Even though all golfers are currently engrossed in “The Open” (a.k.a. the British Open), it’s time to look forward to “Our Open” (a.k.a. the RBC Canadian Open).

There are many reasons to come to Our Open, first played in 1904 and the third-oldest continuously running tournament on the PGA TOUR after The Open and the U.S. Open.

Although the tournament proper doesn’t begin until Thursday, there’s lots going on beforehand.

On Saturday, July 22, the RBC Canadian Open 5K run takes place at 9 a.m. starting near the first tee of Glen Abbey Golf Club and finishing alongside the 18^th green.

On Monday, there’s the Canada Day Pro-Am where teams of three amateurs will be joined by one of our country’s top golfers or a Hall of Fame player. This year, among other notables, Adam Hadwin, Nick Taylor, Graham DeLaet, Alena Sharp, David Hearn, Brad Fritsch, and Jared du Toit are scheduled to participate. It’s a celebration of Canadian golf and, suitably, proceeds from the event will go to the Golf Canada Foundation to support the developmental pathway for young golfers in this country.

On Tuesday, the official opening ceremony takes place at 10 a.m. on the stage at the Coors Light 19^th Hole Beer Garden where Judy Darling Evans and Bob Vokey will be inducted into the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame. Admission is free. Tuesday is practice day for the pros, too, so it’s a great chance to see some of the world’s best players in a relaxed atmosphere.

Things tighten up just a bit on Wednesday, when the Championship Pro-Am pairs three amateurs with a top pro. Although the pros are no doubt thinking ahead to the opening round of the championship the next day, the banter and camaraderie of this event make it almost as fun to watch as to play in.

Come Thursday, it’s on.

Once again, this year’s field is impressive. (Players have until 5 p.m. ET Friday, July 21, to confirm their participation.) World No. 1 Dustin Johnson heads a contingent heading over from that other Open, including Ernie Els, Matt Kuchar and Canadian Adam Hadwin. Other early confirmed stars include two-time RBC Canadian Open champ Jim Furyk, former U.S. Open winner Graeme McDowell, and Ryan Palmer.

Way back in 1954, Pat Fletcher was the last Canadian to win Our Open. Oh, we’ve been close since. In 2004, Mike Weir lost a playoff to Vijay Singh. In 2015, David Hearn had a two-shot heading into the final round before being defeated by a charging Jason Day. Last year, Jared du Toit, then still an amateur, finished tied for ninth. Friday at this year’s Open is Red and White Day where spectators have the chance to cheer on our homegrown heroes by wearing red-and-white apparel.

Parking is free as are the complimentary shuttle buses to and from the course. The new GO to the RBC Canadian Open ticket includes a one-day pass Friday to Sunday and a round-trip GO transit fare to the Oakville or Bronte GO station.

I wish I could say that during this, Canada’s 150th birthday year, I could come up with 150 reasons for everyone to attend Our Open. But this is a start. And if you do, I’m sure you will come with close to that number to come back year after year.

The RBC Canadian Open is more than just 72 holes of world-class golf – it is one of Canada’s most historic sporting events with activities for golf and sport enthusiasts both inside and outside the ropes.

Fun and interactive partner programs enhance the fan experience and add to the prestige of Canada’s National Men’s Open Championship.

RBC will be enhancing the spectator experience for all with their Someday Seats, which will be located at 10 locations along the rope lines. Front-row Muskoka chair seating will put spectators right into the action!

RBC will also be unveiling their Someday Lounge at #TheRink – this amazing greenside atmosphere will be the perfect spot to celebrate golf, hockey and Canadiana, while catching all the action on the most exciting Par-3.

WestJet’s Closest to the Pin Toss returns to offer spectators the chance to win a flight anywhere the airlines travels for two. Fans can purchase mini-balls from WestJet volunteers around the course and then take part in the ball toss on the 18th green at the end of each tournament day. Proceeds support Ronald McDonald Houses across Canada.

ZTE returns with the ZTE Grand X View tent, this year located beside Golf Canada House Powered by Boston Pizza. In this space, ZTE will offer fans a unique vantage point to watch the athletes as they make their way from the 6^th green to #TheRink – an experience unlike any other.

Shaw is back with their 7-day Closest to the Pin Challenge and new this year is the ParticipACTION 150 Play List that will showcase the ultimate list of all the physical activities that make us Canadian.

Another new addition is the Levelwear Valley Shuttle that will offer all spectators a free ride into and out of the valley at the 11^th hole.

BMW is returning with their BMW Pavilion located at the 7^th hole, and this year will feature the BMW Ultimate Long Putt Challenge where fans will have a chance to putt for great prizes including the grand prize of a 1-year lease of a BMW 4 series.

Located just off the 10th fairway, the Golf Canada Golf Zone offers FREE fun activities for the whole family. Pose for a picture with the RBC Canadian Open trophy or the 1904 Olympic Trophy. Enjoy a bag of popcorn while signing-up for a free Golf Canada membership.

