2016

Branson Ferrier qualifies for 2016 RBC Canadian Open through Ontario Regional Qualifier

HAMILTON – The third and final RBC Canadian Open Regional Qualifying event saw a field of 144 players combat heat and humidity at King’s Forest Golf Course in hopes of gaining entry into Canada’s National Men’s Open Championship. Branson Ferrier finished 4-under 68 to claim medallist honours and earn an exemption into the 107th playing of the RBC Canadian Open to be contested at Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Ont., from July 18-24.

Ferrier, who began the day on the 10th hole, opened with a 1-under 35 across the back nine. The Barrie, Ont., product finished his round with four birdies across his final six holes to secure the victory amidst rising temperatures and gathering winds.

“It was quite difficult out there,” said the 22-year-old. “I was off at 8:30 a.m., so I definitely give a lot of credit to being on the right end of the draw with the weather we had this afternoon. Even this morning towards the end of my round, the winds were picking up and it was very hot and sticky. There were a lot of crosswinds, so it was very difficult to judge.

“I had it going right out of the gate. I was making birdies and I knew that they were out there, so I just had to clean up a few things around the greens. I knew that there were two par-5s coming in my last six; my goal was just to get those two and play steady coming in.”

The former Alabama State University Hornet had trouble finding the right words when looking ahead to playing at the 2016 RBC Canadian Open. “I’ve only been playing professional golf for a few weeks. This is my fourth event as a professional, so this comes as a bit of a shock to me. I had been playing well at school and my game just kind of carried over. I’ve been to the Open at Glen Abbey a few times, and I’m beyond excited to be on the other side of the ropes this time.”

Matthew Scobie of Ajax, Ont., was the only other player to card a round under-par. The 21-year-old collected four birdies en route to a 1-under 71 showing. Peter Campbell of Windermere, Fla., Donnie Trosper from Canton, Mich., as well as, Ontarians Brian Hadley (Sarnia) and Will Mitchell (Bowmanville) finished with shares of third-place at even-par.

A total of 25 competitors, excluding the low medallist, shot 4-over 76 or better to advance to the Final Qualifier in which a minimum of four players will gain entry into the 2016 RBC Canadian Open.

The two-stage qualifying procedure for Canada’s National Men’s Open Championship is comprised of a trio of regional qualifying events held in British Columbia, Quebec and Ontario, followed by the final qualifying competition at Heron Point Golf Links in Ancaster, Ont., on July 18.

The previous two qualifying events at Victoria’s Bear Mountain Resort and Club de golf La Vallée du Richelieu in Sainte-Julie, Que., awarded 14 players with spots into the Final Qualifier.

Additional information and full results from the RBC Canadian Open Regional Qualifier in Ontario can be found here.

2016

Jason Day, Dustin Johnson and Bryson DeChambeau among early players committed for 2016 RBC Canadian Open

Players of Note Confirmed to Date

Team RBC players including world no. 1 Jason Day, Matt Kuchar, Graeme McDowell, Ernie Els, Brandt Snedeker, Ryan Palmer and Jim Furyk as well as Canadians David Hearn, Graham DeLaet, Adam Hadwin, Nick Taylor and Mike Weir. Other notables include world no. 6 Dustin Johnson, rising star Bryson DeChambeau and world no. 1 amateur John Rahm.

RBC Canadian Open 5K Run – Saturday July 16

Landmark Sport Group in conjunction with Golf Canada is excited to present a brand new event to build interest leading into the RBC Canadian Open. On Saturday, July 16, 2016 the inaugural RBC Canadian Open 5K Running Event will provide participants the opportunity to experience Glen Abbey like never before as they run or walk along the spectator and cart pathways on a beautiful summer morning. The route begins near the 1st tee of the Championship Course and ultimately finishes alongside the iconic and picturesque 18th green. This event is tailored to both the traditional and non-traditional running audience, and will provide all participants with the full runner’s experience of a timed event as they receive a bib, shirt and finisher’s medal. Registration is $60 with participants receiving a FREE Anyday ticket to enjoy the championship. www.golfrun.ca

