CAMBRIDGE, Ont. (Golf Canada) – The third of three RBC Canadian Open Regional Qualifiers took place Monday at Whistle Bear Golf Club in Cambridge, Ont. with Michael Gligic of Burlington, Ont. claiming medalist honours in a playoff to earn a place in the field at the 2014 RBC Canadian Open at The Royal Montreal Golf Club, July 21-27, 2014.

Gligic, who recently moved to Kitchener, Ont. and plays out of the Whistle Bear Golf Club, fired a 5-under 67 Monday and shared the clubhouse lead with Mark Hoffman of Thornhill, Ont. through 18 holes. Gligic birdied the second playoff hole to outlast Hoffman and earn his second trip to the RBC Canadian Open after previously earning an exemption in 2012.

A member of PGA Tour Canada, Gligic previously won the 2012 ATB Financial Classic and finished second on the PGA TOUR Canada Order of Merit in 2012.

A total of 143 players competed over 18 holes of stroke play at Whistle Bear Golf Club with the top-15 percent of the field and ties (next 22 competitors and ties for a total of 27 players) finishing at even-par or better to advance to the final Monday Qualifier on July 21st at Club de Golf St-Raphaël in Île-Bizard, Que.

Click here for full results.

MONTREAL – Momentum around Canada’s National Open Golf Championships continues to build as Golf Canada and RBC announced several PGA Tour stars have confirmed their intention to compete in the 2014 RBC Canadian Open, July 21-27 at The Royal Montreal Golf Club in Île-Bizard, Que including World No. 15 Dustin Johnson, World No. 21 Charl Schwartzel, World No. 41 Chris Kirk, World No. 46 Matt Every and World No. 80 Charley Hoffman.

The big-hitting Johnson, a fan favourite on the PGA Tour, is an eight-time Tour winner who currently sits 4^th on the FedEx Cup ranking. Schwartzel, who counts the 2011 Masters as his lone PGA Tour victory, is currently ranked 79^th on the FedEx Cup ranking while Hoffman is a two-time PGA Tour winner who sits 36^th on the FedEx Cup ranking.

Ranked 7^th in the FedEx Cup standings, Kirk, who recently claimed the McGladrey Classic, is one of eight in year winners confirmed for Royal Montreal including Dustin Johnson (World Golf Championship), Matt Kuchar (RBC Heritage), Matt Every (Arnold Palmer Invitational), Steve Bowditch (Valero Texas Open), Matt Jones (Shell Houston Open), Kevin Stadler (Waste Management Phoenix Open) and Chesson Hadley (Puerto Rico Open).

The field of players will include eight past champions who will challenge for Canada’s National Open title including defending champion Brandt Snedeker (2013), Scott Piercy (2012), Sean O’Hair (2011), Carl Pettersson (2010), Nathan Green (2009), Jim Furyk (2006 & 2007), Vijay Singh (2004) and John Rollins (2002).

Past major champions such as Lucas Glover, Stewart Cink, Retief Goosen and Trevor Immelman have also confirmed their intention to play at Canada’s National Open Championship.

Beon Yeong Lee of Montreal will have the benefit of a home crowd behind him after earning his spot by winning the RBC Canadian Open Quebec Regional Qualifier on Monday, June 16^th at Elm Ridge Country Club in Île-Bizard, Que.

The players announced today will join a player field of previously confirmed PGA Tour stars that includes World No. 5 Matt Kuchar; World No. 12 Jim Furyk; World No. 20 Luke Donald; World No. 22 Graeme McDowell; World No. 40 Hunter Mahan and World No. 54 Ernie Els.

Canadian notables set to compete include World No. 35 Graham DeLaet, World No. 90 David Hearn, Canadian Golf Hall of Fame member Mike Weir and Stephen Ames, who will be inducted into the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame later this summer. The Canadian foursome will be joined by Adam Hadwin and Brad Fritsch and will vie to see if one of them can become the first Canuck to capture the title since Pat Fletcher won the Canadian Open in 1954.

