RBC Canadian Open included in The Open Qualifying Series for 2024
The Claret Jug is displayed during The Open Qualifying Series, part of the RBC Canadian Open at St. George's Golf and Country Club on June 12, 2022 (Photo by Cole Burston via Getty Images)
The R&A
The road to The 152nd Open Championship will stop in Canada once again, as the 2024 RBC Canadian Open contested May 30 to June 2 at Hamilton Golf and Country Club in Hamilton, Ont. will be among 16 events in 11 countries to make up The Open Qualifying Series for 2024.
The 2024 RBC Canadian Open will offer up three qualifying places to the leading three players, not already exempt, who make the cut at the 113th playing of Canada’s National Open Championship.
The race to qualify for The 152nd Open at Royal Troon gets under way this week with three places on offer through the Joburg Open in South Africa.
The Joburg Open is the first event in The Open Qualifying Series for 2024 which offers golfers around the world opportunities to book their place in golf’s original championship.
Johnnie Cole-Hamilton, Executive Director – Championships at The R&A, said: “The race to qualify for The 152nd Open at Royal Troon is now under way and offers golfers all over the world a range of opportunities to secure a coveted place in the Championship.
“We look forward to seeing the drama unfold in the coming months as golfers emerge from tour events or Final Qualifying to book their place at Royal Troon next year.”
The ISPS HANDA Australian Open, which is co-sanctioned by the PGA Tour of Australasia and DP World Tour and being played at The Lakes and The Australian from 30 November – 3 December, will offer three places.
The Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard, the Memorial Tournament presented by Workday, the RBC Canadian Open and the John Deere Classic will offer golfers on the PGA Tour opportunities to qualify.
On the DP World Tour, places will be awarded at the KLM Open, Italian Open and Genesis Scottish Open, which is co-sanctioned with the PGA Tour.
Three events in Asia will be added to The Open Qualifying Series after the Asian Tour, Japan Golf Tour and KPGA Korean Tour have announced their schedules for 2024.
Final Qualifying events will be held at Burnham & Berrow, Dundonald Links, Royal Cinque Ports and West Lancashire on 2 July with a minimum of 16 places available. This will follow 14 Regional Qualifying events taking place on 24 June. Fulford and Bearwood Lakes have been added to the list of venues hosting Regional Qualifying.
Where any golfer who earns a qualifying place through an Open Qualifying Series event before the closing date for entries then becomes exempt under one or more other categories, that qualifying place will be awarded to the next best placed non-exempt golfer at that qualifying event.
The R&A will confirm the exemptions for The 152nd Open at Royal Troon early in the new year.
The 152nd Open will be played at Royal Troon from 18-21 July 2024.
The Open Qualifying Series will offer the following qualification places in The 152ndOpen:
Date
Event
South Africa
23-26 Nov 2023
Joburg Open Houghton, Johannesburg
3 places to the leading three players, not already exempt as of the closing date, who make the cut
Australia
30 Nov-3 Dec 2023
ISPS HANDA Australian Open The Lakes & The Australian, Sydney
3 places to the leading three players, not already exempt as of the closing date, who make the cut
USA
7-10 March 2024
Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard Bay Hill, Florida
1 place to the leading player, not already exempt as of the closing date, who makes the cut
Canada
30 May-2 June 2024
RBC Canadian Open Hamilton Golf & Country Club, Hamilton, Ont.
3 places to the leading three players, not already exempt, who make the cut
USA
6–9 June 2024
the Memorial Tournament presented by Workday Muirfield Village, Ohio
1 place to the leading player, not already exempt, who makes the cut
Netherlands
20-23 June 2024
KLM Open The International, Amsterdam
2 places to the leading two players, not already exempt, who make the cut
Regional Qualifying
24 June 2024
Various
Italy
27 June-30 June 2024
Italian Open Adriatic Golf Club, Cervia
2 places to the leading two players, not already exempt, who make the cut
Final Qualifying
2 July 2024
Burnham & Berrow Dundonald Links Royal Cinque Ports West Lancashire
Minimum of 16 places
USA
4-7 July 2024
John Deere Classic TPC Deere Run, Illinois
2 places to the leading two players, not already exempt, who make the cut
Scotland
11-14 July 2024
Genesis Scottish Open The Renaissance Club, East Lothian
3 places to the leading three players, not already exempt, who make the cut
NB. Three events in Asia will also be added to the Open Qualifying Series after the Asian Tour, Japan Golf Tour and KPGA Korean Tour have announced their schedules for 2024.
