As the 2024 RBC Canadian Open has reached it’s conclusion we now congratulate the latest winner of our National Championship, Robert MacIntyre. And we’ll get back to “Bob” in a second.
Already, we look forward to the 2025 edition which is to be played at TPC Toronto – Osprey Valley in Caledon, Ontario. TPC Toronto is the new home for Golf Canada after spending decades just down the street from Jack Nicklaus’ design, Glen Abbey in Oakville, Ontario.
Next year’s edition will be in tough as Hamilton Golf and Country Club put on a spectacular show. Initially mired by torrential rainfalls the 2024 RBC Canadian Open ended up showing very well during the week. For the most part the weather cooperated during the week, when it mattered the most and the historic golf course showed itself very well.
Historic Venue… Historic Canadian Open – By definition any time that something occurs by the time tomorrow hits, it’s history. This RBC Canadian Open was historic because with huge walk-up crowds over the weekend the 113th RBC Canadian Open will be the most-attended event in its lengthy history.
Historic… But it also “Cuts Like a Knife” – Many thanks to Canadian rock legend Bryan Adams for writing and performing this hit. This week a record 28 Canadians were in the field of the RBC Canadian Open. But, by the time the dust settled at the end of Friday’s second round only 8 had made the cut. Out of those missing the cut 7 of them were within two shots of making the weekend. The cut was set at E.
Mike, Nick, et al – It’s always tough to bid a fond farewell to the Canucks in the field. After a solid opening round by Mike Weir he didn’t make the cut. Nor did Adam Hadwin, Roger Sloan, or the defending champion Nick Taylor.
But, when there’s a Wil… – Edmonton, Alberta’s Wil Bateman made the cut. Back in 2022 he graduated from PGA TOUR Americas (then PGA TOUR Canada) to gain status on the Korn Ferry Tour. Currently, Bateman sits in 24th on the Korn Ferry Tour’s Order of Merit.
Some Earnin’ For Hearn – After a six month sabbatical from the PGA TOUR Brantford, Ontario’s (Wayne Gretzky’s hometown) David Hearn returned to the TOUR on a sponsor’s exemption. Hearn made the most of it by making the cut and playing the weekend. He was seen working his arse off on the range Friday.
Dude’s a rock star… or thinks that he is – The biggest rock star during the week. Not Rory, not Nick Taylor, not Mackenzie Hughes. The way that he strutted around, you’d think that the flamboyant peacock learned how to walk from Canadian golf coach extraordinaire, Sean Foley.
Ben Griffin – What a gritty performance by the 28 year old American. Griffin who last tasted victory in 2018 while playing on PGA TOUR Canada showed determination and tenacity. Not to mention… He plays Maxfli.
The Needle – It’s been said ad nauseum over golf social media that Tiger Woods is the needle. Let’s face it, Rory McIlroy is no slouch in this category either. Especially up here in Canada. In a press conference Rory stated that he loves the support and enthusiasm that he receives at the RBC Canadian Open. He also stated that he feels like an “Honorary Canadian”. Rory, if you keep coming back year after year, we’ll make you the “Honorary Prime Minister”.
Feast or Famine – In my heart of hearts I don’t think Canadian golf fans are going to have to wait for another Canadian golfer to win the RBC Canadian Open. That drought from Pat Fletcher’s win to Nick Taylor’s in 2023 felt like it’d never end. For a while it felt like Canadians would win two-in-a-row. Mackenzie Hughes faltered in the final round clearly not having his best stuff. Corey Conners, it was too little too late but still had a great showing. Hopefully golf fans won’t be able to relate to fans of the Toronto Maple Leafs. Waiting decades to see a Canadian win the RBC Canadian Open – or Stanley Cup – again.
A River Runs Through It – While Ancaster Creek does flow through Hamilton Golf and Country Club, and the banks did swell to look like a river after all of the previously aforementioned rain, that’s not what we’re talking about here. The Rivermead Cup is awarded to the low Canadian in the field. Corey Conners takes home the honours. But getting back to the creek… I wonder if there are any resident trout in there.
What about “Bob?” – Robert MacIntyre was the class of the field all week long. He took the 36-hole lead and never relinquished it. Going into the final round Sunday, MacIntyre had a four-stroke lead. While he did have a hiccup or two during the final round with he was able to fend off the charge of Griffin, Victor Perez, Rory McIlroy, and Tom Kim. There’s no doubt that having his father caddying for him was a steadying force. The tears and inability to talk afterward was truly telling of the moment. “I never thought this would happen” said MacIntyre of his victory and first on the PGA TOUR. Congratulations Robert!! Just get used to drones. I liked him until he lost me.
“I told you once, I’m not going to tell you again.I’m gonna give him one more chance before I go mental at him. I know I’m not Canadian or American but…”
See you in 2025.
Until The Next Tee!!
#fightandgrind #seeuonthenexttee
The Next Tee (TNT) 