos. 17 and 18 to fall back into a tie for 13th.
Matteo Manassero and Ryan Fox share the 3rd-round lead in the RBC Canadian Open
Italy’s Matteo Manassero and New Zealand’s Ryan Fox both had rounds of 6-under 64 to share the third-round lead at the RBC Canadian Open on Saturday.
They’re at 14-under overall, a shot ahead of a Taiwan’s Kevin Yu as well as Americans Lee Hodges and Matt McCarty.
Mackenzie Hughes of Dundas, Ont., fired a 6-under 64 to move 13 spots up the leaderboard into a tie with Americans Jake Knapp and Andrew Putnam for sixth at 12 under.
Second-round leader Cameron Champ of the U.S. struggled, shooting a 1-over 71 to drop back into a seven-way tie for ninth at 11 under.
Hughes was one of eight Canadians who made the cut at the national men’s golf championship.
Nick Taylor of Abbotsford, B.C., and Vancouver’s Richard T. Lee, the low Canadians after two rounds, also dropped down the leaderboard.
McIlroy tumbles out of RBC Canadian Open with a 78. Champ takes 2-shot lead into the weekend
Masters champion Rory McIlroy tumbled out of the RBC Canadian Open on Friday with his worst round in nearly a year, with Cameron Champ taking a two-stroke lead into the weekend in the final event before the U.S. Open.
McIlroy shot an 8-under 78, making a mess of the fifth hole with a quadruple-bogey 8 in his highest score since also shooting 78 last year in the first round of the British Open. He had a double bogey on No. 11, four bogeys and two birdies.
“Of course it concerns me,” McIlroy said. “You don’t want to shoot high scores like the one I did today. Still, I felt like I came here obviously with a new driver thinking that that sort of was going to be good and solve some of the problems off the tee, but it didn’t.”
At 9 over, the two-time Canadian Open winner was 21 strokes behind Champ on the rain-softened North Course at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley.
“Obviously, going to Oakmont next week, what you need to do more than anything else there is hit fairways,” McIlroy said. “Still sort of searching for the sort of missing piece off the tee.”
Champ had four birdies in a 68 in the morning a day after opening with a 62. He was at 12 under, playing the first 36 holes without a bogey.
“It’s firmed up a little bit, but fairly similar to yesterday,” Champ said. “The fairways I feel like were firming up a little bit. The greens slightly, but pretty close to how they were yesterday.”
The three-time PGA Tour winner got one of the last spots in the field after being the eighth alternate Friday when the commitments closed.
“I definitely didn’t think I was getting in,” Champ said.
Andrew Putnam was second after a bogey-free 62 on the course hosting the event for the first time. He won the 2018 Barracuda Championship for his lone tour title.
“I hit a lot of fairways, hit a lot of good iron shots, too, and my putter was on fire,” Putnam said. “Pretty much did everything right. Didn’t really make many mistakes.”
Thorbjorn Olesen of Denmark, tied for the first-round lead with Cristobal Del Solar after a 61, had a 70 drop into a tie for third at 9 under with Canadians Richard Lee (64) and Nick Taylor (65) and France’s Victor Perez (65).
Taylor won the 2023 event at Oakdale.
“Hung in there,” Taylor said. “Making a birdie on the last was important to end the day nicely.”
Del Solar was 8 under after a 71. Shane Lowry (68) also was 8 under with Ryan Fox (66), Jake Knapp (69), Sam Burns (66) and Matteo Manassero (65).
Stellar second round puts Canadian Richard T Lee in contention at RBC Canadian Open
CALEDON, Ont. – Richard T. Lee brought his A-game to the second round of the RBC Canadian Open in front of hometown fans and family.
The 34-year-old Canadian made his first cut on the PGA Tour by carding a six-under 66 for the round. He now sits at nine under heading into the weekend.
“I’ve played Web.com and made cuts there, but it’s my first cut made on the PGA Tour and it’s one of the best feelings I’ve had,” he said.
The five-foot-10 Canadian was quick to credit his iron play for his strong second round.
“I think the key to my success today was my iron shots. Inside 145 yards, I was spot on. I had great looks at birdie and some of them were pretty easy,” he said.
