Fans will be able to play so called Hole Zero at upcoming RBC Canadian Open
Fans will be able to play a hole at Oakdale Golf and Country Club when it hosts the RBC Canadian Open next week.
The unique spectator experience is possible because the club in Toronto’s northwest corner has 27 holes on its property, but the PGA Tour event needs just 18 of them.
“It’s going to be a legit 150-yard plus par-3, that you get to play like a real hole,” said Aubrey Levy, senior vice-president of marketing and content for theScore, which is sponsoring the hole through its betting service. “It’s not just come up and take a swing at a simulator or range. You play an entire hole.”
Stations will be set up around Oakdale during the Canadian Open where fans can sign up for a time slot at the so-called Hole Zero. Golf carts will pick them up at the station and take them to the extra hole.
“We’re going to have coaching on site for you, we’re going to have a caddy, we’re going to kit you out with a locker room,” said Levy. “The hope is to make you feel like a pro for a 20-minute block, whether you play like a pro or not.”
This is the first time that fans will be able to play at a PGA Tour event, albeit on an extra 19th hole, according to theScore Bet.
At last year’s Canadian Open theScore Bet sponsored Skyline seats, a dining table that was raised 100 feet into the air by a crane, allowing for a view of St. George’s Golf and Country Club and Toronto’s downtown core.
Levy said that the goal with Hole Zero was to create almost an opposite experience to the Skyline seats.
“We thought ‘OK, if (Skyline) was well received, creating a unique vantage point, then what can we do to bring them even closer to the action?”’ said Levy. “That led to the thought of actually taking them on the course and giving them the opportunity to play a hole during an actual event, like the Canadian Open.”
The RBC Canadian Open starts June 8 and stretches to June 11. The week includes concerts by the Black Eyed Peas and Alanis Morissette on Friday and Saturday, respectively.
12 Canadians receive exemptions into 2023 RBC Canadian Open
Johnny Travale, Myles Creighton, Stuart McDonald, David Hearn, Roger Sloan, and Wil Bateman join previously announced exemption recipients, trio of Regional Qualifying medalists and seven Canadian PGA TOUR members as part of 19-player Canadian contingent for the 112th playing of Canada’s National Open Championship at Oakdale Golf & Country Club
(May 30, 2023) Golf Canada and RBC have confirmed the names of 12 Canadians who have accepted exemptions into the 2023 RBC Canadian Open, June 6-11 at Oakdale Golf and Country Club in Toronto, Ont.
Leading the way is a trio of Team Canada athletes who will each be making their second start in Canada’s National Open. Johnny Travale of Stoney Creek, Ont., a recent graduate of the University of Central Florida has been a member of the Team Canada program for four years. Myles Creighton of Digby, N.S. receives an exemption as the low Canadian player on the current PGA TOUR Latinoamérica season points list, currently sitting 16th overall. Stuart Macdonald of Vancouver, B.C. also receives an exemption for his strong play on PGA TOUR Latinoamérica, finishing top-20 in each of his five starts this season including a solo third at this past week’s Colombia Classic.
PGA TOUR veteran David Hearn of Brantford, Ont. has accepted an exemption to compete in the National Open Championship for the 19th time while Roger Sloan of Calgary, Alta. (Korn Ferry Tour) will compete in his seventh RBC Canadian Open. Also accepting an exemption is Edmonton, Alta. native Wil Bateman (PGA TOUR Canada) who will make his first ever start in the RBC Canadian Open.
The group joins previously announced Canadian exemptions for Ben Silverman of Thornhill, Ont. (Korn Ferry Tour) and Aaron Cockerill of Winnipeg, Man. (DP World Tour).
Canadian golf icon and President’s Cup International Team Captain Mike Weir of Bright’s Grove, Ont. will be competing in his 31st RBC Canadian Open, one back of fellow Canadian Golf Hall of Famer George Cumming who had a record 32 starts in Canada’s National Open Championship.
Three other Canadians earned exemptions through RBC Canadian Open Regional Qualifying including Taylor Durham of North Vancouver, B.C. (BC Regional Qualifier at Ledgeview Golf Club), Daniel Kim of Toronto, Ont. (Ontario Regional Qualifying #1 at Oshawa Golf & Curling Club), and Sebastian Szirmak of Toronto, Ont. (Ontario Regional Qualifying #2 at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley).