Take advantage of phone charging stations and cool down in the air-conditioned environment – all for FREE. While there, experience the storied history of Canadian golf with a tour through the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame and Museum.

Check out the ZTE Spectator Village for engaging activities from a number of the event’s supporting partners, including Future Links junior golf activities, charging stations, giveaways, Tweet Caddies, beer gardens, food trucks and more.

Can’t decide which day to attend the RBC Canadian Open. Here are a few highlights of some of the daily activities taking place…

RBC Canadian Open 5K Run – Saturday July 22
Landmark Sport Group in conjunction with Golf Canada will once again be putting on the RBC Canadian Open 5K Golf Run. On Saturday, July 22, 2017 the second annual RBC Canadian Open 5K Running Event will provide participants the opportunity to run or walk along the spectator and cart pathways of Glen Abbey Golf Club. The route begins near the 1st tee of the Championship Course and finishes alongside the iconic and picturesque 18th green. This event is ideal for traditional and non-traditional running audiences. All participants will receive a bib, shirt and finisher’s medal. Registration is $60 and all participants receive a free Anyday ticket to enjoy the championship. www.golfrun.ca

Hall of Fame Induction & Official Opening Ceremony – Tuesday July 25
On Tuesday, July 25 at 10 a.m. our Opening Ceremony will officially kick off the RBC Canadian Open and include the Canadian Hall of Fame induction of Judy Darling Evans and golf club maker Bob Vokey. The ceremony, which will offer free attendance, will conclude with a military flyover and the singing of the national anthem.

Red & White Day – Friday, July 28
The RBC Canadian Open is Canada’s National Championship and to celebrate ‘Our Open’, Friday, July 28 of tournament week will once again be ‘Red & White Day’. Spectators, sponsors, players and attendees are encouraged to wear Canada’s national colours in support of our Canadian golfers in the field.

Canadian Armed Forces Day Presented by Commissionaires  –  Saturday, July 29
Commissionaires will be hosting Canadian Armed Forces Day on Saturday July 29, 2017. All current and former members of Canada’s Armed Forces who register in advance at www.commissionaires-cgl.ca will be entitled to a “military pass” that will provide access to the tournament grounds and upgraded venues.

Arnold Palmer Day – Sunday, July 30
In 1955, Arnold Palmer came to the Canadian Open uncertain he’d have another season on the PGA TOUR. Inconsistent play kept the 26-year-old from winning any events or finding financial success. A Tour rookie with little money, Palmer travelled between tournaments by car with his wife, Winnie.

Growing frustration and a lack of success led to difficult conversations with Winnie – the harsh reality that he may be forced to leave the professional circuit to earn a steady paycheque as a club pro in his hometown of Latrobe, PA.

That uncertainty and those conversations would soon change as Palmer earned a four-stroke win at the 1955 Canadian Open, his first as a professional, for a top prize of $2,400 – equivalent to about

$22,000 in today’s currency. With enough money to continue for another season, Palmer picked up two wins the following year. In total, The King amassed 95 victories world wide, including seven major championships.

None of those may have been possible had he not won the 1955 Canadian Open that rookie year. The victory was so significant that the Canadian Open trophy was one of just three on display in his office at the time of his passing.

The Canadian Open is proud to have been a chapter in The King’s storied history. He may be gone, but he will never be forgotten. Help us keep the King’s memory alive by taking part in Arnold Palmer Day. We’ll be handing out special AP55 buttons to the first 5,000 fans onsite. Visit the 1^st tee to catch a glimpse of the Seagram Gold Cup – the trophy he won in 1955. Or visit the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame & Museum’s Arnold Palmer exhibit which will include game worn clothing, equipment and more.

As part of the RBC Canadian Open’s commitment to family fun, admission for kids 17-and-under is FREE all week.

A full listing of events and activities can be found here.

Jared du Toit’s exceptional play at Glen Abbey proved he’s got the game to battle with the big boys. Now he wants another crack.

Cliché as it might sound, Jared du Toit’s gameplan was to treat the 2016 RBC Canadian Open — his first tee time at a PGA Tour showdown — like any other event.

Except that he wasn’t banking on this.

“At normal tournaments for me on the road, I would turn on the TV in my hotel room at night and I’d watch SportsCentre,” du Toit said of his usual unwind. “But I couldn’t really turn on the TV because it seemed like every sports channel had a big headline on it that I’d see and then, ‘Wow, flip the channel.’

“I didn’t want to get too caught up in it, especially not seeing that before.”

On Sportsnet, on TSN, on Golf Channel . . . du Toit was the hot topic. He was the talk of the tee, too, at courses across the country.

Rightly so.

Representing Golf Canada’s National Amateur Squad on an exemption, the 21-year-old from Kimberley, B.C., sizzled into contention that week at Glen Abbey, a fairy-tale rise from relative unknown to realistic contender.