Lee was born in Richmond Hill, Ont., and moved to Vancouver when he was one year old.
“Prior to last year’s Canadian Open, I hadn’t been back to the Toronto area in a long time, but it’s a great feeling to be back,” said Lee, who now lives in Arizona.
Also soaking in the moment were his uncle Ken Hong and aunt Mary Hong, who were on-site to see their nephew’s performance.
“We’re from Toronto and it’s great to see him compete here,” said Ken Hong, who still remembers his nephew’s humble beginnings at age three.
“Last year, he missed the cut by one shot, and seeing what he did today shows he’s got determination to succeed,” he added.
Mary Hong admitted she got a little emotional watching Lee’s success.
“Richard played so amazing today. He seemed so calm and I’m just so proud of him. I cried a little bit after his round,” she said.
Lee currently competes on the Asian Tour but says his dream is to achieve success on the PGA Tour. After a strong second round, the talented Canadian is in contention near the top of the leaderboard.
Heading into the weekend, Lee is focused on keeping up his strong play.
“Just going to take it shot by shot and play the way I did today,” he said when asked about his mindset.
“It’s always been one of my dreams to succeed on the PGA Tour, and if I am able to get to Sunday and get a ‘W,’ then it will be a dream come true.”
Pendrith hoping to continue success on home soil
Taylor Pendrith of Richmond Hill, Ont., had a breakthrough year in 2024, and he’s keeping the momentum going into the 2025 PGA Tour season. The 33-year-old has already recorded four top-10 finishes, with the most recent coming at the PGA Championship.
At the second major of the season in Charlotte, N.C., the former Canadian national team member finished in a tie for fifth and earned US$694,700 for his efforts.
Pendrith enjoyed his biggest triumph in early May 2024, when he captured the CJ Cup Byron Nelson. In doing so, he became the first Canadian to win the tournament since its inception in 1944.
“I’m not a big history guy, but Byron Nelson is a special name and for my name to be on that trophy is super special,” he said following the win.
While consistency is often cited as the biggest key to success in golf, it’s also one of the hardest things to achieve. But it appears Pendrith has figured it out in his early 30s.
Former LPGA pro Rebecca Lee-Bentham, who went to high school with Pendrith, says his rise is nothing short of inspiring.
“Taylor picked up golf later than most kids, and from what I recall, he would shoot in the high 70s to mid-80s while the other top juniors were going under par in tournaments,” she said.
“If you told me a kid like him would be a winner on the PGA Tour, I wouldn’t believe you. But honestly, it’s one of the most inspiring things to witness. It’s a true testament to his talent, hard work and love for the game.”
Another standout from Richmond Hill, amateur Monet Chun, says Pendrith’s journey motivates her as well.
“I’ve played at Summit Golf and Country Club and know Taylor has played there too. It’s inspiring to see the success he’s having as a professional on the PGA Tour,” she said.
Now 34, Pendrith believes his best golf is still ahead of him. His key to continued success? Keeping the support system around him strong and steady.
“I’ve pretty much had the same team for a long time now. Derek Ingram is my golf coach — he’s been with me since I was part of the amateur national team, so that’s, I don’t know, 13 or 14 years now. He’s great. He knows my game, I’m comfortable with him, and he’s a great guy to hang around with,” said Pendrith.
“I started working with a physio out here a couple of years ago who’s helped with my body and preparation from week to week. I’ve also recently reconnected with a mental coach from the national team who I’ve known for 13 years.
“My family and my wife are a huge part of it. They’re a big part of the team and a huge reason for my success.”
Pendrith also draws motivation from his former teammates on the Canadian national team and at Kent State University — Corey Conners and Mackenzie Hughes.
“They were on the PGA Tour well before me. I was there to see Mackenzie’s first PGA win in Charleston — that was such a cool moment. And a couple of years later, Corey won,” he said.
“We were all teammates at Kent State and on the Golf Canada national team. It’s a lot of motivation and inspiration for me, having played so much golf with Corey and Mackenzie and knowing my game could compete with theirs.
“It was a huge goal of mine to join them on the PGA Tour, and to now join them in the winner’s circle is pretty cool.”