Golf Canada and partners shine bright at 2023 Sponsorship Marketing Awards
Terry Lenyk
[TORONTO] – On Thursday, September 22, the 2023 Sponsorship Marketing Awards (SMAs) illuminated the Globe & Mail Centre in Toronto, and Golf Canada, along with several of its valued partners, took centre stage, securing numerous accolades at the prestigious annual event hosted by the Sponsorship Marketing Council of Canada (SMCC).
The SMAs, considered the Canadian sport marketing industry’s most esteemed recognition, span across various sectors, including sports, arts, and culture. Golf Canada was proud to garner recognition in multiple categories honouring 2022 activities, emphasizing the organization’s commitment to working collaboratively with partners to enhance the golf and festival experience at its two signature golf properties—the RBC Canadian Open and CPKC Women’s Open.
The distinguished recognition achieved by Golf Canada and its partners for 2022 activities include:
PROPERTY OF THE YEAR
Gold – Golf Canada (RBC Canadian Open & CPKC Women’s Open)
BEST NEW INITIATIVE
Gold – Hilton on the Green
EVENTS & FESTIVALS
Award of Distinction – RBC Canadian Open
SPORTS (over $500K)
Award of Distinction – theScore Bet Skyline Seats
SUSTAINED SUCCESS
Award of Distinction – CPKC Women’s Open
In addition to these outstanding achievements, Golf Canada’s partners earned the following recognitions:
MUSIC
Gold – RBCxMusic
AGENCY OF THE YEAR
Gold – Wasserman
Golf Canada and its partners were proud to secure more awards than any other organization at this year’s event, providing an emphatic testament of success for these outstanding activities throughout 2022.
Of note is the coveted “Property of the Year” award, a reflection of Golf Canada’s commitment to excellence and innovation in the world of sponsorship marketing.
“These remarkable achievements are a direct result of the unwavering dedication, collaboration, and passion demonstrated by each member of the Golf Canada team and innovative partners,” said Lisa Ferkul, Golf Canada’s Chief Commercial Officer. “These accolades are a testament to a collective commitment to elevate the sponsorship marketing landscape and enhance the festival experience for our partners, fans, and stakeholders.”
Golf Canada extends heartfelt congratulations to every organization involved in these remarkable achievements and looks forward to continuing its journey of excellence and innovation in sponsorship marketing across its signature properties.
In June, Nick Taylor became the first Canadian in 69 years to win his national open, holing a 72-foot eagle putt on the fourth playoff hole to beat Tommy Fleetwood at Oakdale Golf and Country Club in Toronto.
“We are honoured and humbled to be nominated for these prestigious awards by the PGA TOUR,” said Bryan Crawford, RBC Canadian Open tournament director. “It is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team, including staff, partners, fans and volunteers, who are committed to delivering excellence in everything we do. This is a moment of pride for us, and we are grateful to be recognized in this way.”
The 2023 RBC Canadian Open picked up nominations in the following four categories:
Best Marketing Initiative: Criteria include the development and execution of a marketing campaign designed to increase ticket sales and attendance.
Most Engaged Community: Attendance, volunteer support, year-round community involvement, new community engagement program, media participation, community woven in to the “fabric” of the tournament and charity partners.
Best Special Event: Development of an actionable plan with clear objectives, creative elements and measurable results which drove attendance, social media attention, local PR, ticket sales, charity donations or media value. Examples: luncheon, special dinner, concert/concert series, 5K run, sales event, celebrity shootout, etc.)
Sustainability Award: Designed to recognize engagement in sustainability and commitment to reducing the tournament’s environmental impact, which will help protect the game for future generations.
Winners will be announced at the 2023 PGA TOUR Tournament Awards Celebration, which take place Thursday, December 7 in La Quinta, CA.
Nick Taylor wins RBC Canadian Open, first Canadian champion since 1954
(Photo: Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
Canadian Press
TORONTO – Nick Taylor became the first Canadian in 69 years to win his national open, holing a 72-foot eagle putt on the fourth playoff hole to beat Tommy Fleetwood in the RBC Canadian Open on Sunday.
Taylor tossed his putter into the air and jumped into the arms of his caddie after the longest made putt of his PGA Tour career, and fellow Canadian players Mike Weir, Corey Conners and Adam Hadwin were among those who ran onto the green to congratulate him. Hadwin, Taylor’s close friend, was tackled by a security guard while spraying champagne from a bottle.