A 19-player Canadian contingent will challenge for the national championship led by PGA TOUR winners Corey Conners of Listowel, Ont. (world no. 29), Adam Svensson of Surrey, B.C. (world no. 61), Mackenzie Hughes of Dundas, Ont. (world no. 66), Nick Taylor of Abbottsford, B.C. (world no. 69), and Adam Hadwin of Abbottsford, B.C. (world no. 74) as well as fellow PGA TOUR members Taylor Pendrith of Richmond Hill, Ont. and Michael Gligic of Burlington, Ont.
“We are pleased to extend these additional tournament exemptions and welcome our roster of 19 deserving Canadians competing in the 112th playing of Canada’s National Open Championship,” said RBC Canadian Open Tournament Director Bryan Crawford. “The passion and commitment that these talented athletes have shown in representing Canada on the global golf stage is an inspiration to golf fans across the country and we are proud to welcome them to the field for the 2023 RBC Canadian Open.”
Four additional exemptions will be available during the RBC Canadian Open Final Qualifier on Sunday, June 4 at Coppinwood Golf Club in Goodwood, Ont.
In addition to world class golf, fans at the 2023 RBC Canadian Open will be treated to the two-night RBCxMusic Concert Series onsite at Oakdale Golf and Country with Grammy Award-winning group, the Black Eyed Peas performing on Friday, June 9 and Canadian Grammy Award-winning icon Alanis Morissette performing on Saturday, June 10.
Tickets for the 2023 RBC Canadian Open are available here. Children aged 12-and-under get free admission with a ticketed adult.
Locke and 11 others advance to the RBC Canadian Open Final Qualifier
Athabasca, Alb – Eric Locke from Cochrane, Alb. shot a 5-under, 66 to top the list of golfers that have advanced to the RBC Canadian Open Final Qualifier on June 4 at Coppinwood Golf Club in Goodwood, Ont.
Locke carded four birdies and an eagle on Monday at Pinebrook Golf and Country Club in Athabasca, Alb. Richard Dou (a) of Calgary shot a 4-under, 67, while fellow amateurs Aneesh Kaura and Tommy McKenzie, both of Calgary shot rounds of 3-under, 68.
The top 15% of the field have advanced to the final RBC Canadian Open Final Qualifier this Sunday. Direct exemptions into the RBC Canadian Open are given when the starting field consists of 120 or more golfers.
RBC Canadian Open Alberta Regional Qualifier Results:
Pos. | Player | Residence | To Par | Total |
1 | Eric Locke | Cochrane, AB | -5 | 66 |
2 | Richard Doug (a) | Calgary, AB | -4 | 67 |
T3 | Aneesh Kaura (a) | Calgary, AB | -3 | 68 |
T3 | Tommy McKenzie (a) | Calgary, AB | -3 | 68 |
T5 | Braden O’Grady | Edmonton, AB | -2 | 69 |
T5 | David Carey | Dublin, Ireland | -2 | 69 |
T7 | Cooper Lindberg (a) | Calgary, AB | E | 71 |
T7 | Alex Ching | Oceanside, California | E | 71 |
T7 | Josh Nagy (a) | Saskatoon, SK | E | 71 |
T7 | Josiah Tong (a) | Heritage Pointe, AB | E | 71 |
T7 | Nicklaus Kennedy | Nelson, B.C. | E | 71 |
T7 | Samuel Kirkness | Calgary, AB | E | 71 |
A series of five regional qualifiers took place across the country, with three providing direct exemptions into this year’s RBC Canadian Open, set for June 6-11 at Oakdale Golf and Country Club in Toronto.
For the full leaderboard click here.
Results from the B.C. Regional Qualifier can be found here.
Results from the first Ontario Regional Qualifier can be found here.
Results from the second Ontario Regional Qualifier can be found here.
Results from the Quebec Regional Qualifier can be found here.
Pro golfers challenged to ‘Make Turkeys’ at RBC Canadian Open
Think Turkey and Golf Canada Team Up to Support First Tee
TORONTO – This summer, Think Turkey is proud to be an official partner of Golf Canada and this year’s RBC Canadian Open June 5 to11 at Oakdale Golf & Country Club in Toronto and the CPKC Women’s Open at Shaughnessy Golf & Country Club in Vancouver from August 21 to 27.
The partnership will tee up the first ever Make Birdies Count challenge at both events, calling on players to make ‘turkeys,’ (known as three birdies in a row – or better!) to benefit First Tee – Canada, a national organization focused on introducing the game of golf and its inherent values to young people, with a donation of up to $15,000.