Additional exemptions for Canadian amateur and professional golfers competing in the 2014 RBC Canadian Open will be announced in the coming weeks.

VOLUNTEERS:
Golf Canada and the Royal Montreal Golf Club are pleased to announce that a limited number of volunteer positions are still available for golf enthusiasts to be a part of the RBC Canadian Open. In all, nearly 1,400 volunteer committee positions will contribute to the success of Canada’s National Open Golf Championship and anyone interested in applying can do so at www.rbccanadianopen.com.

TICKETS:
Grounds tickets for all days of Canada’s National Open Championship as well as a limited number of premium ticket packages are still available. A full list of ticket packages and pricing, including the new Family Day package, is available online at www.rbccanadianopen.com. Golf Canada and RBC are also please to offer free admission to children 17 year and younger who are accompanied by a ticketed adult.

Click here to listen to a media conference from Wednesday, June 18th at The Royal Montreal Golf Club.

MONTREAL – From July 21 to July 27, 2014, some of the top-ranked PGA Tour players will visit Montreal for the 2014 RBC Canadian Open at The Royal Montreal Golf Club in Île-Bizard. They will be doing more than just competing: they will also take time to support Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) Canada, the tournament’s official charity partner for the second consecutive year.

The RBC Foundation announced last year a two-year commitment to RMHC Canada by designating it as the official charity partner for the 2013 and 2014 editions of the RBC Canadian Open. The $500,000 donation is being used to increase the support, resources and knowledge related to the mental health and well-being of the thousands of families with seriously ill children that stay at the 14 Ronald McDonald Houses across Canada each year.

It is now well-documented that the families of sick children experience substantial levels of stress and anxiety following their child’s diagnosis and hospitalization.  Thanks to this generous donation, a pilot test is in progress at two Ronald McDonald Houses, in Toronto and Montreal, to explore and evaluate activities and resources that will support the emotional health and healing of families, as well as an education program for staff and volunteers. The new program will be finalized and rolled-out nationally to all Ronald McDonald Houses in 2015.

“We sincerely appreciate the support RBC provides through the RBC Canadian Open. Last year, the tournament was a resounding success, and we are confident this year’s event in Montreal will be just as exciting,” said Cathy Loblaw, President and CEO of RMHC Canada. “RBC’s contribution will help us fulfill our mission to offer a home away from home for out of town families with sick children being treated at a nearby hospital. Oftentimes these families must travel a long way from home for treatments. Research clearly suggests that sick children recover faster when they are with their families, and it is therefore even more important that parents be able to spend time with their children.”

“I work in the business sector, and I am used to receiving requests for donations, but I never thought I would once need that help. We stayed three times at the House in the last months for my daughter Lauri-Pier’s treatments, and each time I have been amazed by the positive energy in the House. It offers affordable housing, but beyond the cost, the most precious thing is the comfort we get from other families and the fact that we are literally a few minutes from the hospital,” said Frédéric Brière, who stayed at the Montreal Ronald McDonald House when his twelve year-old daughter Lauri-Pier had an ulcerative colitis.

Activities planned in support of RMHC
On-site at the Royal Montreal Golf Course for a minimum donation of $5, golf fans will have priority access (first come first served) to enjoy bleacher seating at holes 16, 17 and 18 by purchasing a special RMHC access tag.  The RMHC access tag will also give the chance to attendees to win random prizes and other special incentives. RMHC coin collection boxes will also be available throughout the site.

RBC will also assist with RMHC fundraising, with the sale of unique water carriers that can be filled from on-site water stations.    Finally, the Wives of the PGA Tour Association are also working closely with RMHC, RBC and Golf Canada, and will coordinate and host a picnic for the families of the Ronald McDonald House in Montreal during the week of the Open.

Ronald McDonald Houses in Quebec
There are two Ronald McDonald Houses in Quebec: one in Montreal, located next to the CHU Ste-Justine, and one in Quebec City, located close to the Centre mère-enfant du CHUQ à Québec. Over the years, both Houses were forced to turn away more than 1,000 families, because they were filled to capacity every night. In 2010, the Quebec City House was renovated and expanded from 19 to 32 rooms. The following year, the Montreal House was rebuilt to increase its capacity from 35 to 50 rooms.