He opened with a lap of five-under 67, just one shot off the pace. With spins of 71 and 70, his name was never far from the top of the leaderboard during the middle rounds.

And by draining a 40-footer for eagle on Saturday’s concluding hole, he earned a spot in Sunday’s final group with a serious shot to become the first homegrown golfer to win the Canada’s National Open Championship since Pat Fletcher in 1954.

Du Toit closed with another 71, finishing three strokes behind eventual champion Jhonattan Vegas in a tie for ninth. He was tops among Canadians and an unfathomable 17 strokes better than the next-best amateur.

Jason Day, who arrived at Glen Abbey as the top-ranked player on the planet, was a couple shots back in his rearview mirror.

“We knew Jared had the game,” said Derek Ingram, Golf Canada’s national men’s coach. “But to have the moxie and the confidence to be in that position all week and to really thrive and enjoy it and to eat that up and really not let it faze him at all, I think that’s probably what impressed me the most.

“Other guys have the game to do that. But there’s a difference between having the game and doing it with all those people around and doing it under the pressure and under the heat. That’s what really stands out for me.”

What really stands out for du Toit? Oooooh boy, take a seat.

A polite and polished young man, du Toit bubbles with enthusiasm when you mention that muggy and memorable week last July, almost as if it happened yesterday.

The support of a patriotic crowd was, as he repeated again and again, “unbelievable.” There was encouragement from inside the ropes too, from the likely sources — Graham DeLaet, Adam Hadwin, Nick Taylor and the rest of the Canadian contingent.

“Honestly, just 10-out-of-10 guys, falling right into that stereotype,” du Toit added.

And unlikely sources, such as his playing partner on that special Sunday, an established star who won the FedEx Cup in 2012 and owns eight PGA Tour trophies.

“Brandt Snedeker, that final day, he was kind of rooting me on all day just making me feel great,” du Toit described. “I kind of got off to a slow start and the whole time he was like, ‘OK, keep plucking away, keep plucking away.’ I finally made a birdie on my eighth hole and he was clapping and he fist-bumped me and said, ‘OK, let’s go.’ That was very cool.”

Du Toit, naturally, learned a ton at Glen Abbey, but another important lesson came in the weeks that followed.

“Just playing other amateur events and college events after, I put a lot of stress on myself to play well, to kind of live up to what I had done, because I didn’t want to be that guy that just played well one week,” he admitted. “I did put a lot of pressure on myself, and I performed poorly because I was too high-strung on the golf course.

“Yeah, it was a good week and if that was an amateur event, I probably would have won that amateur event. But it was one week, and just understanding that has been really good for me — realizing my process and what I did to prepare and where my swing was that week. It’s just that kind of understanding of what put me in that position to succeed rather than trying hard to succeed every week.

“Continuing to do all the little things right will eventually work out long term. In a shorter scale, I guess, that kind of worked out and taught me a lesson.”

He must be a quick study because du Toit enjoyed a stellar senior campaign with the Arizona State Sun Devils, including a triumph at The Prestige at PGA West in mid-February.

He’ll graduate with a degree in marketing, but his preference is to earn his pay on the fairways and greens. He certainly hasn’t been slacking on his homework.

“I think one of the things that has made the biggest difference for him is just having tremendous habits and routines,” said Ingram. “It doesn’t sound very sexy, but it just works really well. He’s a guy who works extremely hard. He’s very smart. He’s a good athlete, from a multi-sport background. I think those things are really starting to translate to a guy who can be a very, very good professional golfer.

“If you plop him down on the PGA Tour, we like his chances.”

Du Toit would love to be plopped down on the PGA Tour. He would have told you that years ago. His remarkable run at the 2016 RBC Canadian Open only provided reassurance.

“It was definitely everything I dreamed it would be, and even more,” du Toit said. “Just seeing that my game, playing my best, that I can compete and I can make a living on tour . . . I mean, that’s the goal. It just validated my dreams and what I’ve been working on and how I’ve been working on it.”

This article was originally published in the Family Issue edition of Golf Canada Magazine. Click here to view the full magazine

To help celebrate Canada’s 150^th anniversary, Golf Canada and RBC have announced the launch of The Rink – a fan experience taking place during the 2017 RBC Canadian Open that will combine Canada’s most popular past-times, golf and hockey.

During championship week, July 24-30, the par-3 7^th hole at Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Ont., will transform into a rink-styled fan experience, complete with hockey boards, a Zamboni, as well as the addition of new rink-side bleachers and viewing decks.

“We’re very excited to bring The Rink to life,” said RBC Canadian Open Tournament Director Brent McLaughlin. “We wanted to create an experience that oozed Canadiana. We know Canadians love hockey, and of course they love golf too. Combining rinks and links was a no-brainer.”

To add to The Rink experience, volunteer marshals on the hole will be outfitted in referee uniforms, while rink boards will outline the hole from tee to green, replacing traditional roping.