“Like a delicious turkey dinner, golf brings people of all ages together.” said Darren Ference, Chair of Turkey Farmers of Canada. “We’re proud to partner with Golf Canada to support First Tee, which introduces youth to a sport that helps build confidence, character and connections to communities.”
“We are very excited to welcome Think Turkey as an Official Partner of Golf Canada, the RBC Canadian Open, and the CPKC Women’s Open,” said Lisa Ferkul, Chief Commercial Officer of Golf Canada. “The Make Birdies Count challenge is a great initiative and we’re looking forward to working alongside their team on this fun competitive story on the course, while making an impact that will benefit First Tee – Canada.”
Graham DeLaet, retired Canadian golfer and broadcaster, has signed on as an ambassador for the Make Birdies Count challenge, promoting it to players, media, the Golf Canada network and fans.
“A turkey on the golf course or at home is always exciting,” said Graham DeLaet. “First Tee – Canada is a charity that’s close to many players hearts, including mine, and I’m pleased to help raise awareness for the Make Birdies Count challenge and drive some added competition for a great cause.”
Turkey Player Stats
At the 2022, RBC Canadian Open, pros made 45 turkeys at St. George’s Golf & Country Club, with defending champ Rory McIlroy achieving one. Players in the CPKC Women’s Open in 2022 made 25 turkeys, with Brooke Henderson scoring one and Lydia Ko and Stephanie Kyriacou achieving two turkeys.
Chances for a Turkey at RBC Canadian Open at Oakdale Golf & Country Club
The back nine of Oakdale golf course presents the greatest opportunity for a turkey with holes 12 (553 yards, par 5), 13 (424 yards, par 4), 14 (172 yards, par 3), 15 (419 yards, par 4), 16 (398 yards, par 4), 17 (432 yards, par 4), and 18 (494 yards, par 5) most likely for players to make three birdies in a row. Defending RBC Open champion, Rory McIlroy, may be on a path to achieve the ultimate turkey – three consecutive wins of the Canadian Open.
“The Canadian turkey industry prides itself on serving our communities through programs that fight food insecurity and support youth,” said Nicolas Paillat, Director, Chicken and Turkey Primary Processing Sectors. “We’re proud that the Make Birdies Count challenge will support and empower youth through the sport of golf to build values and skills which will serve them for life and fuel their game.” Golf Canada and Think Turkey will be sharing a daily ‘turkey tally’ during the RBC Canadian Open and the CPKC Women’s Open. Visit Thinkturkey.ca to learn more.
RBC Canadian Open welcomes Justin Rose, Tyrrell Hatton & Cameron Champ
(May 25, 2023) – A trio of PGA TOUR stars and fan-favourites will compete at Oakdale Golf and Country Club in Toronto as 11-time PGA TOUR winner Justin Rose, world no. 18 Tyrrell Hatton and 3-time PGA TOUR winner Cameron Champ have joined the field for the 2023 RBC Canadian Open.
Rose, who will make his fifth start in the RBC Canadian Open, is currently ranked No. 22 on the FedEx Cup and no. 29 in the world. A European stalwart with the Ryder Cup and DP World Tour, Rose is a former US Open winner, past FedEx Cup champion, and gold medalist at the 2016 Olympics. He has four PGA TOUR top-10s this season including a win at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, T6 at The Players and T9 at the PGA Championship.
Fellow Englishman Hatton, who will make his second start in Canada, is a past winner on the PGA TOUR who sits no. 19 on the FedEx Cup and no. 18 in the world. The two-time Ryder Cup member and DP World Tour standout has five top-10s this season including a T6 at the WM Phoenix Open, T4 at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, solo second at The Players Championship, T3 at the Wells Fargo Championship, and T5 at the Byron Nelson Championship.
One of the longest hitters on the PGA TOUR, Champ makes his third start in the RBC Canadian Open. A three-time winner on the PGA TOUR, Champ has a pair of top-10s on the season including solo eight at the Zozo Championship and T8 at the Mexico Open.
Rose, Hatton, and Champ join a growing field headlined by two-time defending champion and world no. 3 Rory McIlroy who will be looking to become the first player to win three consecutive RBC Canadian Open titles. Others previously committed include reigning US Open and RBC Heritage champion Matthew Fitzpatrick (world no. 9) along with fellow European stars Tommy Fleetwood (world no. 23) and Shane Lowry (world no. 26).