“I’m speechless. This is for all the guys that are here. This is for my family at home,” Taylor said with tears in his eyes. “This is the most incredible feeling.”
The last player from Canada to win the Canadian Open was Pat Fletcher in 1954 at Point Grey in Vancouver. Fletcher was born in England; Carl Keffer had been the only Canadian-born champion, winning in 1909 and 1914. Weir lost a playoff to Vijay Singh in 2004.
With galleries cheering his every move and even serenading him with “O Canada” on one tee box, Taylor curled in an 11-foot birdie putt on the 18th hole to finish at 17-under 271 at Oakdale, walking backwards with his fist raised as the ball dropped into the cup. He shot a 6-under 66 on Sunday.
Fleetwood needed a birdie on the reachable par 5 to win in regulation, but he missed his tee shot right, laid up into an awkward lie in the right rough and two-putted for par to force the playoff in rainy conditions.
The players traded birdies on their first time playing No. 18 in the playoff. They both parred 18 and the par-3 ninth before heading back to 18.
Taylor’s tee shot found a divot in the fairway, but he hit his second shot 221 yards to the front of the green, while Fleetwood laid up after his drive found a fairway bunker. Fleetwood hit his third shot to 12 feet, but didn’t need to putt after Taylor’s uphill eagle putt hit the flagstick and dropped.
Fans swarmed toward the green, and Hadwin who like Taylor grew up in Abbotsford, British Columbia got leveled amid the chaos. He said had so much adrenaline that the tackle didn’t faze him.
“It’s incredible. I mean, what do you say to one of the greatest moments of Canadian golf history?” Hadwin said. “I think we all predicted that this was going to happen.
“I’m not sure that any one of us predicted a 72-foot (eagle) putt … to get it done, but what a way to go.”
The 35-year-old Taylor, who was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, won for the third time on the PGA Tour. He shot 75 in Thursday’s opening round but rallied with a 67 on Friday to make the cut, then shot 63 on Saturday to begin the final round three shots behind leader C.T. Pan.
Two-time defending champion Rory McIlroy, two shots back of Pan entering the final round, closed with a 72 and finished in a tie for ninth, five shots back.
Fleetwood, a two-time Ryder Cup player from England and a six-time winner on the European tour, remains winless on the PGA Tour.
“I played great today, even though I missed some chances, if you like, on those playoff holes,” Fleetwood said. “Yeah, it was close. I just have to take the positives from it and start practicing tomorrow. I got a major next week. So can’t dwell on it too much.”
Tyrrell Hatton (64), Aaron Rai (69) and Pan (70) finished one shot out of the playoff.
Rory sits 2 shots back heading into final round of RBC Canadian Open
Rory McIlroy
Canadian Press
Back-to-back birdies to close out the third round put C.T. Pan two strokes up on the field at the RBC Canadian Open, but that lead is far from safe with a pack of big names and two Canadians in the hunt.
Pan, from Taiwan, shot a 6-under 66 to sit at 14-under overall on Saturday at Oakdale Golf and Country Club in the northwest corner of Toronto. Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy was in a six-way tie for second as he looks for a third consecutive title at the men’s national golf championship.
“You still have to play aggressive, because this course is a lot of rough, but if you hit it in the fairway you will have a lot of short irons in and you’re going to create a lot of birdie opportunities,” said Pan, adding that he won’t change too much as he tries to fend off the group tied for second that includes McIlroy, Americans Mark Hubbard, Harry Higgs, and Andrew Novak, as well as England’s Tommy Fleetwood and Justin Rose.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if someone shoots 8-, 9-under, because the PGA Tour guys are really good.”
Nick Taylor, from Abbotsford, B.C., did just that earlier Saturday, firing a 9-under 63 to set a new course record at Oakdale Golf and Country Club. That round rocketed Taylor up the leaderboard to sit in a tie with England’s Aaron Rai at 11-under, good for eighth.
Taylor surpassed the record of 8-under that England’s Tyrrell Hatton matched in Friday’s second round. Oakdale actually has 27 holes on its property and is using a composite course for the PGA Tour event.
Canadian Golf Hall of Famer George Knudson, who won on the PGA Tour eight times in the 1960s and ’70s, was a regular at Oakdale and has nine of the holes at the 98-year-old course named after him.