Seating for The Rink is adjacent to the Coors Light 19^th Hole Beer Garden. In-seat service and giveaways will be available to ensure fans don’t miss out on the action. A $1,000 donation to Ronald McDonald House Charities Canada will be made for every birdie made on the hole during championship play, Thursday to Sunday.

Global TV will also have their broadcast booth behind the green looking back at the tee, enabling television viewers the opportunity to witness The Rink from the comfort of their own homes.

“The RBC Canadian Open has always been uniquely Canadian,” added Matt McGlynn, vice-president, brand marketing for RBC. “We felt integrating ‘The Rink’ into our Canadian-themed activation would be a perfect extension to the fan experience. We’re proud to support Golf Canada and make this Canadian tribute a reality, hopefully for many years to come.”

There is perhaps no better way to show your Canadian pride than by cheering on homegrown Canadian talent – and Canada’s top golfers are giving fans lots of reasons to cheer. The 2017 edition of the RBC Canadian Open will be a showcase of the incredible Canadian talent on the PGA Tour.

Two Canuck golfers have earned their first PGA TOUR victories this season, with Adam Hadwin winning the Valspar Championship in March and Mackenzie Hughes winning The RSM Classic last November.

Graham DeLaet is hungry for his first PGA TOUR victory, recently recording his fifth Top 10 of the season – a tie for 10^th at The Memorial.

The deep contingent of Canadian talent continues with the likes of Nick Taylor. The PGA TOUR winner (2014 Sanderson Farms Championship) has three Top-10 finishes this year and would love to notch another win this year at Glen Abbey.

David Hearn nearly tasted victory at the 2015 RBC Canadian Open. With a massive crowd cheering him on as they sang “O Canada,” Hearn held the lead heading into the final round at Glen Abbey. However, he would fall short, finishing third behind electric Australian Jason Day.

Perennial fan favourite and Masters champion Mike Weir will also be teeing-it-up at the RBC Canadian Open ahead of his debut as assistant captain at The Presidents Cup.

Headlining the International golfers already committed to compete are world No. 1 Dustin Johnson, Bubba Watson, recent THE PLAYERS Championship winner, Si Woo Kim and PGA TOUR rookie sensation Bryson DeChambeau. Team RBC golfers Ernie Els, Jim Furyk, Matt Kuchar, Graeme McDowell, Ryan Palmer and Brandt Snedeker will also be in the field.

The RBC Canadian Open is more than just 72 holes of world-class golf – it’s one of Canada’s most prolific sporting events, chocked-full of activities for spectators both inside and outside the ropes.

In addition to The Rink and outstanding golf, other fan activities adding to the RBC Canadian Open experience include:

RBC Canadian Open 5K Run – Saturday July 22
Landmark Sport Group in conjunction with Golf Canada will once again be putting on the RBC Canadian Open 5K Golf Run. On Saturday, July 22, 2017 the second annual RBC Canadian Open 5K Running Event will provide participants the opportunity to run or walk along the spectator and cart pathways of Glen Abbey Golf Club. The route begins near the 1st tee of the Championship Course and finishes alongside the iconic and picturesque 18th green. This event is ideal for traditional and non-traditional running audiences. All participants will receive a bib, shirt and finisher’s medal. Registration is $60 and all participants receive a free Anyday ticket to enjoy the championship. www.golfrun.ca

Hall of Fame Induction & Official Opening Ceremony – Tuesday July 25
On Tuesday, July 25 at 10 a.m. our Opening Ceremony will officially kick off the RBC Canadian Open and include the Canadian Hall of Fame induction of amateur golf titan Judy Darling Evans and legendary golf club maker Bob Vokey. The ceremony, which is free to the public, will conclude with a military flyover and the singing of the national anthem.

Kids 17-and-under Get in Free
In their continued commitment to Canadian families, Golf Canada and RBC strive to provide a fan friendly, all encompassing family event with the RBC Canadian Open. In an effort to introduce more juniors to the sport, kids aged 17-and-under get FREE admission to the RBC Canadian Open for the entire week.

Red & White Day – Friday, July 28
The RBC Canadian Open is Canada’s National Championship and to celebrate ‘Our Open’, Friday, July 28 of tournament week will once again be ‘Red & White Day’. Spectators, sponsors, players and attendees are encouraged to wear Canada’s national colours in support of our Canadian golfers in the field.

Canadian Armed Forces Day Presented by Commissionaires– Saturday, July 29
Commissionaires, the largest private employer of veterans in Canada, will host Canadian Armed Forces Day on Saturday July 29, 2017. All current and former members of Canada’s Armed Forces who register at www.commissionaires-cgl.ca will be entitled, along with their immediate famiy, to a “military pass” that will provide access to the tournament grounds and upgraded venues.

Information regarding tickets, free 17-and-under junior passes, volunteer opportunities and corporate hospitality for the 2017 RBC Canadian Open can be found at www.rbccanadianopen.com.