CN Future Links Skills Challenge – Saturday July 16

The RBC Canadian Open won’t be the only national golf competition taking place at Glen Abbey Golf Club. CN, Golf Canada and the PGA of Canada will again play host to twenty-four competitors from across Canada at Glen Abbey on Saturday, July 16 for the 8th annual CN Future Links Junior Skills Challenge National Event. Competitors who qualify from regional sites in their community will compete in a four-part skills challenge (putting, chipping, driving and iron play) with one overall winner per age-group (9-11; 12-14; and 15-18) and gender. A total of 24 competitors who achieve the highest skills challenge scores from events across Canada during the 2016 golf season will travel to Glen Abbey with the hope of becoming a CN Future Links Junior Skills Challenge national champion.

Olympic Celebration & Opening Ceremony – Tuesday July 19

In 2016, golf makes its celebrated return the Olympic Games for the first time since Canadian George S. Lyon won gold for Canada at the 1904 Olympics. With the RBC Canadian Open as the first PGA Tour stop following the July 11 Olympic field deadline date, Golf Canada and RBC in partnership with the Canadian Olympic Committee will hold a team unveil celebration at Glen Abbey Golf Club on Tuesday, July 19 to officially introduce Canada’s Olympic golf team that will compete in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in August. The Olympic celebration – which will feature free attendance – will also serve as an opening ceremony to officially kick off the RBC Canadian Open.

Kids 17-and-under Get in Free

Golf Canada and RBC are committed to offering a fan friendly, family event with the RBC Canadian Open. In an effort to introduce more juniors to the sport, kids aged 17-and-under get FREE admission to the RBC Canadian Open for the entire week.

Stars of the PGA Tour Return to Glen Abbey Golf Club

The 107th playing of Canada’s National Men’s Open Championship will return to the Jack Nicklaus Signature design for a record 28th time in 2016. The Abbey has previously played host in 1977-79, 1981-96, 1998-2000, 2004, 2008-09, 2013 and 2015.

Celebrating 40 Years

The renowned Glen Abbey Golf Club will celebrate a milestone in 2016 as the Jack Nicklaus signature design celebrates its 40th anniversary. Originally owned and operated by the Royal Canadian Golf Association (now Golf Canada), the club was sold to ClubLink in 1999. The site is also home to Golf Canada’s head office and PGA Tour Canada’s office as well as the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame and Museum.

Oh Canada

As Canada’s National Open Golf Championship, the RBC Canadian Open features the top talents in Canadian golf competing against the stars of the PGA Tour. Each year, the event will feature anywhere from 15-20 Canadian competitors in the field led by PGA Tour stars David Hearn, Graham DeLaet, Adam Hadwin, Nick Taylor and Mike Weir. The Canuck contingent will look to become the first Canadian since Pat Fletcher in 1954 to claim Canada’s National Men’s Open Championship.

Red & White Day – Friday, July 22

The RBC Canadian Open is Canada’s National Championship and to celebrate ‘Our Open’, Friday, July 22 of tournament week will once again be ‘Red & White Day’. Spectators, sponsors, players and attendees are encouraged to wear Canada’s national colours in support of our Canadian athletes in the field.

Community Impact

The RBC Canadian Open is one of Canada’s premier sporting events drawing in excess of 100,000 spectators and more than 1,400 volunteers. The event also generates $15-20M in economic activity within the host community and province. 


ABOUT THE 2016 RBC CANADIAN OPEN

Part of the FedExCup, stars of the PGA TOUR will compete for $5.9 million (US) at the RBC Canadian Open, July 18-24, 2016 at Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Ont. Conducted by Golf Canada for more than a century, the RBC Canadian Open provides an opportunity for Canada’s top talents to compete against the world’s best golfers while also leaving a significant impact in the event’s host community. The RBC Canadian Open is proud to support Ronald McDonald House Charities Canada as the event’s official charity partner. Established in 1904, Canada’s national open golf championship is the third-oldest national open golf championship worldwide next to the British Open and the U.S. Open. The RBC Canadian Open is proudly sponsored by RBC, Shaw, BMW Group Canada, Molson Canadian 67, WestJet, TaylorMade adidas Golf, Boston Pizza, Ballantine’s, Santa Carolina Wines, Toronto Star, Coca-Cola, ZTE, CHIN Radio TV International, Metrolinx and the Government of Canada. For tickets or tournament information, please visit www.rbccanadianopen.com or call 1-800-571-6736.