Click here to listen to the June 18th press conference from The Royal Montreal Golf Club.

Île-Bizard, Que. – The second of three 2014 RBC Canadian Open Regional Qualifiers took place Monday at Elm Ridge Country Club with Montreal’s Beon Yeong Lee claiming medalist honours to earn a place in the field at the 2014 RBC Canadian Open at The Royal Montreal Golf Club, July 21-27, 2014.

Lee, a PGA Tour Canada member, fired a bogey-free 6-under 66 and will make his second trip to the RBC Canadian Open after qualifying in 2010.  He’s currently ranked No. 34 on PGA Tour Canada’s Order of Merit.

On Monday, a total of 105 players competed over 18 holes of stroke play at Elm Ridge Country Club with the top-15 percent of the field and ties (16 competitors and ties) advancing to the final Monday Qualifier to be held Monday, July 21st at Club de Golf St-Raphaël in Île-Bizard, Que.

Ben Silverman of Concord, Ont. finished in solo second at 4-under par to earn a trip to Final Qualifying, while five players shared third place at 2-under par including, Braeden Cryderman of Huntsville, Ont., Matthew McMahon of Brockville, Ont., Raoul Menard of Ange-Gardien, Que., Louis-Pierre Godin of Trois-Rivieres, Que. and Francis Berthiaume of Valleyfield, Que.

Rounding out the list of players advancing to the final Monday qualifier for the 2014 RBC Canadian Open were Montreal’s Lucas Greco, Peter Campbell of Baddeck, N.S., Remi Bouchard of Candiac, Que. and Ryan Sevigny of Stittsville, Ont., who finished in a tie for 8th at 1-under par.

Eric Laporte of St-Liguori, Que., Dave Levesque of Ste-Catherine, Que., A.J. McKenzie of Pierrefonds, Que., Billy Houle of St-Charles-Borromee, Que., Maxime Barre pf Granby, Que. and Mathieu Perron of St. Hubert, Que., also made it through after even-par 72’s.

POINTE CLAIRE, Que. – Sixty years after iconic pro golfer Pat Fletcher became the last Canadian to win the Canadian Open, his namesake foundation continues to thrive, with an array of initiatives planned to pay homage to the 60th anniversary of Fletcher’s historic victory and raise awareness about the Foundation, so that more young students might benefit from its support.

Pat Fletcher was the last Canadian to win the Canadian Open in 1954 – a victory that also makes him the only Canadian player to win the championship in 100 years.

In an amazing twist of fate, this year’s RBC Canadian Open will be played at Royal Montreal, the place where Fletcher spent 20 years serving as Head Professional. Graham DeLaet, Mike Weir, David Hearn, Stephen Ames and other Canadian notables, will be in the field looking to change the course of Canadian golf history and become the next Canadian to be crowned champion.

Regardless of when the next Canadian champion is crowned, Fletcher’s winning legacy lives on through the work of The Pat Fletcher Scholarship Foundation, a Foundation his son, Ted, co-founded almost 30 years ago. With the tagline “Making a Difference”, The Foundation is committed to giving deserving young Canadians the financial assistance they need to pursue a post-secondary education.

“While golf was always my father’s primary focus, he was equally passionate about the importance of education,” said Ted Fletcher, Chair of the Pat Fletcher Scholarship Foundation. “He took a genuine interest in working with junior golfers to help them reach their full potential, both on and off the golf course.”

The Pat Fletcher Scholarship Foundation has the following initiatives planned to pay tribute to the 60th anniversary:

• The Foundation is increasing the amount of its financial aid to $60,000 in 2014, including a one-time anniversary scholarship. Since the establishment of The Pat Fletcher Scholarship Foundation in 1985, the Foundation has awarded nearly $500,000 in financial assistance to students from all across Canada.
• The Foundation is producing a limited edition Canadian postage stamp, featuring a 1954 photo of Pat Fletcher winning the Seagram’s Cup.
• Exclusive video footage pulled from the PGA of Canada archives covering the highlights of his 1954 win will be released on the Foundation’s website at patfletcher.com.