“To have a course record is really cool,” said Taylor. “I don’t think I have one out here on Tour.
“To do it at the RBC Canadian Open is even more special and to be mentioned in the same breath as George Knudson is phenomenal.”
Corey Conners (70) of Listowel, Ont., rounded out the top 10 at 10-under overall. He and Taylor agreed that they’d be happy with either one of them winning the Canadian Open and end a nearly 70-year drought for Canadians at the event.
“I think we’re rooting for each other, but we still want to win,” said Taylor, who regularly practices with Conners ahead of PGA Tour events. “If we don’t win, I think we want another Canadian to win.
“If I look up and I’m second and Corey Conners is first then that’s almost as good as winning.”
Pat Fletcher won at Vancouver’s Point Grey Golf and Country Club in 1954. Although there have been some close calls in the past 20 years, this year’s edition of the tournament holds a great deal of promise as eight Canadians, the most since 2002, made the cut.
“It’s been far too long,” said Conners. “I’m going to be letting it fly, giving it my all tomorrow and I’m sure (Taylor’s) going to be doing the same thing.
“I’ve got some ground to make up, but you never know. We have a chance.”
McIlroy won in 2019 at Hamilton Golf and Country Club and again last year at St. George’s Golf and Country Club. The event was canceled in the intervening years because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It feels eerily similar to the last two tournaments,” said McIlroy. “I was tied for the lead with (Webb Simpson) at Hamilton in 2019. Then last year with (Tony Finau and Justin Thomas).
“Looks like there could be a lot of guys up around the lead tomorrow. So it’s going to be a really interesting day.”
Conners a shot back after second round of RBC Canadian Open
Corey Conners
Canadian Press
Chants of “Corrr-ayyyy! Cor-ay! Cor-ay! Cor-ay!” to the tune of the famous “Ole!” soccer song followed Corey Conners up to the 18th green during the second round of the RBC Canadian Open.
The product of Listowel, Ont., responded well to the chants from hundreds of fans. He two-putted on the challenging green at Oakdale Golf and Country Club to pull within a shot of the lead at the men’s national golf championship.
“Lots of chants out there, but definitely that one was new,” said Conners with a chuckle. “I’m really embracing the Canadian support.”
Conners shot a 3-under 69 on Friday to sit in a tie for second with Taiwan’s C.T. Pan, England’s Aaron Rai and Tyrrell Hatton at 8-under overall.
China’s Carl Yuan turned in a 5-under round to sit atop the leaderboard one shot ahead of that group.
“Really happy with the start,” said Conners who was tied for the lead after the first round. “It’s been a lot of fun out here this week.
“Fun playing in front of the Canadian fans. Just enjoying the walk out there.”
Yuan said after his round in the morning wave that his goal is always to have fun out on the course.
“That’s my goal coming into the week. That’s my No. 1 goal,” said Yuan of keeping it light. “Not a result goal, just being in the present, hitting shot by shot and, yeah, being out here trying to have the most fun. All of it.”
Conners was in the mix at the PGA Championship in late May and tied for 12th. He said his cool demeanour paid off there and is also keeping him focused at the Canadian Open, which most Canadian players consider a fifth major.
“I would say this week I’ve been a lot more relaxed than even I was there and I felt like I was quite relaxed at the PGA Championship,” he said. “So I’m feeling good about my game and able to play with freedom and confidence. I’m just having a lot of fun.”
It has been almost 70 years since a Canadian last won the men’s national golf championship. Pat Fletcher won in 1954 at Vancouver’s Point Grey Golf and Country Club.
Although Conners is in the best position to end that drought, he’s far from the only Canadian in the hunt as eight of his countrymen made the cut.
Adam Hadwin (68) of Abbotsford, B.C., and Rogers Sloan (70) of Merritt, B.C., were tied for 17th at 5 under.
Edmonton’s Wil Bateman, playing in his first-ever Canadian Open and only his second PGA Tour event, rocketed up the leaderboard with a 6-under round. That put Bateman at 4-under overall and tied for 22nd.
“When they bring out the cameras and the little fuzzy little mic you know you’re doing something right,” joked Bateman. “But I just tried to just stay in the moment. I’m just really excited for the weekend.”
After two days of air quality advisories due to forest fires raging in Ontario and Quebec, steady rain cleared the air at Oakdale in Toronto’s northwest corner. Between the lack of sunlight and cold rain, the temperature didn’t go above 17 degrees Celsius.