Mack Duke of Camden, Maine, carded a 2-under par 70 to earn medallist honours at the final RBC Canadian Open Regional qualifier of 2017 at Club de Golf la Vallee du Richelieu – Vercheres Course.

Duke’s first place finish earns him a spot in the Final Qualifier taking place at Heron Point Golf Links in Ancaster, Ont., July 24^th.

A minimum of four golfers will advance through final Monday qualifying to the 2017 RBC Canadian Open at Glen Abbey Golf Club, in Oakville, Ont., from July 24-30.

“Qualifiers are tough because one bad shot can kick you right out of it,” said Duke following his round.   “You have to be consistent and try to play smart. You can’t get too aggressive and you have to make putts when they are offered up.”

After going out in a bogey free 2-under par 34 on the front nine, Duke dropped two more birdies on the back nine to combat two bogeys. He felt confident with his putter all day.

“The greens were really good speed for making putts,” he added. “They weren’t crazy fast, and weren’t too slow, so you could hit all your putts pretty firm and aggressive. I just stuck to that and made a few putts today.”

Sixty-seven golfers competed in the Quebec qualifier. In addition to Duke, 15 players are also moving on to the Final Qualifier at Heron Point.

Seventeen-year-old amateur Griffin Jones from Manotick, Ont., finished second one stroke behind Duke at 1 under par. Quebec City’s Louis-Alexandre Pitre was solo third at even par.

Amateurs Cullen Chung (Westmount, Que.) and Étienne Papineau (St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Que.) finished in a tie for fourth with professional Francis Berthiaume (Valleyfield, Que.) at 1 over par.

The Quebec Regional Qualifier was the third and final Regional Qualifying event. Provided 100 or more players were in the field at a Regional Qualifier, the low qualifier received direct exemption into the 2017 RBC Canadian Open.

Otherwise, the top 15 percent of finisher at each qualifier are eligible to compete at the Final Qualifying event.

Additional information and the full leaderboard from Monday’s RBC Canadian Open Regional Qualifier at Vallee du Richelieu can be found here.

The Following Golfers Advanced Final Qualifer

1. Mack Duke, Camden, ME (34-36–70 -2)
2. Griffin Jones (a), Manotick, ON (36-35–71 -1)
3. Louis-Alexandre Pitre, Quebec, QC (38-34–72 E)
T4. Cullen Chung (a), Westmount, QC (36-37–73 +1
T4. Étienne Papineau (a), St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, QC (36-37–73 +1)
T4. Francis Berthiaume, Valleyfield, QC (38-35–73 +1)
T7. Marc Bourgeois, Dieppe, NB (36-38–74 +2)
T7. Benoit Boudreau, Longueuil, QC (37-37–74 +2)
T7. Gabriel Gingras (a), University of Ottawa Gee-Gees (36-38–74 +2)
T10. Vincent Blanchette, St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, QC (37-38–75 +3)
T10. Cole Nead (a), Toronto, ON (37-38–75 +3)
T10. Marc Casullo (a), Aurora, ON (37-38–75 +3)
T10. Joseph D’Alfonso, Caledon, Ontario (38-37–75 +3)
T10. Yanik Laforest, Mirabel, QC (36-39–75 +3)
T10. David Iaderosa (a), Ottawa, ON (38-37–75 +3)

Full results

Golf Canada and RBC today announced Dustin Johnson, Bubba Watson, Si Woo Kim and Bryson DeChambeau have made early commitments to compete at the 2017 RBC Canadian Open from July 21-27 at Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Ont.

Johnson, who has been No. 1 on the Official World Golf Rankings since February of 2017, has three PGA TOUR victories this season to lead the FedEx Cup standings.

Bubba Watson last competed at the RBC Canadian Open in 2015, where he finished runner-up to Jason Day.

Si Woo Kim is coming off the biggest win of his career, taking top spot at the 2017 THE PLAYERS Championship to climb to No. 32 in the Official World Golf Ranking and 22^nd on the FedEx Cup Standings.

DeChambeau, a popular player with fans, enjoyed a career-best PGA TOUR finish at the 2017 Puerto Rico Open, where he tied for second with Retief Goosen and Bill Lunde.

Ten members of Team RBC have also committed to compete at Canada’s National Open Championship, including Canada’s Adam Hadwin, Graham DeLaet, Nick Taylor and David Hearn. The Canadians will be joined by teammates Ernie Els, Jim Furyk, Matt Kuchar, Graeme McDowell, Ryan Palmer and Brandt Snedeker.

In addition, a sponsor exemption has been extended to Jared du Toit of Kimberly, B.C. The Golf Canada Amateur Team member sprung to notoriety thanks to a stellar showing at the 2016 RBC Canadian Open, where he finished 9th.