RBC GOLF

RBC proudly supports golf around the world through high profile relationships with the PGA TOUR and Golf Canada. RBC is the Official Banking and Financial Services partner of touring professionals Jason Day, Graham DeLaet, Ernie Els, Jim Furyk, Adam Hadwin, David Hearn, Brooke Henderson, Matt Kuchar, Graeme McDowell, Ryan Palmer, Morgan Pressel, Brandt Snedeker, Nick Taylor and Mike Weir. As the title sponsor of both the RBC Heritage and the RBC Canadian Open, RBC also supports emerging Canadian golfers through Golf Canada’s grassroots developmental programming, the Canadian Amateur Golf Championships and the high performance national team. RBC is one of North America’s leading diversified financial services companies and among the largest banks in the world, as measured by market capitalization. For more information, visit www.rbc.com/golf.

GOLF CANADA – LOVE THE GAME. GROW THE GAME.

Golf Canada is the National Sports Federation and governing body for golf in Canada representing close to 310,000 golfers at more than 1,400 member clubs across the country. A proud member of the Canadian Olympic Committee, Golf Canada’s mission is to grow participation, excellence and passion in the sport while upholding the integrity and traditions of the game. By investing in the growth of the sport and introducing more participants of all ages to the game, our goal is to be relevant to and respected by all Canadian golf enthusiasts from coast to coast. For more information about what Golf Canada is doing to support golf in your community, visit www.golfcanada.ca.

For more information:

Dan Pino

Director, Corporate Communications

Golf Canada

(t) 1-800-263-0009 x 406

(c) 416-434-5525

(e) dpino@golfcanada.ca

2017

Glen Abbey Golf Club to host 2017 RBC Canadian Open

– Canada’s National Men’s Open Championship will return to Jack Nicklaus-designed course in Oakville, Ont. for a record 29th time –


OAKVILLE, Ont. – Golf Canada and RBC are pleased to announce that Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Ont., has been selected to host the 2017 edition of the RBC Canadian Open.

The Jack Nicklaus-designed layout in Oakville, Ont., will host Canada’s National Men’s Open Championship for a record 29th time. The 2017 event will mark a consecutive run of three years at the venerable Glen Abbey Golf Club which began in 2015 when Jason Day was crowned the RBC Canadian Open champion. The world no. 1 ranked Australian narrowly edged out Bubba Watson along with 54-hole leader David Hearn of Brantford, Ont. who finished alone in third.

The 2016 RBC Canadian Open will run July 18-24 while the 2017 edition will welcome the stars of the PGA Tour next year from July 24-30.

“Together with our partners at RBC, we are proud to announce the return of the RBC Canadian Open to Glen Abbey in 2017,” said Golf Canada CEO Scott Simmons. “Golf fans from Oakville, Halton Region and the Greater Toronto Area have traditionally shown tremendous support for the event. Glen Abbey is one of the world’s premiere stadium courses for fans and spectators and this three-year consecutive run will allow us to build momentum and community excitement both for this year and leading into next year’s 108th playing of the Canada’s National Men’s Open Championship.”

Designed by golf legend Jack Nicklaus, a seven-time runner-up at the event, Glen Abbey will celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2016.

“RBC is proud to be the title sponsor of this important event for the 9th year,” said Mary DePaoli, chief brand and communications officer, RBC. “Glen Abbey is a world class venue to showcase our National Open Championship, and to have the tournament return again next year creates enthusiasm and anticipation with golf fans and the local community.”

The return to Glen Abbey through 2017 marks the first time since 1998, 1999 and 2000 that the renowned club has hosted three consecutive RBC Canadian Opens. The golf club also hosted back-to-back championships in 2008 and 2009.