The group will compete alongside Team RBC ambassadors Sam Burns (world no. 14), Cameron Young (world no. 16), Sahith Theegala (world no. 27), seven-time PGA TOUR winner Webb Simpson, and nine-time PGA TOUR winner Matt Kuchar.
A full Canadian contingent will also challenge for the national championship led by PGA TOUR winners Corey Conners of Listowel, Ont. (world no. 28), Adam Svensson of Surrey, B.C. (world no. 58), Mackenzie Hughes of Dundas, Ont. (world no. 62), Nick Taylor of Abbottsford, B.C. (world no. 66), and Adam Hadwin of Abbottsford, B.C. (world no. 71) as well as fellow PGA TOUR members Taylor Pendrith of Richmond Hill, Ont. and Michael Gligic of Burlington, Ont.
In addition to world class golf, fans at the 2023 RBC Canadian Open will be treated to the two-night RBCxMusic Concert Series onsite at Oakdale Golf and Country with Grammy Award-winning pop group, the Black Eyed Peas performing on Friday, June 9 and Canadian Grammy Award-winning icon Alanis Morissette performing on Saturday, June 10.
Tickets for the 2023 RBC Canadian Open are available here. Children aged 12-and-under get free admission with a ticketed adult.
Lalonde, Gilbert and 19 others advance to RBC Canadian Open Final Qualifier following Regional Qualifying in Quebec
Bromont, QC – Despite rainy weather conditions, Dom Lalonde from Chateauguay, Que. shot a 5-under, 67 to top the list of golfers that have advanced to the RBC Canadian Open Final Qualifier on June 4 at Coppinwood Golf Club.
Lalonde carded five birdies in a bogey free round on Wednesday at Golf Château Bromont in Bromont, Que. Max Gilbert from St-Georges, Que. shot a 3-under round of 69 and recorded five birdies including three straight from holes six through eight.
The top 15% of the field have advanced to the RBC Canadian Open Final Qualifier, direct exemptions are given when the starting field consists of 120 or more golfers.
RBC Canadian Open Quebec Regional Qualifier Results:
Pos. | Player | Residence | To Par | Total |
1 | Dom Lalonde | Châteauguay, QC | -5 | 67 |
T2 | Max Gilbert | St-Georges, QC | -3 | 69 |
T2 | Tom Adrounie | Montverde, FL | -3 | 69 |
T2 | Shaun Margeson | Fall River, NS | -3 | 69 |
T5 | George Kneiser | Oconomowoc, WI | -2 | 70 |
T5 | Eric Banks | Quispamsis, NB | -2 | 70 |
T5 | Anthony Jomphe (a) | Chicoutimi, QC | -2 | 70 |
T5 | William Duquette (a) | Laval, QC | -2 | 70 |
T9 | Blake Kennedy | Hilton Head Island, SC | -1 | 71 |
T9 | Justin Grimard (a) | Deux-Montagnes, QC | -1 | 71 |
T9 | Mathieu Lafontaine (a) | Vaudreuil-Dorion, QC | -1 | 71 |
T9 | Brandon White (a) | Bourget, ON | -1 | 71 |
T13 | Davis Tweddell (a) | Quebec, QC | E | 72 |
T13 | Mark Mackay (a) | Ottawa, ON | E | 72 |
15 | Neal Ryan | Halifax, NS | +1 | 73 |
T16 | Michel Landry (a) | Fredericton, NB | +2 | 74 |
T16 | Romi Dilawri (a) | Ottawa, ON | +2 | 74 |
T16 | Yuvish Singh | Brampton, ON | +2 | 74 |
T16 | Alexandre Belanger | Edmundston, NB | +2 | 74 |
T16 | James Hervol | Lake Worth, FL | +2 | 74 |
T16 | Sonny Michaud | Quebec, QC | +2 | 74 |
There is one RBC Canadian Open Regional Qualifier remaining on the schedule. The final qualifier is scheduled for Monday, May 29 at Pinebrook Golf and Country Club in Calgary.
For the full leaderboard click here.
Results from the B.C. Regional Qualifier can be found here.
Results from the first ON Regional Qualifier can be found here.
Results from the second ON Regional Qualifier can be found here.