Now, Pendrith is looking forward to performing in front of a home crowd at the RBC Canadian Open, which will be held this year at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley — a course he knows well.
“I’m hoping to have a great week and put myself in contention on Sunday. It’s something all of us Canadian players dream about,” said Pendrith.
“I’m especially excited for this one. I’ve spent a lot of time at TPC Toronto — played a couple of Mackenzie Tour events there. I’ve practised there a lot and played with family and friends. It’s a beautiful venue and I can’t wait to get back.”
Final Field released for the 2025 RBC Canadian Open
Defending champion Robert MacIntyre and two-time winner Rory McIlroy along with international stars Ludvig Åberg, Shane Lowry, Justin Rose, Sungjae Im, Wyndham Clark, Tom Kim, Max Homa, Sahith Theegala, Sam Burns and Cameron Young ready to challenge
TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley
2023 champion Nick Taylor and fellow Canadian stars Corey Conners, Taylor Pendrith, Mackenzie Hughes, Adam Hadwin and Adam Svensson headline a group of 21 Canadians set to compete in 114th playing of Canada’s National Men’s Open Championship
Two-night SiriusXM Concert Series will feature an all-Canadian line-up:
JUNO Award winners Billy Talent with JJ Wilde on Friday, June 6; and
JUNO Award winner, Sam Roberts Band with Ruby Waters
on Saturday, June 7
Caledon, Ont. – Golf Canada and RBC are pleased to announce the final field vying for the $9.8 million US purse at the 2025 RBC Canadian Open, June 4 – 8 at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley (North Course) in Caledon, Ont.
A world-class field led by two-time RBC Canadian Open Champion and world no. 2 Rory McIlroy will compete next week in Caledon. The 29-time PGA TOUR winner and career Grand Slam winner will be looking to claim his third Canadian Open title in 2025 and join a trio of three-time champions in Tommy Armour, Sam Snead, and Lee Trevino.
Other fan-favourites in the field for the 114th playing of Canada’s National Open Championship feature a number of international starts including Ludvig Åberg (world no. 6), Shane Lowry (world no. 14), Justin Rose (world no. 17), defending champion Robert MacIntyre (world no. 19), Sungjae Im (world no. 21), Wyndham Clark (world no. 22), Tom Kim (world no. 45), Alex Noren (world no. 71), Max Homa (world no. 87) and Gary Woodland (world no. 95).
Along with international stars, a 20-player Canadian contingent will compete at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley. Led by 2023 RBC Canadian Open champion, Nick Taylor of Abbotsford, B.C. (world no. 43) and fellow PGA TOUR winners, Corey Conners of Listowel, Ont. (world no. 20), Taylor Pendrith of Richmond Hill, Ont. (world no. 39), Mackenzie Hughes of Dundas, Ont. (world no. 49), Adam Hadwin of Abbotsford, B.C. (world no. 101) and Adam Svensson of Surrey, B.C. as well as fellow PGA TOUR member Ben Silverman of Thornhill, Ont.
In addition to world class golf, fans at the 2025 RBC Canadian Open will be treated to the two-night SiriusXM Concert Series onsite at TPC Toronto featuring an all-Canadian line-up. Night one is headlined by JUNO Award winners, Billy Talent, featuring JJ Wilde. Night two features Juno Award winner Sam Roberts Band with Ruby Waters opening on Saturday. Fans will also have a chance to enjoy a number premium food and beverage options located in The Fareway featuring The Keg onsite at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley.
“We are proud and excited to welcome TPC Toronto to the host venue rotation for the RBC Canadian Open and look forward to kicking off this exciting new chapter next week for the 114th playing of our Men’s Canadian National Open Championship. Next week’s championship will bring a vision to life for TPC Toronto as the host venue,” said Ryan Paul, Tournament Director, RBC Canadian Open. “Golf fans and event enthusiasts are in for an exceptional experience with a world-class field competing in addition to a two-night concert series along with numerous premium food and beverage options at one of Canada’s premium live sporting events.”