The field also features all three Order of Merit winners from the first three seasons of the Mackenzie Tour – PGA TOUR Canada, including Canadian and 2013 Order of Merit winner Mackenzie Hughes, along with Joel Dahmen (2014) and J.J. Spaun (2015). Other early Canadian player commitments include Ottawa’s Brad Fritsch and Canadian Golf Hall of Fame Honoured Member Mike Weir.

“Our field is coming together and we’re thrilled to welcome some of the best player in the world, a good mix of top international talent and a solid list of Canadians as early commitments for the 2017 RBC Canadian Open,” said Tournament Director Brent McLaughlin.

A Canadian has not won the RBC Canadian Open since Pat Fletcher in 1954. However, Mackenzie Hughes (The RSM Classic) and Adam Hadwin (Valspar Championship) each have PGA TOUR wins this season.

“This will be an exciting year for Canadian golf fans for sure,” added McLaughlin. “We’ve come close in recent years with David Hearn finishing 3_^rd in 2015 and du Toit’s terrific run last year. This may be the year the drought finally comes to an end.”

Team Canada member Hugo Bernard of Mont-Saint-Hilaire, Que., won the 2016 Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship to earn an exemption into the RBC Canadian Open, while NHL Referee and Elmira, Ont., native Garrett Rank won his spot by claiming the 2016 Canadian Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship. In mid-May, Matt Hill of Brights Grove, Ont., won the Ontario Regional Qualifier to earn his spot.

Additional player announcements will be made in the coming weeks. Players have until 5 pm ET Friday before tournament week to confirm their participation with the PGA TOUR.

Information regarding tickets, free 17-and-under junior passes, volunteer opportunities and corporate hospitality for the 2017 RBC Canadian Open can be found at www.rbccanadianopen.com.

The final RBC Canadian Open Regional Qualifier of 2017 will take place Monday, June, 5th, at Club de golf de la Vallée du Richelieu – Vershceres Course in Sainte-Julie, Qué. Sixty-seven golfers will be looking to finish in the top 15% of the field and secure a spot in final RBC Canadian Open qualifying, which takes place Monday, July 24^th at Heron Point Golf Links in Ancaster, Ont.

Twenty-seven golfers have already advanced to the final qualifying event through the Regional Qualification process. At the first Regional Qualifier at Bear Mountain Resort, in Victoria B.C., Keith Martin of Kelowna, B.C., and Derek Barron of Lakewood, Wash., shared medallist honours.

At the Ontario Regional Qualifier at Blue Springs Golf Club in Acton, Ont.., Matt Hill of Brights Grove, Ont., beat Jesse Smith, of Oshweken Ont., in a sudden death playoff, to receive a direct exemption into the RBC Canadian Open.

The qualifying competitions are open to members in good standing with the PGA of Canada or other PGA affiliates, amateur golfers with a current Handicap Factor not exceeding 2.0 who are members of Golf Canada or in good standing with their respective associations, as well as other golf professionals.

Club de golf de la Vallée du Richelieu is hosting the Quebec regional qualifier for a second consecutive year. In 2016, four golfers shared medallists honours. Gianfranco Guida (Maple, Ont.), Jean-Philip Cornellier (St-Césaire, Que.), Tim Alarie (St-jérôme, Que) and Marc-Étienne Bussières (Sherbrooke,  Que.) all topped the leaderboard to advance to the final qualifying event, along with three additional golfers.

Notables

Jean-Philip Cornellier, St-Césaire, Que.
The 26-year-old is one of the defending medallists at this event. He was the captain of the Montreal Carabins golf team during his university career.

Beon Yeong, Lee, Montreal
The 28-year-old has two career top-10s on the Mackenzie Tour – PGA Tour Canada. His best result was a T3 at the 2014 Cape Breton Celtic Classic presented by PC Financial. He also qualified for the 2014 RBC Canadian Open.

Gianfranco Guida, Maple, Ont.
The 28-year-old is one of the defending medallists at this event. The former Western University Mustang will look to defend his title this year and book his ticket to the RBC Canadian Open Final Qualifier.

Mark Hoffman, Torotno
The 28-year-old finished eight on the Great Lakes Tour Order of merit in 2016 on the strength of a victory at the GolfNorth Series #1.

Etienne Papineau, St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Que.
The 20-year old freshman at West Virginia University is a graduate of the Team Canada Amateur Squad. He was the 2015 Amateur Golfer of the Year in Quebec and was twice named the Junior Golfer of the Year..

QUICK FACTS

The Regional Qualification process gives players from across Canada and the world a chance to qualify for the RBC Canadian Open, the third-oldest national open golf championship in the world, after the British Open and the U.S. Open.

This is first time since the two-stage regional qualification process was reinstated in 2011, that the Quebec qualifier has been held at the same course back-to-back years.

Since the two-stage regional qualification process returned in 2011, three players have advanced to the RBC Canadian Open through the Quebec Regional Qualifier: David Markle (Shelburne Ont.) in 2012, Jesse .