Sebastian Szirmak wins in playoff at second Ontario Regional Qualifier to earn exemption into 2023 RBC Canadian Open
Caledon, ON. – Not only did Sebastian Szirmak have to wait out an early morning frost delay to begin his round, but also to see if anyone could top him and the other clubhouse leaders during the afternoon flight. In the end, a playoff was required, and Szirmak outlasted Ben MacLean (a) and Keaton Veillette on the second playoff hole on Wednesday to earn a direct exemption into the 2023 RBC Canadian Open, June 6-11 at Oakdale Golf and Country Club in Toronto. Eric Yun (a) birdied the 18th hole during the afternoon flight to join the trio but was eliminated after the first hole of the playoff.
All four golfers recorded rounds of 67, good for 5-under. Szirmak recorded five birdies and a bogey free round. While some stuck around to see what their fate would be, Szirmak felt he shot a good number and left the course and let life distract him, “I just got back from Mexico and we’re moving back in and there was so much to do so as soon as I left, I called my girlfriend and she’s like hurry up, we need this, we need that so my brain completely left golf which I think was really beneficial because I wasn’t sitting there refreshing and seeing what guys were doing. I was just patiently waiting until 7:00 p.m. when I was going to leave downtown and come back here and see if there was a playoff or if someone got to six under,” he said.
“I went to Costco, I went to our Airbnb units, I took care of a few things, it was a lot more than I’m sure most guys would imagine I was doing for those six hours,” added Szirmak with a laugh.
Once the afternoon group concluded play it was time for the playoff and Szirmak and MacLean both found the fairway with their tee shots on the par 5 first hole. MacLean hit onto the green for a chance at eagle, while Szirmak’s third shot from a green side bunker came close to an eagle of his own, “Anytime I’m around a green I feel like I have a good chance to be aggressive, so it just lipped out and I thought oh man is that my Canadian Open gone, a lip out, but two more guys made birdie so we went to 18,” he said.
Szirmak and MacLean would again both have chances at eagle on the par 5, 18th hole. Szirmak hit a 5-iron for his second shot that hit the green, “We got up there and had about a 30-footer across the green, lagged it up to five feet and for some reason it was pitch black but I saw the line, I felt the line and looked up and it’s going in, so that was an awesome feeling for sure.” Szirmak made his birdie while MacLean came up just short of extending to a potential third playoff hole.
With the win, Szirmak earns a direct exemption into the RBC Canadian Open and will make his first appearance in the National Open Championship. This is a place where Szirmak has thought about getting to and he is excited to get his first opportunity to play with some of the world’s best, “I’m just really looking forward to it. I think I’m going to have my eyes out looking and just kind of soak in the moment, not because I don’t think I belong there just because I know the opportunity and it’s probably the only one I’ll play this year, so I will make the most of it.
“And of course, playing in Canada, I’m hoping there will be some love from the fans so I think that will be a lot of fun for sure,” added Szirmak.
TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley (North Course), played to Par 72 at 7,151 yards with a field of 142 golfers. Along with Szirmak’s exemption, an additional 31 golfers (remaining top 15% of the field) from Caledon have advanced to the RBC Canadian Open Final Qualifier scheduled for Sunday, June 4 at Coppinwood Golf Club in Goodwood, Ont.
RBC Canadian Open Second Ontario Regional Qualifier Results:
*Lost in playoff
Pos. | Player | Residence | To Par | Total |
*T2 | Keaton Veillette | Toronto, ON | -5 | 67 |
*T2 | Ben MacLean (a) | Niagara Falls, ON | -5 | 67 |
*T2 | Eric Yun (a) | Unionville, ON | -5 | 67 |
5 | Austin Ryan | Kitchener, ON | -4 | 68 |
T6 | James Skrypec | Guelph, ON | -3 | 69 |
T6 | Phil Arci (a) | Woodbridge, ON | -3 | 69 |
T6 | Brendan Seys | Port Lambton, ON | -3 | 69 |
T6 | Noah Leduc (a) | Innisfil, ON | -3 | 69 |
T10 | Ethan Irvine (a) | Ancaster, ON | -2 | 70 |
T10 | Victor Ciesielski | Cambridge, ON | -2 | 70 |
T10 | Ryan Sommerville (a) | Aurora, ON | -2 | 70 |
T10 | Jordan Shanks | Toronto, ON | -2 | 70 |
T14 | Branson Ferrier | Innisfil, ON | E | 72 |
T14 | Brad Kerfoot | Toronto, ON | E | 72 |
T14 | Jacob Lehman | Guelph, ON | E | 72 |
T14 | Johnny Choi | Toronto, ON | E | 72 |
T14 | Garrett Rank (a) | Elmira, ON | E | 72 |
T14 | Alek Mauro (a) | Windsor, ON | E | 72 |
T14 | Andrew Gwilliams (a) | Bradford, ON | E | 72 |
T21 | Zach Bankuti | St.Catharines, ON | +1 | 73 |
T21 | Brendan Leonard | Cambridge, ON | +1 | 73 |
T21 | Nic Ross | Brantford, ON | +1 | 73 |
T21 | Aiden Deng | Peterborough, ON | +1 | 73 |
T21 | Brian Hadley | Sarnia, ON | +1 | 73 |
T21 | Nick Kenney | Etobicoke, ON | +1 | 73 |
T21 | Kyle Brodhagen | Woodstock, ON | +1 | 73 |
T21 | Michael Von Schalburg | King City, ON | +1 | 73 |
T21 | Matthew Cupido | Hamilton, ON | +1 | 73 |
T21 | Jack Deighan (a) | Cambridge, ON | +1 | 73 |
T21 | John Foster | Concord, ON | +1 | 73 |
T21 | Nicholas Mazze (a) | Caledon East, ON | +1 | 73 |
There are two RBC Canadian Open Regional Qualifiers remaining on the schedule. The next qualifier is scheduled for Wednesday, May 24 at Golf Château Bromont in Bromont, Que. and on Monday, May 29 at Pinebrook Golf and Country Club in Calgary, Alb.
