SOUTHAMPTON, N.Y. — It was a dream, one that hardly even seemed possible, back in the days when Garrett Rank was a member of Golf Canada’s National Men’s Team from 2012-14.

One of his teammates was Mackenzie Hughes and now, four years later, the band will be back together again, this time on one of golf’s biggest stages.

Rank and Hughes have taken different paths to get to this U.S. Open at the demanding, undulating and windswept Shinnecock Hills, but they will be together Thursday morning, along with Australian Aaron Baddeley, at 7:18 a.m. off the 10th tee.

Rank, from Elmira, ON, has been one of the popular stories in the early days of the tournament. Coming off his second full season as a referee in the NHL, he has been a media darling. He was the first player in the media centre on Monday and has done a steady stream of interviews since.

The 30-year-old deserves all the attention he has been getting, from winning a battle with testicular cancer in 2011 to putting together an impressive amateur career to establishing himself as a referee in the best hockey league in the world.

He had a hat trick at the Canadian Mid-Amateur championship, winning it three times in a row and finished runnerup in the 2012 U.S. Mid-Am. Winning the Canadian Mid-Am got him a ticket to three RBC Canadian Opens, making the cut in 2016. (Last year, he played the par-3 seventh hole, made to look like a hockey rink, in a referee’s sweater).

This season, despite being limited to less than a dozen rounds of golf during the winter as he worked 73 regular-season games in the NHL, he qualified for the U.S. Open with a pair of 71s at the Ansley Golf Club’s Settindown Course in Atlanta.

Hughes turned pro in 2013 and won the RSM Classic in 2016.

After playing 14 holes with Hughes, from Dundas, ON, and Adam Hadwin of Abbotsford, BC, on Tuesday, Rank put in a good session on the range with coach Dave Smallwood and was then interviewed live on The Golf Channel.

The whirlwind will ease Thursday morning when he can step onto the tee where there will be a familiar face.

“That was great for me. I couldn’t have got a better group, I don’t think,” Rank said. “I attended Mackenzie’s wedding. We’re great friends. We played on the Canadian national team for three years together, so very comfortable. It will be kind of nice for me, as I’m sure I’ll be really anxious and nervous and just to have that familiar face beside me in battle is huge.

“And then it’s cool, like Aaron Baddeley growing up was a huge name and still is a big name in golf. Secretly, it’s cool. Like I saw all the guys on the range today and I’m just there kind of like a little fan boy, so it’s cool to see those guys and be able to play with them, as well.”

Canada’s Garrett Rank is a popular man this week at the #USOpen ??⛳️? @golfchannel

A post shared by Golf Canada (@thegolfcanada) on Jun 12, 2018 at 6:20pm PDT

Stephen Walkom, the NHL’s director of officiating, said the same qualities that make Rank an up-and coming referee serve him well on the golf course.

“I think he’s going to be really happy when the tournament starts,” Walkom said. “Once the tournament starts, it’s like a hockey game starting. He’s going to feel at peace, I’m sure. In golf, you have to be mentally tough and I think there are similarities with hockey, recovering quickly from a bad shot or a missed call. Garrett’s got a real passion for hockey and for the game of golf.

“On behalf of all the guys (on the officiating staff), we’re all extremely proud of Garrett and all that he’s accomplished qualifying for the U.S. Open. All the guys are going to enjoy it and wish him the best of luck. It’s great for Garrett. He’s going to have the chance to do something he dreamed about as a kid.”

With the spotlight turned on him, Rank has been taking the opportunity to spread the word Canada isn’t just about hockey.

“Yeah, growing up in Canada, you’re kind of born with a pair of skates on your feet, so hockey is probably our number one sport. But golf is getting there,” he said. “I’ve had a great opportunity with Golf Canada for three years on their Canadian Men’s National Team and have represented them in many international competitions. Obviously, I owe a huge debt to them. I wouldn’t be here without the guidance and support their staff has given me.”

Rank said his goal is to make the cut at Shinnecock. He said he had some issues with the wind, which shifted from the east to southwest on Tuesday, and that’s what kept him on the range.

Rank’s coach, David Smallwood, said what Rank has done getting here is remarkable for a guy who has a full-time job.