In total, 156 players will compete for the $9.8 million US purse next week in Caledon when TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley will become the 38th golf course in the history of the RBC Canadian Open (and only the eighth since 1977) to host Canada’s National Men’s Open Golf Championship. In 2023, the Doug Carrick-designed North Course underwent a major golf course renovation under the guidance of renowned architect Ian Andrew with consultation from the PGA TOUR for the venue to host large-scale, global championship level competition.
Click here for a full field list for the 2025 RBC Canadian Open at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley in Caledon, Ont.
PGA TOUR Season Winners…
Seven in-year PGA TOUR winners will compete at TPC Toronto including Nick Taylor (Sony Open), Rory McIlroy (AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, The PLAYERS Championship, Masters), Thomas Detry (WM Phoenix Open), Ludvig Åberg (The Genesis Invitational), Brian Campbell (Mexico Open at VidantaWorld), Karl Vilips (Puerto Rico Open), and Ryan Fox (ONEflight Myrtle Beach Classic).
Major Winners….
11 major winners are represented in the field including five-time major winner Rory McIlroy (2011 U.S. Open, 2012 & 2014 PGA Championship, 2014 Open Championship, 2025 Masters), Wyndham Clark (2023 U.S. Open), Gary Woodland (2019 U.S. Open), Shane Lowry (2019 Open Championship), Danny Willett (2016 Masters), Justin Rose (2013 U.S. Open) and Mike Weir (2003 Masters).
Past Champions…
Four past RBC Canadian Open champions will be in the field including two-time champion Rory McIlroy (2022, 2019) and defending champion, Robert MacIntyre (2024). In addition, Nick Taylor (2023), and Brandt Snedeker (2013) will also be competing.
International winners and other notables…
The field comprises over 180 international tournament wins. Seven winners from past European Ryder Cup Team wins and two winners from the U.S. Team wins and 10 U.S. Presidents Cup Team winners. Along with 34 past Olympians, including 2016 Olympic Games Gold medalist Justin Rose and Bronze medalist, Matt Kuchar.
21 Canadians to compete for their National Men’s Open Title…
In total, a 21-player Canadian contingent will challenge for the national championship led by 2023 RBC Canadian Open champion, Nick Taylor of Abbotsford, B.C. (world no. 43) and PGA TOUR winners, Corey Conners of Listowel, Ont. (world no. 20), Taylor Pendrith of Richmond Hill, Ont. (world no. 39), Mackenzie Hughes of Dundas, Ont. (world no. 49), Adam Hadwin of Abbotsford, B.C. (world no. 101) and Adam Svensson of Surrey, B.C. as well as fellow PGA TOUR member Ben Silverman of Thornhill, Ont. Canadian golf icon and Mike Weir of Bright’s Grove, Ont. will be competing in his 32nd RBC Canadian Open. Six members of Team Canada including Sudarshan Yellamaraju and Matthew Anderson of Mississauga, Ont., Ashton McCulloch of Kingston, Ont., Hunter Thomson of Calgary, Alta along with Myles Creighton of Digby, N.S. and A.J. Ewart of Coquitlam, B.C. who recently accepted exemptions. Joining the Team Canada athletes are Richard T. Lee of Toronto, Ont., Wes Heffernan of Calgary, Alta., Roger Sloan of Calgary, Alta and David Hearn of Brantford, Ont. Three other Canadians earned exemptions through RBC Canadian Open Regional Qualifying including Team Canada alumnus Cougar Collins of Mono, Ont. (First Ontario Regional Qualifier at Brampton Golf Club), Matt Scobie of Oshawa, Ont. (Second Ontario Regional Qualifying at Cherry Hill Club) and Brett Webster of Chilliwack, B.C. (B.C. Regional Qualifier at Squamish Valley Golf Club).
Final Tournament Exemptions to be Named…
The final four tournament exemptions into the field for the 2025 RBC Canadian Open will be handed out at the Final Qualifier on Sunday, June 1 at The Pulpit Club in Caledon, Ont. A high number of players attempted to gain entry into the field by competing at five Regional Qualifying sites earlier this month. A total of 103 players including 83 Canadians will compete at The Pulpit Club. Click here for a field list.