For the full leaderboard click here.
Results from the B.C. Regional Qualifier can be found here.
Results from the first Ontario Regional Qualifier can be found here.
Daniel Kim wins first Ontario Regional Qualifier to earn exemption into 2023 RBC Canadian Open
Oshawa, ON. – Daniel Kim of Toronto, Ont. shot a 5-under 66 Monday at the first Ontario Regional Qualifier hosted at Oshawa Golf and Curling Club in Oshawa, ON to earn a direct exemption into the 2023 RBC Canadian Open, June 6-11 at Oakdale Golf and Country Club in Toronto.
Kim got off to a flying start with a birdie on the opening hole and an eagle on the fourth hole to sit at 3-under through four. Kim finished the day with six birdies and an eagle to earn medalist honours and finish two shots clear of amateur Luc Warnock of McGregor, Ont. (-3) and Charles Huntzinger of Greensboro, Georgia (-3).
Kim, 32, came out on top from a field of 136 professional and amateur golfers at Oshawa Golf and Curling Club to earn his spot in Canada’s National Open Championship. It’s quite the turnaround for Kim after he decided to quit playing golf professionally last year due to injury and personal reasons.
“If you were to ask me six months ago, would I be playing the Canadian Open, I would have said you’re crazy. I’ve been working full time and I keep telling people it’s a hobby now, it’s not my job, it’s a hobby now and its pretty crazy how things come around, said Kim. “This was the last little competitive thing I was actually going to do, before digging in and start working. So, this is a blessing in disguise, and I feel so thankful and grateful.”
Oshawa Golf and Curling Club, played to Par 71 at 6,596 yards and provided a strong test for the field with only 12 players shooting under par. Along with Kim’s exemption, an additional 24 golfers (remaining top 15% of the field) from Oshawa have advanced to the RBC Canadian Open Final Qualifier scheduled for Sunday, June 4 at Coppinwood Golf Club in Goodwood, Ont.