“You know what? For somebody who spends 72 nights dropping a puck, this is a part-time gig for him. He gets a few opportunities (to play) when he refs some Florida games and some mini-camps with me in Florida. We’d like it to be a couple more, but he’s busy with all the travel and stuff.

“It’s not the best situation to be able to come out here and compete with the best players in the world, but he’s a helluva an athlete, a helluva player and a helluva guy. When you have talent, you have talent. Is he as sharp mentally? Does he not question stuff because he’s a little rusty or not? He’s had three or four tournaments in the spring. He’s had some playing time. He just hasn’t had the range time.

“It’s a whirlwind,” Smallwood said as Rank headed off to talk to The Golf Channel. “We were planning on being out of here by now just relaxing at the house. It hasn’t worked out that way, so we’re going to do some chipping, some putting, some media. It’s a busy week.

“It’s a bucket list thing and we’re just all so excited about his opportunity this week.”

MEN’S AMATEUR TOP 10

Joey Savoie gained nine places in the world rankings after finishing in a tie for fifth at the St. Andrews Links Trophy, two strokes shy of the winning the score. The result vaulted the Golf Canada National Team member up to a career-best No. 75 in the world rankings and he moved past Garrett Rank to take over the No. 2 spot in Canada.

Fellow Golf Canada team member Hugo Bernard finished in a tie for 28th at the St. Andrew Links event. That was good enough to boost his career-best world ranking three places, moving him up to No. 47 in the world.

Biggest move:Jordy Lutz of Winnipeg gained 1,496 spots in the world rankings after winning the Manitoba Match Play Championship. The fourth seeded golfer knocked off the second seed Colwyn Abgrall 2&1 in the championship match.

WOMEN’S AMATEUR TOP 10

Maddie Szeryk picked up three more places in the world rankings to improve to a career-best No. 16 in the world for the Golf Canada National Squad member who just completed a successful collegiate career at Texas A&M.

One change in the Top 10 saw Jessica Ip take over the No. 8 ranking in Canada from Valerie Tanguay.

Biggest Move: Taylor Kehoe of Strathroy, Ont. gained 269 spots in the world rankings after finishing sixth at the AJGA the Memorial Junior event, which included a second round 70 which led all golfers that day.

MEN’S TOP 10

Both Nick Taylor and Austin Connelly shared the honour for the biggest move among the Top 10 this past week.

Taylor gained nine places in the world rankings after finishing in a tie for 30th at the PGA’s FedEx St. Jude Classic. The result was worth 1.51 world ranking points, his second points-paying finish in his last three tournaments. The result enabled him to move up to No. 4 in Canada.

Connelly gained nine places in the world rankings after finishing in a tie for 19th at the European Tour’s Shot Clock Masters – the first golf tournament of its type to feature a shot clock. The result was worth 1.62 world ranking points for the former Golf Canada National Team member.

Despite missing the cut at the Web.com Tour’s Rust-Oleum Championship, Roger Sloan moves back into the Top 10 following a seven week absence, moving past Richard T Lee, who lost 25 spots in the world rankings to relinquish the No. 10 ranking

Outside the Top 10, Justin Shin picked up 149 spots in the world rankings after finishing third in the PGA Tour China Series’ Guilin Championship. It was his third straight top 10 result and second top three finish. The result was worth 2.40 world ranking points, moving him up to No. 12 in the Canadian rankings.

Wes Heffernan gained 155 spots in the world rankings after finishing in a tie for sixth at the Mackenzie Tour-PGA Tour Canada event in Victoria.The result allowed him to take over the No. 17 ranking in Canada.

Other notable results: No. 3 Benjamin Silverman finished 67th at FedEx St. Jude Classic; No. 5 Mackenzie Hughes and No. 9 David Hearn both missed the cut at FedEx St. Jude Classic; No. 8 Corey Conners finished 68th at the FedEx St. Jude Classic;

WOMEN’S TOP 10

Anne-Catherine Tanguay made the biggest move among the Top 10, picking up 29 spots in the world rankings after finishing in a tie for 36th at the Shoprite LPGA Classic. It was her career best result to date on the LPGA Tour and was worth 1.08 world ranking points.