In 2013, Jesse Smith became the first Six Nations golfer to participate in the RBC Canadian Open after advancing through Final Qualifying and the Quebec Regional Qualifier.

ABOUT THE COURSE

There club has hosted two RBC Canadian Opens.  Lee Trevino won in 1971 and Tom Weiskopf topped the field in 1973.

The club has hosted other prestigious Canadian championships, including the 1989 Canadian Men’s Senior Amateur Championship won by Dick Estey.

In 1994, the famous Skins game was played at the club, with Nick Price, Lee Trevino, Tom Watson and Fred Couples participating.

The course underwent modernization renovations from 2011-2012 under the supervision of architect Neil Hawort.

For more information on the tournament, click here.

Another once-in-a-lifetime opportunity has been added to the RBC PGA Scramble presented by The Lincoln Motor Company’s already impressive list of experiences.

The winning team from this year’s national final at Cabot Links in Inverness, N.S., will receive an all-expenses-paid VIP trip to the 2018 RBC Canadian Open. The winners can expect all-out VIP perks, including:

– Return flights and car rental from hometown to host city.
– Accommodations at a partner hotel near golf course.
– Valet parking on the grounds of the RBC Canadian Open.
– RBC Clubhouse Suite passes.
– Access to player dining, practice area and media centre.

“Team experiences are some of the fondest of my career—whether it was in college or as a professional,” said Team RBC’s Adam Hadwin. “Building a team, travelling together, and competing for a championship are memories I cherish,” he said, adding, “the 2018 RBC Canadian Open VIP experience to relive the victory at Cabot Links will only make it that much sweeter.”

The RBC PGA Scramble of Canada is a national series of team events featuring amateur golfers and PGA of Canada professionals taking place at more than 100 golf facilities around the country.

“We’re thrilled to add this experience to the winners of the RBC PGA Scramble presented by The Lincoln Motor Company,” said Matt McGlynn, Vice President, Brand Marketing RBC. “The RBC Canadian Open is a celebration of golf in Canada and we are excited to give these champions a unique opportunity to attend the tournament with VIP access.”

All RBC PGA Scramble of Canada local qualifying events in 2017 will have guaranteed prize tables for the top three teams.

The series of events expects to draw thousands of amateur golfers—who will form their own team of four players— from across the country. Teams will look to make it through local and regional qualifying with the ultimate goal of playing in the national final later this year with a PGA of Canada professional playing on their team at one of Canada’s greatest golf courses.

Taking place Oct 12-14, Cabot Links and Cabot Cliffs will see teams from across the country—comprised of four amateurs and a PGA of Canada professional—playing in the 54-hole national final.

Cabot Cliffs ranked No. 1, while Cabot Links ranked No. 4 on SCOREGolf’s 2016 Best Golf Courses in Canada list. Cabot Cliffs also debuted 19th on the World’s Top 100 Courses list by Golf Digest.

While the RBC Canadian Open experience wasn’t a carrot for last year’s RBC PGA Scramble presented by The Lincoln Motor Company winners, the Angus Glen Golf Club squad—PGA of Canada professional Terry Kim, Patrick O’Leary, Dan Mesley, Mike Asselin, David Fotheringham—have been awarded the opportunity to experience the VIP treatment at this year’s RBC Canadian Open in July.

Participants in The RBC PGA Scramble of Canada presented by The Lincoln Motor Company must have a registered handicap index with Golf Canada, with winning teams of four joined by a PGA professional in the regional and national finals. All rules and regulations can be found at rbcpgascramble.com.

Commissionaires, the largest private employer of veterans in Canada, has announced a partnership with Golf Canada to host Canadian Armed Forces Day taking place Saturday July 29, 2017 as part of the RBC Canadian Open.

All current and former members of Canada’s Armed Forces who register at www.commissionaires-cgl.ca will be entitled to a “military pass” that will provide access to the tournament grounds and upgraded venues. The invitation is also extended to immediate family members making this a truly memorable day.

“The PGA TOUR has an established record of sponsoring veteran causes across North America. Given the Commissionaires’ mandate to provide meaningful employment to veterans, it makes great sense for our two organizations to pool our efforts to honour those who serve our country, and the families that support them,” said Benjamin Alexander, Senior Vice President with Commissionaires.

“It’s great to stand should-to-shoulder with Commissionaires on Canadian Armed Forces Day,” said Brent McLaughlin, Tournament Director for the RBC Canadian Open. “Just weeks after honouring those who fought at the Battle of Vimy Ridge, and in the year we celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday, we are proud to partner with Commissionaires to honour our military.”

Matt Hill of Brights Grove, Ont., defeated  Jesse Smith of Oshweken, Ont., in a playoff at Blue Springs Golf Club in Acton, Ont., to top the second of three Regional Qualifying events and secure his spot in the 2017 RBC Canadian Open at Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Ont., July 24-30.

“I know I can play well in a tour event and draw on some of the past experiences I’ve had,” said Hill. “I know how to handle myself in certain situations due to certain things I’ve done in the past and I think that will benefit me this year at the RBC Canadian Open.”

Hill, who won the NCAA Division I Championship in 2009 while at North Carolina State, went out in a 1-under par, 35 on the front nine.

He then caught fire on the back nine, recording four birdies and no bogeys, to card a 5-under par 67.

“I had a few good chances on the front nine and only shot 1-under and I kind of stuck with the positive attitude and told myself that since I missed a few I was going to start making some, so I made a few on the back nine,” said Hill.

Smith equaled Hill’s round of 67 by recording six birdies, three bogeys and an eagle on the par-5 12th hole.

Hill and Smith both teed off early in the day, Hill at 9:09 a.m. and Smith at 9:20 a.m. The playoff didn’t wrap up until around 8:30 p.m., so both players had to deal with a lengthy break between finishing their round and starting the playoff.

“After I just kind of relaxed for a couple hours, I went out a few hours before the playoff, and just got in a full pre-round warm-up,” said Hill. “I stretched, putted, chipped and hit a few, just to make sure all the parts of my game were ready to go.”

For the playoff, Hill and Smith replayed the par-4 18th hole. Smith bogeyed the first playoff hole, while Hill converted a two-putt par from 15 feet, to clinch victory.

143 golfers competed in the tournament vying for a spot in the final RBC Canadian Open Qualifier, on July 24th at Heron Point Golf Links in Ancaster, Ont.

In addition to Hill advancing directly to the RBC Canadian Open, 21 golfers advanced to the Final Qualifying event.

Peter Campbell, a resident of Windemere, Fl., and  a member of the PGA TOUR Latinoamérica, came in solo third, carding a 4-under par 68.

The highest-ranking amateur was Joshua Montgomery, who fired a 1-under par, 71, finishing T6 with two other golfers, and advancing to the final qualifier at Heron Point, in his hometown of Ancaster.

Brantford Ontario’s Stephane Dubois, was part of a group of six who finished T9, at even par, his second strong qualifying performance in recent weeks, after winning medallist honours at Golf Canada’s U.S Open Local Qualifier at Beacon Hall Golf Club, in Aurora, Ont., on May 8th.

In total, there are three regional qualifying events, each consisting of 18 holes of stroke play. Provided there are 100 or more players in the field, as was the case at Blue Springs, the low qualifier receives an exemption directly into the 2017 RBC Canadian Open.

Otherwise, the top 15 percent of finishers at each qualifier become eligible to compete at the final qualifying event.

The first RBC Canadian Open Regional Qualifier at Bear Mountain Resort, in Victoria, B.C., on May 9th, saw Keith Martin and Derek Barron win medallist honours, securing their spot, along with four other golfers, in the Final Qualifying event.

The third RBC Canadian Open Regional Qualifier, will take place June 5th at Club de Golf de la Vallee du Richelieu on the Rouville Course in Saint-Julie, Que.

Additional information, and full results from Monday’s RBC Canadian Open Regional Qualifier at Blue Springs can be found here.

THE FOLLOWING GOLFERS ADVANCED FINAL QUALIFIER

2 – Jesse Smith, Ohsweken, ON 34-33–67 (-5)
3 – Peter Campbell, Windermere, FL 34-34–68 (-4)
T4 – Dan Bowling, Brights Grove, ON 38-32–70 (-2)
T4 – J.J. Regan, Burlington, ON 36-34–70 (-2)
T6 – Joshua Montgomery (a), Ancaster, ON 36-35–71 (-1)
T6 – Russell Budd, Toronto, ON 35-36–71 (-1)
T6 – Drew Nesbitt, Shanty Bay, ON 35-36–71 (-1
T9 – Andrew Ledger, Toronto, ON 35-37–72 E
T9 – Nyasha Mauchaza, Port Saint Lucie, FL 34-38–72 E
T9 – Adrian Cord (a), Toronto, ON 38-34–72 E
T9 – Stephane Dubois, Brantford, ON 37-35–72 E
T9 – Eddie Maunder, Oakville, ON 38-34–72 E
T9 – Nic Mazze (a), Caledon East, ON 36-36–72 E
T15 – James Skrypec, Kitchener, ON 35-38–73 +1
T15 – Victor Ciesielski, Cambridge, ON 38-35–73 +1
T15 – Sebastian Szirmak, Toronto, ON 37-36–73 +1
T15 – Chase Komaromi (a), London, ON 35-38–73 +1
T15 – Elliott Whitley, Hamilton, ON 37-36–73 +1
T15 – Brad Kerfoot, Toronto, ON 37-36–73 +1
T15 – Philip Arci (a), Vaughan, ON 35-38–73 +1
T15 – Mike Currie (a), Milton, ON 34-39–73 +1

For the full results click here.