Lambton Golf & Country Club to host Final Qualifier for 125th U.S. Open on Golf’s Longest Day
On Monday, Lambton Golf & Country Club will be one of the site’s hosting a Final Qualifier into the 125th U.S. Open. The field is currently comprised of 70 players battling over 36-holes in Toronto. For the field competing at Lambton, click here. The 125th U.S. Open will take place, following the RBC Canadian Open, June 12-15 at Oakmont Country Club in Oakmont, Pa.
Three places in the 153rd Open Championship available at the RBC Canadian Open
The leading three players not already exempt who make the cut at the RBC Canadian Open will earn a place in The 153rd Open at Royal Portrush. In the event of a tie for a qualifying place, the player with the higher ranking in the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) at the beginning of the week commencing June 2 will be awarded a place in The Open.
TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley to host National Finals of the BDO National Golf League…
The BDO National Golf League finals take place on Saturday, May 31 at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley (North Course) with 52 pairings (104 total golfers) competing for the national championship and the opportunity to represent Canada at The R&A 9 Hole Challenge at Royal Portrush in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, one-week prior to the 153rd Open Championship. Launched by Golf Canada ahead of the 2023 season as a nationwide, season-long competition to enhance weekly recreational league experiences for men, women and junior golfers, the National Golf League embodies over 100 leagues across Canada and occurs throughout a six-week period of a club’s league season. Registration for the 2025 BDO National Golf League is now open, for more information please visit nationalgolfleague.ca.
MOBILE APP EXPERIENCE…
Experience the RBC Canadian Open like never before by downloading the Golf Canada Mobile App on your iOS or Android device. Essential features include a live map, leaderboard & pairings, tickets, breaking news, and special events. Plus, use the Golf Canada Mobile App to enhance your experience while playing! Find golf courses, track your game, set up matches against friends, access GPS yardages and more. Click here to download.
RBC CANADIAN OPEN – MEDIA GUIDE & PLAYER PERFORMANCE GUIDE
Below are links to the RBC Canadian Open Media Guide as well as the all-time Player Performance Guide:
2025 RBC Canadian Open Media Guide
RBC Canadian Open – All-Time Player Performance Guide
Tickets for the 2025 RBC Canadian Open are available here. Children aged 12-and-under get free admission with a ticketed adult.
Golf Canada and NHLPA announce Inaugural RBC Canadian Open/NHLPA Faceoff
Current and recently retired NHL players will compete in an
18-hole competition prior to the RBC Canadian Open at TPC Toronto
OAKVILLE/TORONTO, ON – Golf Canada and the National Hockey League Players’ Association (NHLPA) are proud to announce the creation of the RBC Canadian Open/NHLPA Faceoff taking place at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley (North Course) in Caledon, Ont. on Thursday, May 29.
This unique event will take place one week prior to the 2025 RBC Canadian Open and will feature current National Hockey League (NHL) Players and Alumni competing in a one-day tournament. The format will see eight teams of two players competing in an 18-hole competition, culminating in a playoff on the iconic no. 14 Rink Hole at TPC Toronto.
“We are excited to partner with the NHLPA on this new initiative leading into the 114th playing of Canada’s National Open Championship. Golf and hockey bring a natural intersect for players and we want to thank the NHLPA and its members for their shared enthusiasm in bringing this concept to reality,” said Tim McLaughlin, Chief Marketing Officer, Golf Canada. “We have seen the success and growth of golf content online and through social media, and this promises to be a fun and engaging experience for the players ahead of the 2025 RBC Canadian Open.”
The roster of current NHLPA members set to compete in the inaugural RBC Canadian Open/NHLPA Faceoff at TPC Toronto includes Will Cuylle and Calvin deHaan (New York Rangers), Jamie Drysdale (Philadelphia Flyers), Warren Foegele and Quinton Byfield (L.A. Kings), Robert Thomas (St. Louis Blues), Ryan Strome (Anaheim Ducks), Logan Stanley (Winnipeg Jets) with more players to be named later.
In addition, current TSN personalities and NHL Alumni, Jeff O’Neill (Hartford Whalers/Carolina Hurricanes, Toronto Maple Leafs), and Carlo Colaiacovo (Toronto Maple Leafs, St. Louis Blues, Detroit Red Wings, Philadelphia Flyers, Buffalo Sabres), will also be competing on May 29.