Brittany Marchand extended her string of collecting world ranking points in each LPGA tournament she’s competed in this year. Marchand picked up 0.79 world ranking points after finishing tied for 45th at the Shoprite LPGA Classic. She also gained three places in the world rankings.

Augusta James was the only other Top 10 player to make positive gains this past week, picking up three places after finishing in a tie for 13th at the Symetra Tour event in Indiana. The result was worth 0.28 world ranking points for the Golf Canada Young Pro squad member.

Top ranked Brooke Henderson dropped a spot to No. 17 in the world despite finishing in a tie for 28th at the Shoprite LPGA Classic. The result was counted for 1.35 world ranking points. It was her first tournament back since having to withdraw during the U.S. Women’s Open due to a death in the family.

Other Notable Results: No. 3 Maude-Aimee Leblanc missed the cut at Shoprite LPGA Classic; No. 7 Samantha Richdale was disqualified from Symetra Tour Indiana event; No. 10 Elizabeth Tong missed the cut at Symetra Tour Indiana event;

by Bari Gourley – Golf NB

The middle of June has arrived and the golf season is in full swing! Golf NB has run two of it’s tournaments and we are looking forward to the rest of our schedule. I love to see golfers out on the courses, driving ranges and putting greens. What a great way to spend 5-6 months of the year. Golf is an incredible game when you can start in “Little Swingers” junior programs at the age of 4 and play into your 100s (if you are so blessed)! It is a game that allows for some people to take a competitive path and pursue a very low handicap and play in high level tournaments to golfers who just want to play for fun and exercise without the experience of tournaments.

Many people feel that they do not play well enough for tournaments but that is not the case. Our Golf NB tournaments and most club events have different divisions for handicap groupings with both gross and net prizing. That is why your handicap is so important, it was made for you to play even with everyone so you have just as good a chance to win a net prize as the next person. The NB Ladies Provincials is an amazing event that accepts golfers of all levels. If you are a 30 handicap you probably won’t win the Provincial title but you could win your division’s gross or net prize. The NB Ladies is also a wonderful social event and with the Miramichi Golf Club hosting, it is will promise to be a fun event. They even have a boat tour and bbq all lined up for the competitors this year so a good time will be had by all!

The NB Junior Championship invites all juniors with a valid handicap to come play at the Hampton Golf Club from July 3-5^th. Golf is a game where you can meet new people who will become your friends for a lifetime. Remember there is a Pee Wee division for those kids aged 12 and under, Bantam division for ages 13-14, Juvenile division for ages 15-16 and the Junior division for ages 17-18. If you want to try tournament golf, have a valid handicap and can play 18 holes of golf visit www.golfnb.ca to register.

Golf tournaments are not only for the elite gofers, they are for every golfer. 2018 should be the year you play in your first tournament. Golf is a game where it is you against the golf course, play well against the course and see how you finish with your peers. Remember golf is a game for a lifetime and keeps you Active for Life which is why so many of us love this game.

Adam Hadwin’s work on his all-around game has resulted in a steady PGA Tour season, but he hopes it pays bigger dividends at a U.S. Open course known to reward versatile golfers.

The native of Abbotsford, B.C., will tee off at his fourth career U.S. Open when the major tournament kicks off Thursday at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club, a storied and notoriously tricky course.

“I like tradition and tournaments where par means something,” Hadwin told The Canadian Press in a recent interview. “My game suits that pretty well, which should go hand-in-hand with the U.S. Open.

“I’m really of the mindset that it doesn’t matter what the golf course is, I can adapt my game to fit anything.”

Hadwin, Canada’s highest-ranked male golfer, has enjoyed a successful if unspectacular season. He has three top-10 finishes and hasn’t missed a cut so far.

He arrived at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club on Sunday, a day earlier than usual for a tournament week, to check out the course for the first time.

Shinnecock, established in the 1891, is hosting its fifth U.S. Open. The course on Long Island in New York has implemented larger greens and wider fairways since 2004, the last time it played host.

Jeff Hall, managing director of rules and Open Championships for the United States Golf Association, said the last three U.S. Open champions at Shinnecock _ Raymond Floyd (1986), Corey Pavin (1995) and Retief Goosen (2004) _ knew how to play the game in a variety of ways.