The 2016 RBC Canadian Open will once again raise funds in support of the competition’s national charity partner – Ronald McDonald House Charities Canada – along with the Golf Canada Foundation in support of junior golf initiatives.

Golf Canada owned and operated Glen Abbey Golf Club from 1982 until the fall of 1998 when the property was sold to ClubLink. Considered by many to be the home of Canada’s National Men’s Open Championship, ‘The Abbey’ hosted 22 Canadian Opens between 1977 and 2000. The tournament returned in 2004, 2008, 2009, 2013 and 2015 in addition to this year’s event in July. Golf Canada’s head office and the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame and Museum are located on the grounds of Glen Abbey Golf Club.

Information regarding tickets, free 17-and-under junior passes, volunteer opportunities and corporate hospitality for the 2016 RBC Canadian Open can be found at www.rbccanadianopen.com.

ABOUT THE 2016 RBC CANADIAN OPEN

Part of the FedExCup, stars of the PGA TOUR will compete for $5.9 million (US) at the RBC Canadian Open, July 18-24, 2016 at Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Ont. Conducted by Golf Canada for more than a century, the RBC Canadian Open provides an opportunity for Canada’s top talents to compete against the world’s best golfers while also leaving a significant impact in the event’s host community. The RBC Canadian Open is proud to support Ronald McDonald House Charities Canada as the event’s official charity partner. Established in 1904, Canada’s national open golf championship is the third-oldest national open golf championship worldwide next to the British Open and the U.S. Open. The RBC Canadian Open is proudly sponsored by RBC, Shaw, BMW Group Canada, Molson Canadian 67, WestJet, TaylorMade adidas Golf, Boston Pizza, Ballantine’s, Santa Carolina Wines, Toronto Star, Coca-Cola, ZTE, CHIN Radio TV International, Metrolinx and the Government of Canada. For tickets or tournament information, please visit www.rbccanadianopen.com or call 1-800-571-6736.

RBC GOLF

RBC proudly supports golf around the world through high profile relationships with the PGA TOUR and Golf Canada. RBC is the Official Banking and Financial Services partner of touring professionals Jason Day, Graham DeLaet, Ernie Els, Jim Furyk, Adam Hadwin, David Hearn, Brooke Henderson, Matt Kuchar, Graeme McDowell, Ryan Palmer, Morgan Pressel, Brandt Snedeker, Nick Taylor and Mike Weir. As the title sponsor of both the RBC Heritage and the RBC Canadian Open, RBC also supports emerging Canadian golfers through Golf Canada’s grassroots developmental programming, the Canadian Amateur Golf Championships and the high performance national team. RBC is one of North America’s leading diversified financial services companies and among the largest banks in the world, as measured by market capitalization. For more information, visit www.rbc.com/golf

GOLF CANADA – LOVE THE GAME. GROW THE GAME.

Golf Canada is the National Sports Federation and governing body for golf in Canada representing close to 310,000 golfers at more than 1,400 member clubs across the country. A proud member of the Canadian Olympic Committee, Golf Canada’s mission is to grow participation, excellence and passion in the sport while upholding the integrity and traditions of the game. By investing in the growth of the sport and introducing more participants of all ages to the game, our goal is to be relevant to and respected by all Canadian golf enthusiasts from coast to coast. For more information about what Golf Canada is doing to support golf in your community, visit www.golfcanada.ca.

Media Contacts:

Dan Pino      

Director, Corporate Communications   

Golf Canada      

(t) 1-800-263-0009 ext. 406    

(c) 416-434-5525      

(e) dpino@golfcanada.ca

Jackie Braden

Brand & Sponsorship Communications

RBC

(t) 416-974-6286

(e) Jackie.braden@rbc.com

2016

Seven advance to 2016 RBC Canadian Open Final Qualifying from Quebec Regional event

SAINTE-JULIE, Que. – A field of 29

fought against 60km/h winds at Club de Golf La Vallée du Richelieu, with

Gianfranco Guida, Jean-Philip Cornellier, Tim Alarie, and Marc-Étienne

Bussières earning exemptions into the 2016 RBC Canadian Open Final Qualifier on

July 18.

Guida of Maple, Ont., stayed bogey-free through 15 holes with a birdie on 13

and an eagle on 14 to claim a share of the top spot.

“It was playing really tough because of the wind, but the greens were very

pure,” he said. “Playing golf in Australia really taught me how to play into

the wind. You just have to hit a lot of knockdowns and you have to know what

clubs to hit.”

The 27-year-old is hoping that the final qualifier will lead to a spot in the

RBC Canadian Open field. “My career is at the tipping point of whether I’m

going to continue doing it. I’m glad in the sense that hopefully if I get

through it will be big validation, and I can continue playing and find it

easier to find funding.”

Co-leader Jean-Philip Cornellier of St-Césaire, Que., tallied four birdies on

the day, two of which came back-to-back on holes 14 and 15. Tim Alarie of

St-Jérôme, Que., and Sherbrooke, Que., native Marc-Étienne Bussières also

finished with matching 72s.

At T5, former Team Canada Development Squad member Étienne Papineau

(St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Que.), Chad Merzbacher (Eden Prairie, Minn.), and

Pierre-Alexandre Bédard (Chibougamau, Que.) will join Guida, Cornellier,

Alarie, and Bussières at the Final Qualifier at Heron Point Golf Links in

Ancaster, Ont., on July 18.

In total, there are three regional qualifying events, each consisting of 18

holes of stroke play. Provided that there are 100 or more players in the field,

the low qualifier receives an exemption directly into the 2016 RBC Canadian

Open. Otherwise, the top 15 per cent of finishers at each qualifier become

eligible to compete at the final qualifying event.

A minimum of four players from the 18-hole stroke play final qualifier will

gain entry into the RBC Canadian Open field.

There is one RBC Canadian Open Regional Qualifier left to be played:

Additional information regarding the RBC

Canadian Open Regional Qualifier in Quebec can be found here.

RBC CANADIAN OPEN

REGIONAL QUALIFIER – QUEBEC RESULTS

ABOUT THE 2016 RBC

CANADIAN OPEN

Part of the FedExCup, stars of the PGA TOUR will compete for $5.9 million (US)

at the RBC Canadian Open, July 18-24, 2016 at Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville,

Ont. Conducted by Golf Canada for more than a century, the RBC Canadian Open

provides an opportunity for Canada’s top talents to compete against the world’s

best golfers while also leaving a significant impact in the event’s host

community. The RBC Canadian Open is proud to support Ronald McDonald House

Charities Canada as the event’s official charity partner. Established in 1904,

Canada’s national open golf championship is the third-oldest national open golf

championship worldwide next to the British Open and the U.S. Open. The RBC

Canadian Open is proudly sponsored by RBC, Shaw, BMW Group Canada, Molson

Canadian 67, WestJet, TaylorMade adidas Golf, Boston Pizza, Ballantine’s,

Toronto Star, Coca-Cola, Santa Carolina Wines, CHIN Radio TV INTERNATIONAL, and

Metrolinx. For tickets or tournament information, please visit www.rbccanadianopen.com or call 1-800-571-6736.

GOLF CANADA – LOVE THE

GAME. GROW THE GAME.

Golf Canada is the National Sports Federation and governing body for golf in

Canada representing close to 310,000 golfers at more than 1,400 member clubs

across the country. A proud member of the Canadian Olympic Committee, Golf

Canada’s mission is to grow participation, excellence and passion in the sport

while upholding the integrity and traditions of the game. By investing in the

growth of the sport and introducing more participants of all ages to the game,

our goal is to be relevant to and respected by all Canadian golf enthusiasts

from coast to coast. For more information about what Golf Canada is doing to

support golf in your community, visit www.golfcanada.ca.

For more information:

Dan Pino

Director, Corporate Communications

Golf Canada

(t) 1-800-263-0009 x 406

(c) 416-434-5525

(e) dpino@golfcanada.ca