“Golf and hockey have traditionally gone hand-in-hand here in Canada, so we’re thrilled to partner with Golf Canada to bring the RBC Canadian Open/NHLPA Faceoff to life,” said Devin Smith, NHLPA Senior Director, Sponsorship & Player Marketing. “The opportunity to bring NHL players and the RBC Canadian Open together here at this incredible venue at TPC Toronto in such a fun and unique format is something we at the NHLPA and the players are very excited about. We are looking forward to a great day of competition along with some fun and engaging content for fans, in partnership with Golf Canada and RBC.”
Scoring will follow a stableford format, with set points awarded based off a golfer’s net score for the hole. Points will be awarded as follows: Albatross (5 points), Eagle (4 points), Birdie (3 points), Par (2 points), Bogey (1 point), Double Bogey or higher (0 points). The top teams with the highest total of accumulated points will advance to the playoff.
The competition will be closed to the public but will be covered on both Golf Canada and NHLPA social media channels and a full-length feature piece will be shared online shortly after the completion of the event. The 114th playing of the RBC Canadian Open will take place June 4-8 at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley (North Course) in Caledon, Ont. For more information on the RBC Canadian Open, including volunteer opportunities or to purchase tickets, please visit rbccanadianopen.com.
Click here for more information on the RBC Canadian Open/ NLPA Faceoff
International stars commit to the 2025 RBC Canadian Open
Ludvig Åberg, Sungjae Im, Tom Kim and Alex Noren to compete in the
114th playing of Canada’s Men’s National Open Championship
Oakville, ON – RBC and Golf Canada are pleased to announce that international stars Ludvig Åberg, Sungjae Im, Tom Kim and Alex Noren have all confirmed their commitment to compete in the 2025 RBC Canadian Open.
Åberg (world no. 6) returns to the RBC Canadian Open, where he made his professional debut on the PGA TOUR in 2023. In that short time, Åberg has become a two-time winner with his most recent win coming at the Genesis Invitational this past February. Åberg was part of Europe’s Ryder Cup winning side in 2023 and represented his native, Sweden at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. In addition to his win, Åberg has earned three top 10’s and four top 25’s this season. He has also earned one international win in his career, the Omega European Masters in 2023.
Im (world no. 21) is a two-time winner on the PGA TOUR and has also earned three international wins during his career. This season, Im has earned three top 10’s and six top 25’s including a T5 finish at The Masters last month. Im has been part of the International Team at three Presidents Cups (2019, 2022, 2024) and represented the Republic of Korea at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. Im will be making his second appearance at the RBC Canadian Open after finishing seventh in 2019.
Kim (world no. 45) is a three-time winner on the PGA TOUR and has earned seven career international wins. The 22-year-old will be making his second appearance at the RBC Canadian Open, after finishing T4 last year in Hamilton, Ont. Kim was part of the International Team at the past two Presidents Cups (2022, 2024) and represented the Republic of Korea at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. This season, Kim has earned one top 10 and one top 25 finish in 13 events on the PGA TOUR.
Noren (world no. 71) has won 10 times on the DP World Tour in his career and will be making his third appearance at the RBC Canadian Open. Noren was most recently in the final pairing of the 2025 PGA Championship this past Sunday, in only his second tournament since returning from an injury that sidelined him for multiple months. Noren was part of Europe’s Ryder Cup win in 2018 and has represented Sweden at the past two Olympic Games (2020 in Tokyo and 2024 in Paris). Noren is a three-time runner-up on the PGA TOUR.
Also joining the international stars are up-and-coming collegiate standouts Luke Clanton of Hialeah, Fla., and Gordon Sargent of Birmingham, Ala.
Clanton is currently the no. 1 player in the World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) and on Monday was named the recipient of the 2025 Ben Hogan Award, recognizing the outstanding male amateur and collegiate golfer of the year. Clanton earned his PGA TOUR Card through the PGA TOUR University Accelerated and has competed in 13 PGA TOUR events over the past two years. He has earned two runner-up finishes along with an additional top five and a top ten finish. He also made the cut at the 2024 U.S. Open finishing T41, his first tournament on the TOUR. Clanton is a junior at Florida State University and earned the McCormack Medal in 2024 as the world’s top amateur golfer.