“If it required knocking the ball down they’d do it. Move it left? move it right? they could do it. It really is a complete examination,” he said. “I don’t think it punishes a long player or favours a long player, you just need to be able to play a lot of shots.”

That could favour Hadwin, who took last week off to work on basics like set-up, alignment, ball position and posture.

The 30-year-old feels his well-rounded game is taking shape just in time for the second major tournament of the season.

“I feel like I’m hitting it well. I’m hitting the ball both ways and I’m seeing different shots,” he said. “It gives me a lot of confidence moving forward that I’m continually doing the right things and I’ve just got to keep at it.”

NO RANK AMATEUR

Garrett Rank, a full-time NHL referee who played only four rounds of golf during the hockey season, was co-medallist at his qualifying site in Georgia and will play his first U.S. Open this week.

Rank, of Elmira, Ont., worked 73 games during the regular season and three playoff games in his second NHL season.

But his golf resume is just as impressive.

He is a three-time Canadian Mid-Amateur Champion and represented Canada at the Pan-Am Games in 2015.

He said U.S. Open-style golf fits his game because he enjoys shooting around par, hitting long irons into greens, and playing steady.

“If it was a tournament where I had to shoot super low, I would probably be a little more uncomfortable,” he said.

Rank was diagnosed with testicular cancer in his early 20s, but since has received a clean bill of health.

“2018 has been pretty cool,” he said. “Playing with the best players in hockey on the ice, and now obviously I’ll play with the best golfers in the world at the U.S. Open. It’s a pretty cool life I’m living right now and I’m very thankful for that.”

HOPEFUL HUGHES

It’s been a year of learning Mackenzie Hughes, but the native of Dundas, Ont., he said he’s hopeful his performance at the U.S. Open qualifier will be a springboard for success.

Hughes shot 10-under par over a 36-hole qualifier in Tennessee to finish tied for second. This will be his second U.S. Open after also qualifying in 2013.

The 27-year-old and his wife, Jenna, welcomed their first child last fall and Hughes has been trying to balance fatherhood with the demanding schedule of professional golf.

He’s made only five cuts in 14 events this year, but is encouraged by his result in the qualifier and is eager to tee it up at another major.

“I’m excited to play, and I know I’m good enough to play well in it,” he said. “It’s one of those things where now that I’m in I’m going to try to treat it like any other event, prepare, and play well.”

WAITING GAME

Toronto’s Mark Hoffman and Corey Conners of Listowel, Ont., will await their fate this week as both finished as first alternate at their qualifiers.

Conners, who notched his best ever PGA Tour finish at the Fort Worth Invitational in May, lost in a three-man playoff for two spots at Springfield Country Club in Ohio.

He qualified for the 2017 U.S. Open at the same site, but went on to miss the cut.

Hoffman lost in a two-man playoff for one spot at Canoe Brook Country Club in New York. He’s returning from an ankle injury after tearing two ligaments in March, and says the 36-hole qualifier was the first time he’s walked that much in months.

by Luke Lacey – Golf NB
For Immediate Release:

NB Ladies Four Ball Results

The Gowan Brae Golf and Country Club proved to be a worthy host for a second consecutive year as the NB Ladies Four Ball returned to the par 72 (Robby) Robinson design which features its signature holes of 13, 14, 15, 16, and 17 along the Bay of Chaleur.

This year’s event would see 27 teams of two from across New Brunswick and Nova Scotia compete for both the gross and net championships on a testing day. Teams would be faced with cold and windy conditions on Sunday.

Kristi Roach of The Riverside Country Club and Morgan Matchett of Miramichi Golf & Country Club claimed their second consecutive NB Ladies Four Ball Championship at Gowan Brae. The duo braved the windy and fall like weather to fire a sizzling 6-under 66.

The team of Roach and Matchett began their round by birdying the par 4 1^st and the par 5 2^nd then paring out until back to back birdies en route to a 4-under 32 on the front nine. The duo continued their performance on the windy back nine as they managed to walk away from holes 11, 15, and 18 with birdies and only falling victim to one bogey on the par 4 13^th. This year’s victory allowed Roach and Matchett to add to their already impressive resumes. For Roach, 2018 marks her third NB Ladies Four Ball Victory, previously won with her sister Michelle. For Matchett this is her fourth NB Ladies Four Ball victory in the last six years.