“I think this is right up my alley,” said Yuan, who was born in Dalian, China. “I went to school in Seattle at the University of Washington.
“That’s exactly what we deal with in the wintertime.”
Conners said that the course’s conditions have been great, although with a 9-under overall score topping the leaderboard it’s clear that Oakdale is proving to be a challenge.
“I feel like the golf course and the greens have sped up and the rough has continued to grow and become thicker from when I saw it a few weeks ago,” said Conners. “Also just tournament conditions, it’s playing a little trickier but there’s definitely some opportunities.
“If the weather stays nice I think that you can shoot some good numbers this weekend.”
Canada’s Corey Conners shares lead at RBC Canadian Open
Corey Conners
PGA TOUR Communications
TORONTO – It’s been 20 years since Mike Weir won the Masters, and now Canada is seeing the influence that victory had – with more Canadians playing at a high level on the PGA TOUR than ever before.
But one thing that continues to elude the best from Canada – including Weir himself – is a victory at the RBC Canadian Open. The last Canadian to win the country’s national open was Pat Fletcher in 1954.
Through 18 holes, however, Corey Conners is trending towards breaking the long-standing drought.
Conners shot a 5-under 67 to open things at Oakdale Golf and Country Club, and through the first round he sits in a four-way tie for the lead with Aaron Rai, Justin Lower and Chesson Hadley.
The last Canadian to lead the RBC Canadian Open after the first round was Weir in 2008, and the last Canadian to lead the championship after any round was David Hearn, who had the 54-hole lead in 2015.
Conners, who finished sixth at last year’s RBC Canadian Open, was not able to speak to media after his round because he had to deal with an urgent personal matter.
His caddie, Danny Sahl, said that Conners’ success came from being strong all around and especially disciplined off the tee. Conners hasn’t made a bogey at the RBC Canadian Open in 51 holes, dating back to last year.
Conners was first in Strokes Gained: Tee-to-Green and fourth in Strokes Gained: Off-the-Tee after the first round. Sahl said there’s an easy comparison between Oakdale and Oak Hill Country Club, the host of this year’s PGA Championship where Conners played in Sunday’s penultimate pairing.
“It’s the same mentality that he brought over from (Oak Hill), and he knows that’s what it’s going to take to play well,” Sahl said. “Just get it in the fairway and we were aggressive on a couple of holes. He’s seeing his spots and keeping it really simple.”
Weir also had the first-round lead at the RBC Canadian Open in 2004 and came agonizingly close to winning the event – eventually losing in a playoff to Vijay Singh. He knows as much as anyone what it’s going to take to keep the pedal down over the next three days.
“I think (Conners is) experienced enough to know that we’re so early and that it doesn’t really mean much yet,” Weir said. “I know he just wants to, I’m sure, keep doing what he’s doing. I was watching a little on TV this morning and he looked like he was just playing Corey Conners golf. I saw solid play and nice ball striking, and that’s a good recipe around here.
“It’s pretty demanding off the tee. If you miss the fairways you’re in trouble, so if you can keep driving it good, he’ll be in good shape.”
Conners is one of three Canadians to have won on the PGA TOUR this season, with Mackenzie Hughes and Adam Svensson being the others.
Hughes made four birdies on his back nine Thursday to finish at 3 under. Taylor Pendrith and Roger Sloan also got it to 3 under after the first round.
Weir, in his 30th RBC Canadian Open start, shot an even-par 72.
Hughes, who went to Kent State University with both Pendrith and Conners, said with golf in Canada continuing to increase its momentum, having a Canadian with a chance to win on Sunday would be huge.
“We’ve got a few guys up there, kind of close, and hopefully one of us can keep it going all the way to Sunday,” Hughes said
Homegrown artists are ready to take the stage at RBC Canadian Open
Golf Canada
Can you think of a better way to cap a day of watching some of the world’s top golf professionals at the RBC Canadian Open than listening to Grammy-winning artists perform?
Beyond the headliners: the Black Eyed Peas & seven-time Grammy winner — Canadian Alanis Morissette — arrive early to catch some rising homegrown artists that “you outta know.”
Returning again, as part of the RBCxMusic Concert Series, is the SiriusXM Stage; it features local acts who have the chance to perform in the Fare Way, a hub for spectator activities that promote more than just golf. On Friday & Saturday night, following the golf, two local artists get the opportunity to shine. Friday sees Avry and Liyah Katana take the stage at 7 p.m. for 30-minute sets before the Black Eyed Peas while on Saturday Luna Elle and Skye Wallace perform on the SiriusXM Stage before fans turn their attention to headliner Alanis Morissette later that night.