RBC Canadian Open Ontario Regional Qualifier Results:
Pos. | Player | Residence | To Par | Total |
1 | Daniel Kim | Toronto, ON | -5 | 66 |
T2 | Luc Warnock (a) | McGregor, ON | -3 | 68 |
T2 | Charles Huntzinger | Greensboro, GA | -3 | 68 |
T4 | Tyler Hull | Toronto, ON | -2 | 69 |
T4 | Marshall Bath (a) | Courtice, ON | -2 | 69 |
T4 | Drew Nesbitt | Coldwater, ON | -2 | 69 |
T4 | Mark Hoffman | Toronto, ON | -2 | 69 |
T4 | Matthew Hill | Palm Beach Gardens, FL | -2 | 69 |
T9 | Cam Kellett (a) | London, ON | -1 | 70 |
T9 | Kevin Blue (a) | Mississauga, ON | -1 | 70 |
T9 | Ben Thompson (a) | Toronto, ON | -1 | 70 |
T9 | Zac Viminitz | Brooklin, ON | -1 | 70 |
T9 | Daniel Abraha (a) | Kingston, ON | -1 | 70 |
T14 | Jay Finley (a) | Port Perry, ON | E | 71 |
T14 | Kevin Gordon | Whitby, ON | E | 71 |
T14 | Gordon Gibson (a) | Toronto, ON | E | 71 |
T14 | Christian Chapman | West Palm Beach, FL | E | 71 |
T14 | Jake Scott | Strongsville, OH | E | 71 |
T14 | Peter Hong | West Chester, OH | E | 71 |
T20 | Nathanial Coombes | Port Perry, ON | +1 | 72 |
T20 | Matthew Whitehead (a) | Cambridge, ON | +1 | 72 |
T20 | Jack Kent | Uxbridge, ON | +1 | 72 |
T20 | Kyle Gordon (a) | Whitby, ON | +1 | 72 |
T20 | Jonathan Cramton (a) | Toronto, ON | +1 | 72 |
T20 | William Robbins | Brooksville, FL | +1 | 72 |
There are three RBC Canadian Open Regional Qualifiers remaining on the schedule. The next qualifier is scheduled for Wednesday, May 17 at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley (North Course) in Caledon, Ont. Additional qualifiers will take place on Wednesday, May 24 at Golf Château Bromont in Bromont, Que. and on Monday, May 29 at Pinebrook Golf and Country Club in Calgary, Alb.
For the full leaderboard click here.
Results from the B.C. Regional Qualifier can be found here.
Amateur Taylor Durham wins B.C. Regional Qualifier to earn exemption into 2023 RBC Canadian Open
Abbotsford, B.C. – Taylor Durham of North Vancouver, B.C. shot a 5-under 65 Friday at the B.C. Regional Qualifier hosted at Ledgeview Golf Club in Abbotsford, B.C. to earn a direct exemption into the 2023 RBC Canadian Open, June 6-11 at Oakdale Golf and Country Club in Toronto.
Competing in the RBC Canadian Open Regional Qualifier as an amateur, Durham caught fire at the turn, reeling off five straight birdies on holes 9 through 13 and seven birdies on the day to earn medalist honours, two shots clear of Zahidali Nathu of Richmond, B.C. (-3). Team Canada NextGen amateur Alex Zhang of Richmond, B.C. was solo third at 2-under with six others finishing with a share of fourth at 1-under.
Durham, 29, outlasted a field of 124 professional and amateur golfers at Ledgeview Golf Club (exceeding the 120-golfer requirement for a direct exemption) to earn his first-ever start in the Canada’s National Open Championship.
“I’m pretty speechless to be honest, it’s definitely a lifelong dream to play in a PGA TOUR event but you never really believe its going to happen, said Dunham, a 2-time Men’s Club Champion from Marine Drive Golf Club in Vancouver. “After hole 11, just off birdies on 9 and 10, I felt I was hitting if really nice, and tried to get home without any big numbers. I’ve been texting friends and family, it still feels hard to believe, just an awesome day and I’m super excited to be in this position right now.”
The remaining top 15% of the field from the B.C. Regional Qualifier will advance to the RBC Canadian Open Final Qualifier scheduled for Sunday, June 4 at Coppinwood Golf Club in Goodwood, Ont.
Playing to Par 70 over 6,159 yards, Ledgeview proved to be a solid test for Qualifier field, with only nine players shooting below par. In addition to Durham’s exemption, 19 golfers will advance to the Final Qualifier on Sunday, June 4.
RBC Canadian Open B.C. Regional Qualifier Results:
Pos. | Player | Residence | To Par | Total | ||
1 | Taylor Durham (a) | North Vancouver, BC | -5 | 65 | ||
2 | Zahidali Nathu | Richmond, BC | -3 | 67 | ||
3 | Alex Zhang (a) | Richmond, BC | -2 | 68 | ||
T4 | Cory Renfrew | Delta, BC | -1 | 69 | ||
T4 | Cory Hilditch (a) | Penticton, BC | -1 | 69 | ||
T4 | Ethan Wilson (a) | St. Albert, AB | -1 | 69 | ||
T4 | Ryan Hall | Knoxville, TN | -1 | 69 | ||
T4 | John Paul Kahlert (a) | Maple Ridge, BC | -1 | 69 | ||
T4 | Khan Lee | Chilliwack, BC | -1 | 69 | ||
T10 | Tanvir Kahlon | Langley, BC | E | 70 | ||
T10 | Kaleb Gorbahn | Smithers, BC | E | 70 | ||
T10 | Brett Webster | Abbotsford, BC | E | 70 | ||
T10 | Jake Lane | Vancouver, BC | E | 70 | ||
T14 | Oliver Rizun (a) | Kelowna, BC | +1 | 71 | ||
T14 | Kamyar Yamini (a) | Vancouver, BC | +1 | 71 | ||
T14 | Denby Carswell (a) | Burnaby, BC | +1 | 71 | ||
T14 | Bryce Barker | Vernon, BC | +1 | 71 | ||
T14 | Daniel Campbell | Bellingham, WA | +1 | 71 | ||
T14 | Sher Sidhu (a) | Abbotsford, BC | +1 | 71 | ||
For the full leaderboard click here.