Vancouver (Golf Canada) – The first of three 2014 RBC Canadian Open Regional Qualifiers took place Monday, June 9th at Marine Drive Golf Club in Vancouver with eight players finishing 2-over par or better to advance to the Monday (Final) Qualifier for the 2014 RBC Canadian Open.

A total of 44 players competed over 18 holes of stroke play at Marine Drive with the top-15 percent of the field and ties (top seven competitors and ties) advancing to the final Monday Qualifier to be held Monday, July 21st at Club de Golf St-Raphaël in Île-Bizard, Que

Chris Williams of Moscow, Idaho claimed medalist honours after posting 1-under 70 to advance through to final qualifying.

Langley B.C.’s Adam Cornelson finished at even-par in solo second, while Dakota Robinson of Discovery Bay, Calif., Alex Francois of Burnaby, B.C., and David Byrne of Essex, Ont. finished at 1-over in a tie for third.

Rounding out the list of players advancing to the final Monday qualifier for the 2014 RBC Canadian Open were Kevin Stinson of Mission, B.C., Roberto Lupini of Johannesburg, South Africa and Vancouver’s Ryan Williams after 2-over 74’s.

Click here for full scoring.

A three-stage qualifying procedure for Canada’s National Open Championship features three regional qualifying competitions in British Columbia, Ontario and Quebec, followed by a final qualifying event on Monday, July 21st.

The second regional qualifying event will be hosted by Elm Ridge Country Club in Île-Bizard, Que., on June 16th. The third and final regional qualifier will take place June 23rd at Whistle Bear Golf Club in Cambridge, Ont. A final qualifier will take place Monday July 21st at Club de Golf St-Raphaël in Île-Bizard, Que.

Each of the three regional qualifiers will feature 18 holes stroke play with the low qualifier at each site receiving an exemption directly into the 2014 RBC Canadian Open field (provided the starting field is a minimum of 100 competitors at each site.)  The top 15% of finishers at each regional qualifying competition are eligible to compete at final qualifying. In addition, the top 15% does not include the low qualifier when over 100 competitors participate and a direct exemption is provided.

All entries for the Quebec regional qualifier at Elm Ridge Country Club in Île-Bizard, Que. are due Monday, June 9th. The entry deadline for the Ontario regional qualifier at Whistle Bear Golf Club in Cambridge, Ont. is Monday, June 16th.

Final qualifying is scheduled for Monday, July 21st at Club de Golf St-Raphaël in Île-Bizard, Que. Participation is limited to those competitors receiving requisite exemptions, or individuals who have qualified through regional qualifying. The event will feature 18 holes of stroke play, with a minimum of four (4) spots directly into the 2014 RBC Canadian Open field. The entry deadline is Monday, July 14th.

The qualifying competition is open to members in good standing of the PGA of Canada or other PGA affiliates, amateur golfers (with a current Handicap Factor not to exceed 2.0) who are members of clubs belonging to Golf Canada or clubs in other countries in good standing with their respective associations, and other golf professionals.

In all, a total of 24 exemptions, including the seven (7) awarded through regional and final qualifiers are available for the 2014 RBC Canadian Open at The Royal Montreal Golf Club in Île-Bizard, Que.

Vancouver (Golf Canada) – The first of three 2014 RBC Canadian Open Regional Qualifiers took place Monday, June 9th at Marine Drive Golf Club in Vancouver with eight players finishing 2-over par or better to advance to the Monday (Final) Qualifier for the 2014 RBC Canadian Open.

A total of 44 players competed over 18 holes of stroke play at Marine Drive with the top-15 percent of the field and ties (top seven competitors and ties) advancing to the final Monday Qualifier to be held Monday, July 21st at Club de Golf St-Raphaël in Île-Bizard, Que

Chris Williams of Moscow, Idaho claimed medalist honours after posting 1-under 70 to advance through to final qualifying.