“The RBC Canadian Open is the only Canadian stop on the PGA TOUR, so it is only fitting that our partnership with SiriusXM allows us to highlight and celebrate home-grown Canadian talent,” says Lisa Ferkul, Chief Commercial Officer at Golf Canada. “We are excited that, for the second year in a row, the SiriusXM stage will create the perfect synergy between music and golf to elevate the festival experience for all fans.”
“Our partnership with Golf Canada allows us to bring music and sport together, something that elevates any entertainment experience,” explains Rob Keen, SVP, Sales & Marketing, SiriusXM Canada. “That intersection is what SiriusXM is all about. We offer the best of both of these worlds – from golf and every other major league sport, to music from every genre and decade – and much more.”
“It’s incredibly important to us to continue shining the spotlight on Canadian talent,” he adds. “We’re so excited to get the opportunity to help showcase some of those artists to new fans through the SiriusXM Stage and to welcome everyone into the SiriusXM Oasis onsite during the Canadian Open.”
Here’s a primer that highlights these four artists that are performing on the SiriusXM Stage at the RBC Canadian Open.
AVRY
By day, the Toronto-based artist wears a suit and works as a consultant with KPMG. By night, he does not change his clothes, but he transforms into a music maker. Born in Vancouver, the emerging artist listened to everything from Radiohead to Usher during his formative years. It was not until he was attending the University of Toronto when the idea that he could make music hit him.
“I knew I was not tone deaf, but randomly, one night, I was at a friend’s place, who is a house music producer, and I laid a topline down [the melody and words that goes on top of an instrumental track] on some random stuff he had,” Avry explains. “From then on I started to make a song a day and quickly realized that music is what I want to do.”
Avry invested in a home studio. And, along with his collective of producers (GoodKarma) he also works out of Kilometre House in downtown Toronto. Here is where his forthcoming project was created that is set for a September release.
The opening slot for the Black Eyed Peas is the biggest gig yet of Avry’s young career. “I’ve never played outdoors before,” he says. “It’s an incredible opportunity and it will be awesome to play a show that has so many eyes on it; hopefully, it is just one more step in the right direction.”
LIYAH KATANA
With a pair of acclaimed EPs already under her belt (Forevaliyah and 8), the Mississauga, Ont. artist is already a rising star. The 19-year-old grew up listening to the Black Eyed Peas so opening for the six-time Grammy winning band at such a young age is a dream come true.
“I hold it so close to my heart and have a big responsibility to hype up the stage and get everybody started!” she says one week before the show. “It’s a big honor to show creativity, community and have fun. This is something I take seriously. I’m counting down the days and picking out my outfit.”
The timing of the 30-minute showcase for the R&B singer-songwriter is ideal since her new single — “Toxic” — drops that day.
What can people expect when they hear the emerging artist later this week? “A good time,” Katana says. “There is going to be a variety of styles and songs. My new single is a doorway for me to be more involved with the community and connect with more people.”
LUNA ELLE
As if trying to find the right dress for your high school prom is not enough stress, one week after that final high school dance party, the Mississauga R&B singer shares her voice and songs before Alanis takes the stage. No pressure. Oh, and did we mention that retired NBA star Shaquille O’Neal told his Instagram followers recently that Luna Elle is “next up you heard it here first.”
Elle is thrilled to be a part of the FirstUp with RBCxMusic program. “It’s an incredible milestone in my journey as an emerging artist,” says the 17-year-old. “It’s more than just a platform—it’s a transformative experience that showcases and elevates musicians like myself from diverse backgrounds across Canada.”
SKYE WALLACE
Unlike her fellow FirstUp with RBCxMusic program participants, the Toronto-based indie-rocker is already a road warrior. She has shared stages and played with the likes of the Lowest of the Low, Matt Mays and Crown Lands over the past decade. Critics have hailed her as “a national treasure.” Her latest album (Terribly Good) was released in October 2022 and is her Six Shooter Records debut.
“To share a bill with Alanis is a huge deal for me,” says Wallace. “It feels like an immense career milestone right out of my dreams. Opportunities like these for emerging artists are a huge deal, so big thank you to SiriusXM for having us all. Let’s rock!”