The B.C. Qualifier at Ledgeview was the first of five 2023 RBC Canadian Open Regional Qualifiers. The next is scheduled for Monday, May 15 at the Oshawa Golf and Curling Club in Oshawa Ont. and then Wednesday, May 17 at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley (North Course) in Caledon, Ont. Additional Regional Qualifiers will take place on Wednesday, May 24 at Golf-Château Bromont in Bromont, Que. and on Monday, May 29 at Pinebrook Golf and Country Club in Calgary.
Oakdale’s spirit adds sense of community to upcoming RBC Canadian Open
One of the biggest moments of Ben Silverman’s golf career was thanks, in part, to the efforts of a member at Oakdale Golf and Country Club.
Now he has an opportunity to return the favour by shedding a little light on the Toronto-area club as it prepares to host this year’s RBC Canadian Open.
Silverman, from nearby Thornhill, Ont., had only recently turned pro when he qualified to represent Canada at the 2013 Maccabiah Games. He didn’t have the funds to fly out to Israel for the multi-sport event for Jewish athletes, but an Oakdale member stepped up to pay Silverman’s way for the event.
He went on to win gold by 11 shots at Caesarea Golf Club, while Canada earned bronze in the team event.
“It’ll be nice to be able to go play at Oakdale where a bunch of (Maccabiah Games teammates) are members. (…) I think it’s amazing that they are getting to showcase their club at the national championship.”
Silverman was named to the RBC Canadian Open field on Monday, earning an exemption along with Aaron Cockerill of Stony Mountain, Man., who plays on the Europe-based DP World Tour. Silverman has only played at Oakdale once before, ahead of the Maccabiah Games back in 2013, but said he’s excited to compete on the composite course from June 6-11.
“It’s just more special that it’s closer to where my friends and family are, that are going to be able to come watch,” said the 35-year-old Silverman. “So I’ll be able to have more hometown support than I would traditionally anywhere else for the Canadian Open.
“But man, I’ve always just been excited to play in any RBC Canadian Open.”
Founded in 1926 in an agricultural area northwest of Toronto – the course has long since been subsumed into the city – Oakdale was born out of necessity as most country clubs at the time did not allow Jewish, Black, or Asian people to join. The club was founded seven years before the infamous Christie Pits riot, when Nazi-inspired youth flew a swastika flag to antagonize and provoke Jewish Canadians playing baseball at the public park in downtown Toronto.
“There were a number of members of the Jewish community who said, ‘Well, if we can’t play anywhere, let’s create our own place,”’ said Mark Sadowski, a past president of Oakdale on the club’s origins. “That was the spirit of, what started, the journey towards establishing Oakdale.”
The club’s membership is still predominantly Jewish but, as it was created in reaction to antisemitism, faith is not a barrier to anyone joining. Membership is sold to families rather than individuals and philanthropic work, either through donation or service, is the most important requirement for joining.
Sadowski said that charitable component to membership has its roots in the Jewish faith.
“That’s the sort of mindset of our club and I think that’s always been the case,” said Sadowski. “Since its origination it was expected that if you could afford to join a club like Oakdale you could afford to give to the community and that’s the standard that exists today.”
Golf Canada CEO Laurence Applebaum said that growing up in Toronto he was aware of Oakdale’s reputation as a family-first club. He hopes that spirit will inhabit this year’s Canadian Open and again in 2026, when Oakdale will celebrate its centennial by hosting the men’s national championship a second time.
“It’s about community. It’s about culture. But the broader sense of culture, a culture of a club, culture of togetherness,” said Applebaum on Monday after the RBC Canadian Open’s media day at Oakdale. “I think what the membership is probably most proud of is welcoming people into their club like they’d be welcoming them into their homes.
“That probably is what makes it so enjoyable for us to bring the RBC Canadian Open to Oakdale.”