Langley B.C.’s Adam Cornelson finished at even-par in solo second, while Dakota Robinson of Discovery Bay, Calif., Alex Francois of Burnaby, B.C., and David Byrne of Essex, Ont. finished at 1-over in a tie for third.

Rounding out the list of players advancing to the final Monday qualifier for the 2014 RBC Canadian Open were Kevin Stinson of Mission, B.C., Roberto Lupini of Johannesburg, South Africa and Vancouver’s Ryan Williams after 2-over 74’s.

Click here for full scoring.

A three-stage qualifying procedure for Canada’s National Open Championship features three regional qualifying competitions in British Columbia, Ontario and Quebec, followed by a final qualifying event on Monday, July 21st.

The second regional qualifying event will be hosted by Elm Ridge Country Club in Île-Bizard, Que., on June 16th. The third and final regional qualifier will take place June 23rd at Whistle Bear Golf Club in Cambridge, Ont. A final qualifier will take place Monday July 21st at Club de Golf St-Raphaël in Île-Bizard, Que.

Each of the three regional qualifiers will feature 18 holes stroke play with the low qualifier at each site receiving an exemption directly into the 2014 RBC Canadian Open field (provided the starting field is a minimum of 100 competitors at each site.)  The top 15% of finishers at each regional qualifying competition are eligible to compete at final qualifying. In addition, the top 15% does not include the low qualifier when over 100 competitors participate and a direct exemption is provided.

All entries for the Quebec regional qualifier at Elm Ridge Country Club in Île-Bizard, Que. are due Monday, June 9th. The entry deadline for the Ontario regional qualifier at Whistle Bear Golf Club in Cambridge, Ont. is Monday, June 16th.

Final qualifying is scheduled for Monday, July 21st at Club de Golf St-Raphaël in Île-Bizard, Que. Participation is limited to those competitors receiving requisite exemptions, or individuals who have qualified through regional qualifying. The event will feature 18 holes of stroke play, with a minimum of four (4) spots directly into the 2014 RBC Canadian Open field. The entry deadline is Monday, July 14th.

The qualifying competition is open to members in good standing of the PGA of Canada or other PGA affiliates, amateur golfers (with a current Handicap Factor not to exceed 2.0) who are members of clubs belonging to Golf Canada or clubs in other countries in good standing with their respective associations, and other golf professionals.

In all, a total of 24 exemptions, including the seven (7) awarded through regional and final qualifiers are available for the 2014 RBC Canadian Open at The Royal Montreal Golf Club in Île-Bizard, Que.

Montreal, Que. (Golf Canada) – Excitement is quickly building towards the 2014 RBC Canadian Open, as 2013 champion Brandt Snedeker confirmed on a media teleconference this morning that he will be at The Royal Montreal Golf Club in Île-Bizard, Que., July 21-27 to defend his RBC Canadian Open title.

Currently ranked No. 31 in the world and a member of Team RBC, Snedeker captured Canada’s National Open Championship by three shots last year at Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Ont. A six-time PGA TOUR winner and the 2012 Fed Ex Cup champion, Snedeker will lead the field of world class golfers into Royal Montreal for the 105th playing of Canada’s National Open Championship.

“I’m very excited to be heading to The Royal Montreal Golf Club to defend my title at the end of July,” Brandt Snedeker said earlier on a teleconference today “I’ve never been to the course but everybody that I’ve asked has great things to say about this historic venue. It was very special to me to win Canada’s Open Championship last year especially considering it is sponsored by one of my partners in RBC. Hopefully I’ll be able to have another strong showing in 2014.”

Golf Canada and RBC are also pleased to report that a number of notable names have indicated their intent to play the 2014 RBC Canadian Open. An interim list released today boasts golfers featured within the top echelon of the Official World Golf Rankings.