While Roach and Matchett were busy running away from the rest of the field, there was a close competition developing for second.  In the end, the Country Meadows team of Sandy Comeau and Leanne Richardson secured second place with an even par round of 72. In the race for second were the home teams of Molly MacDermaid and Kelly Maher, Shelagh Eddy and Kathy Grebnec along with the Miramichi Golf and Country Club team of Karen Flett and Paula Napke-Flanagan who all finished in a three way tie for third at 3-over 75.

2018 NB Ladies Four Ball Champions Amelie & Alexandra Guitard (Royal Oaks Golf CLub)

In the net division, the Royal Oaks and sister team of Amelie and Alexandra Guitard claimed their first NB Ladies Four Ball Championship with a 12-under net 60. The sister duo started out the front nine with back to back net birdies on holes 1 and 2 followed by net birdies on holes 4 and 8 and finished off the front nine with a net eagle on the par 4 9^th , the eagle help the team finish the front with a 6-under net 30. Amelie and Alexandra started the back nine where they left off on the front with a net eagle on the par 4 12^th hole followed by back to back net birdies on 13 and 14. The Royal Oaks team were able to hold onto their 4 shot lead ahead of gross winners Kristi Roach and Morgan Matchett who finished with an 8-under net 64.

For more information on the 2018 NB Ladies Four Ball including full results please CLICK HERE.

For more information on the Gowan Brae Golf Country Club please visit:  https://www.gowanbrae.ca/en/index

Golf New Brunswick (Golf NB), a not for profit organization founded in 1934, is the official governing body for amateur golf in New Brunswick.  In January of 2006, the New Brunswick Golf Association (NBGA) officially merged with the New Brunswick Ladies Golf Association (NBLGA), resulting in one united governing body for amateur golf in the province.  Programs offered by Golf NB to its 9,000 members include: 12 provincial events, rules of golf education, course rating and handicap services, junior golf development programs and member club marketing initiatives.

The National Junior Golf Development Centre (NJGDC) initiative was established to recognize facilities that offer a first-class experience for children aged 5-18. NJGDC support and run nationally endorsed programs, having trained and certified PGA of Canada golf coaches, they are also linked to schools in their surrounding communities.

All facilities meet the minimum national standards for the delivery of junior golf programs, coaching, and instruction. All of the parties involved are dedicated and committed to making these locations state-of-the-art facilities that offer a welcoming atmosphere for juniors of all levels.

There are 32 site locations established in seven different provinces – all of which were supported by PGA of Canada coaches, certified in the Coach New Competitor context.

Each centre has full access and use of National, Long-Term Player Development compliant programming and are recognized as a leading junior golf development facility in Canada.

To find a location near you click here.

For Immediate Release:

The Gowan Brae Golf & Country Club again proved to be a worthy host, as the par 72 C.E. (Robby) Robinson design will play host to the NB Ladies Four Ball for the second consecutive year. This year’s version of the event will see 27 two player teams compete for both gross and net championships.

The field will see the 2017 winning team of Kristi Roach from The Riverside Country Club and Morgan Matchett of the Miramichi Golf & Country Club return as they attempt to win back to back NB Ladies Four Ball Championships.  The duo finished nine shots clear in last years event after finishing with a six-under (-6) 66. Roach will be looking to add a fourth championship to her resume after winning in 2017 with Matchett and previously in 2013 and 2014 with former partner Paula Napke-Flanagan. Also returning to this years field are the 2017 runners up team of Monique Taylor of Moncton Golf & Country Club and Gabrielle Frenette of Gowan Brae Golf & Country Club.

The deep and experienced field should make for an exciting day of competitive golf in Bathurst on Sunday.

For more information on the 2018 NB Ladies Four Ball please CLICK HERE.

For more information on the Gowan Brae Golf & Country Club please visit: www.gowanbrae.ca.

Golf New Brunswick (Golf NB), a not for profit organisation founded in 1934, is the official governing body for amateur golf in New Brunswick.  In January of 2006, the New Brunswick Golf Association (NBGA) officially merged with the New Brunswick Ladies Golf Association (NBLGA), resulting in one united governing body for amateur golf in the province.  Programs offered by Golf NB to its 10,000 members include: 12 provincial events, rules of golf education, course rating and handicap services, junior golf development programs and member club marketing initiatives.

LACHUTE, Que. – Golf Canada’s fourth junior golf championship of 2018 is set to take begin on Friday as the Future Links, driven by Acura Quebec Championship gets underway at Club de golf Lachute.

With support from Golf Quebec, the Future Links, driven by Acura Quebec Championship is the fourth of six regional junior championships presented in partnership with Acura. The 54-hole stroke play tournament will begin with a practice round on June 7 before the tournament gets underway with round one on June 8.

Built in 1959, Club de Golf Lachute is a beautiful golf course nestled at the foot of the Laurentians.

“Golf Quebec is pleased to present the 2018 Future Links, driven by Acura Quebec Championship in Lachute alongside Golf Canada,” said Éric Couture, the Tournament Director from Golf Quebec. “The six regional Championships are fantastic opportunities for Canada’s premier junior golfers to showcase their skills. We look forward for this strong field of juniors attempting to navigate the challenging course at Club de golf Lachute.”

The field will consist of 87 junior golfers in the Junior Boys Division with the top six earning exemptions into the 2018 Canadian Junior Boys Championship on July 30-Aug. 2 at Medicine Hat Golf & Country Club in Medicine Hat, Alta. A tie for the sixth position will be decided by a playoff following the conclusion of play.

The Junior Girls Division will consist of 33 golfers with the top six (including ties) earning an exemption into the 2018 Canadian Junior Girls Championship on July 31-Aug. 3 at Beach Grove Golf Club in Tsawwassen, B.C.

Two additional Future Links, driven by Acura Championships will span the country this summer.

• June 15-17 – Future Links, driven by Acura Prairie – Portage la Prairie, Man. – Portage Golf Club.
• July 17-19 – Future Links, driven by Acura Atlantic – Port Blandford, Nfld. – Twin Rivers Golf Course.

Results for previous 2018 Future Links, driven by Acura Championship can be found here: Pacific, Ontario, Western.

NOTABLES
William Duquette of Laval, Que.
The 17-year-old comes in as the event’s defending champion. He ended the event with a comfortable seven-shot victory and added three more top-10 finishes to his 2017 season.

Emily Romancew of Pierrefonds, Que.
Recently finished T3 at the 2018 Future Links, driven by Acura Ontario Championship on May 25-27 and T2 at the CJGA Quebec Junior Open on May 5-6. She currently ranks No. 1 on Golf Quebec’s Girls Order of Merit.

Laurent Desmarchais of Longueuil, Que.
Most recently won the 2018 Future Links, driven by Acura Ontario championship. Has seven top-two finishes so far this season. Currently ranked No.7 in the 2018 Future Links, driven by Acura Junior Boys Order of Merit.

Camille Lapierre-Ouellet of Granby, Que.
Recently won the CJGA Atlantic Spring Classic on May 19-20. Her top-ten finishes in 2018 so far include T2 at CJGA Quebec Junior Open and T6 at the Western edition of this championship.

Louis-Alexandre Jobin-Colgan of Quebec, Que.
Fresh off a win at the Circuit régional junior CALLAWAY on June 3rd at Morency Golf Club. Ended last year’s event T3 and went on to place second at the 2017 Quebec Junior Boys’ Championship.

Cam Kellett of London, Ont.
Recently came in second at the 2018 Future Links, driven by Acura Ontario Championship from May 25-27 in addition to a T2 finish at the Investors Group Junior Spring Classic in May at Wooden Sticks Golf Club.

FAST FACTS
In 2018, Golf Canada is conducting its six regional Future Links, driven by Acura championships in conjunction with the Provincial Associations.

Top six finishers in the Boys Division earn exemptions into the 2018 Canadian Junior Boys Championship.

Top six finishers (including ties) in the Girls Division earn exemptions into the 2018 Canadian Junior Girls Championship.

Defending champion William Duquette won the tournament by seven strokes in the junior boys division.

Team Canada Development Squad member Celeste Dao went wire-to-wire to win the 2017 Girls Division.

More information on the event can be found here.

ABOUT THE COURSE
Opened in 1964.

Built by renowned golf architect Howard Watson.

Learn more about the golf course here.

HAMILTON, Ont. –  Golf Canada and title sponsor RBC today announced that the historic Hamilton Golf and Country Club in Ancaster, Ont., will host the RBC Canadian Open in 2019 and 2023.

The tournament’s return to the Harry Colt designed course in 2019 is timed perfectly – marking the 100-year anniversary since the renowned club originally hosted Canada’s National Open Golf Championship.

“Together with our partners at RBC and the PGA TOUR, we are extremely proud to be bringing the RBC Canadian Open back to the Hamilton Golf and Country Club in both 2019 and 2023,” said Laurence Applebaum, CEO of Golf Canada.  “There are few courses in the country that can equal Hamilton in terms of excellence and storied history and I am delighted that the club’s membership and the City of Hamilton have joined us to bring the RBC Canadian Open back to Hamilton twice over the next five years.”

Consistently ranked among Canada’s best courses, Hamilton’s parkland setting, which includes winding fairways, multi-elevations and undulating greens, have made the club a favourite of the PGA TOUR pros who’ve played it throughout the years.

“Returning to Hamilton Golf and Country Club in 2019 and 2023 is a great fit for RBC and the RBC Canadian Open,” said Matt McGlynn, Vice President, Brand Marketing for RBC. “Our clients and all Canadian golf fans want to see the world’s best golfers playing the world’s best courses and by having Team RBC challenge the PGA TOUR’s best at Hamilton, we will accomplish just that.”

We’re thrilled to be hosting the 2019 & 2023 #RBCCO @HamiltonGolf ??

Read ➡️https://t.co/t2zk4mggR4#OurOpen pic.twitter.com/yQNh9myrZq

— RBC Canadian Open (@RBCCanadianOpen) June 6, 2018

The Hamilton Golf and Country Club previously hosted five Canadian Opens, with the first taking place in 1919 – a championship featured two of the most legendary names in golf – Bobby Jones and Francis Ouimet. J. Douglas Edgar would go on to earn a 16-stroke win – a PGA TOUR record that stands to this day as the largest margin of victory.

Other players to have won the Canadian Open at Hamilton Golf and Country Club include Tommy Armour (1930), Bob Tway (2003), Team RBC member Jim Furyk (2006) and Scott Piercy (2012).

In addition, Hamilton has hosted many other prestigious events including the (former) Canadian Senior Championship in 1996 as well as several Ontario (1932, 1974 and 1991) and Canadian Amateur Championships (1922, 1927, 1935, 1948, 1977 and 1994).

“We are proud to host the most prestigious championship in Canadian golf and welcome the RBC Canadian Open and the stars of the PGA TOUR to Hamilton Golf and Country Club twice over the next five years,” said Hamilton Golf and Country Club’s President Chris Hamel. “Our members are honoured to have the opportunity to help write additional chapters in the long and storied history of Canadian golf and the RBC Canadian Open in 2019 and 2023 and are especially pleased to celebrate a centennial connection in 2019 between our club and Canada’s National Open.”

The confirmation of the Hamilton Golf and Country Club as the host venue for 2019 and 2023 was also made possible through a new partnership between the city of Hamilton and Golf Canada. This partnership will result in Canada’s National Sport Federation bringing multiple events and golf championships to the city to complement the two RBC Canadian Opens.

“We are thrilled to welcome the stars of the PGA TOUR back to Hamilton for two more years,” said Fred Eisenberger, Mayor of Hamilton. “The RBC Canadian Open is a world class event and I know our citizens take great pride in hosting the championship here in their backyard. In addition, through our partnership with Golf Canada, our region will welcome numerous national and regional golf championships between 2019 and 2023. With a goal to leave an economic, charitable and social legacy through golf, we look forward to becoming a hub community for Canadian golf.”

The stars of the PGA TOUR won’t be the only ones having fun during tournament week when the RBC Canadian Open stops in Hamilton. Golf Canada, RBC and all tournament partners have embraced the PGA TOUR’s new fans first mantra, highlighted in the Tour’s new “Live Under Par” campaign. The event has become much 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, whether they are core golf fans or new to the sport.

This year’s RBC Canadian Open will take place east of Hamilton at Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Ont., from July 20-26, 2018. Ticket, volunteering, sponsorship and corporate hospitality info is available online at www.rbccanadianopen.com.