Sargent is currently ranked no. 20 on the WAGR and is a senior at Vanderbilt University. Sargent won the 2022 NCAA Men’s Individual National Championship as well as the 2023 McCormack Medal. He became the first player to earn their PGA TOUR Card through PGA TOUR University Accelerated in October 2023. In addition, he finished as the low amateur at the 2023 U.S. Open, finishing T39. He has competed in six events on the PGA TOUR over the past two years.
“RBC and Golf Canada are excited to announce these four great players in Åberg, Im, Kim and Noren to the emerging field set to compete in the 114th playing of the RBC Canadian Open,” said RBC Canadian Open Tournament Director Ryan Paul. “We also look forward to welcoming two of the top amateurs in the world and rising stars Luke Clanton and Gordon Sargent to compete at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley.”
Tickets for the 2025 RBC Canadian Open are available here. Children aged 12-and-under get free admission with a ticketed adult.
11 Canadians earn exemptions into the 2025 RBC Canadian Open
Team Canada members Sudarshan Yellamaraju, Matthew Anderson, Ashton McCulloch and Hunter Thomson along with Richard T. Lee, Wes Heffernan and Roger Sloan join previously announced exemption recipients, three Regional Qualifying medalists and Canadian PGA TOUR members as part of an 18-player Canadian contingent for the 114th playing of Canada’s Men’s National Open Championship at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley
Toronto, ON – Golf Canada and RBC have confirmed the names of 11 Canadians who have accepted exemptions into the 2025 RBC Canadian Open, taking place June 4 – 8 at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley (North Course) in Caledon, Ont.
Leading the way are four members of Team Canada including Sudarshan Yellamaraju of Mississauga, Ont. Who will be competing at the RBC Canadian Open for the first time in his career. Earlier this season, Yellamaraju earned his first career title on the Korn Ferry Tour, winning The Bahamas Great Abaco Classic in January.
Matthew Anderson of Mississauga, Ont. has also earned an exemption after finishing as the top Canadian on PGA TOUR Americas last season and will be competing at Canada’s Men’s National Open Championship for the third time. This season, Anderson is competing on the Korn Ferry Tour and has earned a top five and two top 10 finishes in ten events.
Ashton McCulloch of Kingston, Ont. will be competing in his second consecutive RBC Canadian Open, earning his exemption as the top Canadian amateur player on WAGR. McCulloch recently finished his senior year at Michigan State University where he enjoyed a strong three-plus years with the Spartans. Last season, McCulloch also competed in the U.S. Open after earning his spot through qualification. McCulloch won the 2023 Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship and finished as runner-up last year. He will also be competing in The Rocket Classic in Detroit, Mich. in late June after earning a sponsor exemption at his graduation ceremony.
Hunter Thomson of Calgary, Alta. earned his exemption by finishing first on the individual leaderboard at the inaugural Canadian Collegiate Invitational last September at Öviinbyrd Golf Club in MacTier, Ont. He is in his senior year of college at the University of Michigan and has two additional victories this year – the Boilermaker Invitational in April and most recently, the NCAA Urbana Regional which earned him a spot into the NCAA Finals (individual) later this month. Thomson will be making his first appearance at the RBC Canadian Open.
Joining the Team Canada athletes are Richard T. Lee of Toronto, Ont. who will be making his fourth appearance at the RBC Canadian Open. Lee competes on the Asian Tour where he is currently ranked 16th on the Asian Tour Order of Merit. Lee has won three times on the Asian Tour, with his most recent victory coming last November at the BNI Indonesian Masters, helping him finish third on the Asian Tour Order of Merit. Lee has also won four times on the Korean PGA Tour, with his most recent victory coming last month at the Woori Financial Group Championship.
Wes Heffernan of Calgary, Alta. has also earned an exemption for leading the PGA of Canada’s Order of Merit and will be competing in his eighth RBC Canadian Open. Roger Sloan of Calgary, Alta. has also accepted an exemption to compete in his ninth RBC Canadian Open.
Three other Canadians earned exemptions through RBC Canadian Open Regional Qualifying including Team Canada alumnus Cougar Collins of Mono, Ont. (First Ontario Regional Qualifier at Brampton Golf Club), Matt Scobie of Oshawa, Ont. (Second Ontario Regional Qualifying at Cherry Hill Club) and Brett Webster of Chilliwack, B.C. (B.C. Regional Qualifier at Squamish Valley Golf Club). An additional exemption will be award on May 21 at the Quebec Regional Qualifer, taking place at Griffon des Sources – Aigle Lion in Mirabel, Que.
As previously announced, Canadian golf icon Mike Weir of Bright’s Grove, Ont. will be competing in his 32nd RBC Canadian Open, a feat which ties the record for starts in Canada’s National Open Championship with fellow Canadian Golf Hall of Famer George Cumming.
Currently, an 18-player Canadian contingent will challenge for the national championship led by 2023 RBC Canadian Open champion, Nick Taylor of Abbotsford, B.C., and fellow PGA TOUR winners, Corey Conners of Listowel, Ont., Taylor Pendrith of Richmond, Hill, Ont., Mackenzie Hughes of Dundas, Ont., Adam Hadwin of Abbotsford, B.C., and Adam Svensson of Surrey, B.C. Also confirmed is Ben Silverman of Thornhill, Ont.
“We are pleased to announce these additional exemptions that provide more Canadians with a chance to compete in our National Men’s Open Championship at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley,” said RBC Canadian Open Tournament Director Ryan Paul. “Our home team Canadian contingent has always been part of the tournament’s identity and we look forward to the field continuing to take shape over the final weeks leading into the tournament.”
Three additional exemptions were award to Tyler Mawhinney of Fleming Island, Fla. for winning the 2024 Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship, John Keefer of Baltimore, Md. for finishing as the 2024 PGA TOUR Americas Season Points winner and Barend Botha of George, South Africa for finishing as runner-up on the 2024 PGA TOUR Americas Season Points standings.
There are five additional exemptions to be awarded by Golf Canada and RBC ahead of the final field announcement on Friday, May 30. Four additional spots will be available during the RBC Canadian Open Final Qualifier on Sunday, June 1 at The Pulpit Club in Caledon, Ont.
Tickets for the 2025 RBC Canadian Open are available here. Children aged 12-and-under get free admission with a ticketed adult.
Pendrith posts career-best Major finish at PGA Championship
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Taylor Pendrith delivered a standout performance at the 2025 PGA Championship, finishing tied for fifth at Quail Hollow Club to record his best result in a major championship.
The Richmond Hill, Ont., native carded rounds of 69, 70, 72, and a final-round 68 to close at 5-under-par 279. His Sunday surge vaulted him into a tie with J.T. Poston and Jhonattan Vegas, earning Pendrith a payday of $694,700.
Pendrith was the top Canadian finisher in the field, edging out compatriot Corey Conners, who tied for 19th at 2-under. The result marks a significant milestone for Pendrith, whose previous best at the PGA Championship was a tie for 29th in 2023.
“It feels great to put together four solid rounds on a major stage,” Pendrith said. “I’ve been working hard on my game, and to see it pay off here is really satisfying.”
Pendrith’s top-five finish places him among a select group of Canadian male golfers who have achieved similar feats in major championships. Notably, Mike Weir won the Masters in 2003, and George Knudson tied for second at the 1969 Masters. Stephen Ames also tied for fifth at the 1997 Open Championship.
The tournament was won by world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, who captured his third major title with a commanding five-shot victory. Scheffler finished at 11-under 273, holding off challenges from Bryson DeChambeau, Harris English, and Davis Riley, who all tied for second at 6-under.
Scheffler’s win adds the Wanamaker Trophy to his growing collection and further cements his status as one of golf’s premier talents. The victory also came with a record-breaking $3.42 million prize from the $19 million purse, the highest in tournament history.
For Pendrith, the strong showing at Quail Hollow provides momentum as he continues his 2025 season—with sights set firmly on a home-soil appearance June 4-8 at the upcoming RBC Canadian Open at TPC Toronto.