Joining Snedeker at Royal Montreal will be World No. 4 Matt Kuchar; World No. 12 Jim Furyk; World No. 16 Luke Donald; World No. 18 Graeme McDowell; World No. 38 Hunter Mahan and World No. 51 Ernie Els.

Canada’s Graham DeLaet, currently ranked No. 32 in the world will lead a Canadian contingent that includes World No. 88 David Hearn, Canadian Golf Hall of Fame member Mike Weir and recently announced Canadian Golf Hall of Famer Stephen Ames. The Canadian foursome will vie to see if one of them can become the first Canuck to capture the title since Pat Fletcher won the Canadian Open in 1954.

With many of the world’s best players excited about playing for Canada’s National Open Championship, RBC Canadian Open Tournament Director Bill Paul credits the engagement of title sponsor RBC as a driving factor.

“With the RBC Canadian Open less than two months out, we are very pleased with the strength of our field as it comes together,” said Paul. “This is a testament to the commitment of our partners at RBC in delivering a world-class event experience. And that’s exactly what golf fans can expect when the world’s best player’s tee it up at The Royal Montreal Golf Club in July.”

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE MEDIA TELECONFERENCE.

Family Day
New this year, Family Day on Saturday, July 26th will feature a ticket package especially aimed at families with activities onsite for parents and children to enhance the spectator experience at Canada’s National Open Championship. Family Day will include specially priced grounds passes that provide access to dedicated fan areas, kids’ golf activities and more. In addition to specially priced ticket packages on Family Day, children aged 17 and under gain free admission all week when accompanied by a ticketed adult.

Ronald McDonald House Charities Canada
Also announced today, Ronald McDonald House Charities Canada will continue to be the Official Charity Partner of the RBC Canadian Open. Now in its second year, this relationship will continue to support RMHC through a combination of program grants and various fundraising activities before and during the event.

“We are incredibly proud of our partnership with RMCH through the RBC Canadian Open,” stated Martin Thibodeau, President, Quebec Headquarters, RBC Royal Bank. “As an extension of our commitment to supporting youth and kids in Canada, this relationship will continue important work that was started in 2013 to specifically support the mental well-being of children and their families when they are facing some of the most vulnerable and challenging times in their lives.”

Players confirmed to compete in the 2014 RBC Canadian Open include:

Stephen Ames
– Four-time PGA TOUR winner, including the 2006 Players Championship
– Competing in his 17th RBC Canadian Open
– Inducted into the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame in 2014

Graham DeLaet
– Currently ranked No. 1 in Canada, No. 32 in the world and No. 20 in the FedEx Cup standings
– Competing in his 6th RBC Canadian Open

Luke Donald
– Five-time PGA TOUR winner and winner of back-to-back BMW PGA Championships in 2011 and 2012
– Currently ranked No. 16 in the world and No. 40 in the FedEx Cup standings

Ernie Els
– 19-time PGA TOUR winner and 4-time major winner (1994 and 1997 U.S. Open, 2002 and 2012 Open Championship)
– Member of the World Golf Hall of Fame
– Currently ranked No. 51 in the world and No. 94 in the FedEx Cup standings

Jim Furyk
– 16-time PGA TOUR winner including the 2003 U.S. Open
– Two-time RBC Canadian Open champion (2006 and 2007)
– Currently ranked No. 12 in the world and No. 11 in the FedEx Cup standings

David Hearn
– Currently ranked No. 2 in Canada, No. 88 in the world and No. 62 in the FedEx Cup standings
– Competing in his 12th RBC Canadian Open

Matt Kuchar
– Seven-time PGA TOUR winner including 2014 RBC Heritage, 2013 World Golf Championships – Accenture Match Play Championship, 2013 Memorial Tournament and 2012 The Players Championship
– Currently ranked No. 4 in the world and No. 3 in the FedEx Cup standings

Hunter Mahan
– Five-time PGA TOUR winner including the 2012 World Golf Championships – Accenture Match Play Championship
– Currently ranked No. 38 in the world and No. 61 in the FedEx Cup standings

Graeme McDowell
– Two-time PGA TOUR winner including the 2013 RBC Heritage and 2010 U.S. Open
– Currently ranked No. 18 in the world and No. 55 in the FedEx Cup standings

Brandt Snedeker
– Six-time PGA TOUR winner including the 2013 RBC Canadian Open and AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am
– 2012 winner of the FedEx Cup
– Currently ranked No. 31 in the world and No. 113 in the FedEx Cup standings

Mike Weir
– Eight-time PGA TOUR winner including the 2003 Masters
– Inducted into the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame in 2009
– Competing in his 24th RBC Canadian Open, currently ranked 98th in the FedEx standings

Canadians Earn Their Way to Montreal:
A number of additional Canadians will be attempting to qualify for Canada’s National Open Golf Championship in the coming weeks. Among those qualifying include players participating in RBC Canadian Open regional qualifiers, Canadians competing on the Web.com Tour, players ranked at the top of the PGA TOUR Canada Order of Merit as well as the PGA of Canada Order of Merit leader following the PGA of Canada Championship later this month.

Kevin Carrigan of Victoria, B.C. has secured his spot in the 2014 RBC Canadian Open thanks to his win at the 2013 Canadian Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship. Additional exemptions for Canadian amateur and professional golfers competing in the 2014 RBC Canadian Open will be announced in the coming weeks.

VOLUNTEERS:
Golf Canada and the Royal Montreal Golf Club are pleased to announce that a number of volunteer positions are still available for golf enthusiasts to be a part of the RBC Canadian Open. In all, nearly 1,400 volunteer committee positions will contribute to the success of Canada’s National Open Golf Championship and anyone interested in applying can do so at www.rbccanadianopen.com.

TICKETS:
Grounds tickets for all days of Canada’s National Open Championship as well as a limited number of premium ticket packages are still available. A full list of ticket packages and pricing, including the new Family Day package, is available online at www.rbccanadianopen.com. Golf Canada and RBC are also please to offer free admission to children 17 year and younger who are accompanied by a ticketed adult.

Proving it’s not just their play on the course, but what they do off the course that makes them good, 10 PGA Tour members gathered in Hilton Head, S.C. to launch #RBCGolf4Kids, a new online challenge designed to raise money and awareness for several children’s charities.

#RBCGolf4Kids invites Team RBC golfers and the public to engage in a fun social media challenge. By sharing a unique player hashtag on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook or at www.RBCmakeyourmark.com, fans can help their favourite player win a share of the $300,000 donation from RBC, for his or her charity of choice.

“This friendly competition off the course will require social media prowess in addition to top notch golf skills. You’ve heard of paying it forward, this is Team RBC playing it forward,” said Jane Broderick, chief brand and communications officer, RBC. “With some of the game’s most charitable golfers on our team, we know they are equally as committed as we are to making a difference in the lives of kids.”

Golfers will compete in a series of entertaining weekly challenges – such as sharing their best Throwback Thursday (#TBT) photo or crazy trick shot video – and will challenge each other and fans to do the same. The ultimate winner will be determined by the player whose hashtag is used the most. The challenge launches today, just two days before the RBC Heritage and will wrap up at the RBC Canadian Open, during the week of July 21 at the Royal Golf Club in Montreal.

“I’m proud to be part of this unique program to support Blessings in a Backpack and all of the other incredible organizations that work tirelessly to help children,” enthused Morgan Pressel, LPGA golfer and member of Team RBC. “I’m determined to make a difference and can’t wait to take on my teammates in what promises to be one of the most heated competitions this summer.”

“We’re always delighted to see our sponsors and players engage in new campaigns to raise awareness and funds – like #RBCGolf4Kids – as golf has been intrinsically linked to philanthropy for decades,” said Ty Votaw, EVP & chief global communications officer of the PGA Tour. “The PGA Tour and its tournaments recently surpassed the $2 billion milestone in all-time charitable giving and we’re pleased to continue that legacy with this innovative competition.”

With charities from around the world as potential benefactors, these are the organizations Team RBC is supporting: