This past weekend the golf gods were smiling down on Canadian golf with the RBC Canadian Open delivering a five-star performance and Brooke Henderson winning her 11th career pro title at the ShopRite LPGA Classic.
At the ShopRite LPGA Classic Henderson rallied from four shots back and recorded a bogey-free 64 to finish at -12 and ultimately win a playoff against American Lindsey Weaver-Wright.
Full of confidence, Henderson hit a 7-wood from 193 yards within 10 feet for an eagle and the win.
“I just was trying to go low and see what happens,” Henderson said. “I didn’t think — I mean, I thought the victory was a possibility, but there are a lot of really talented players ahead of me and I think I was four shots back starting the day.
“I knew it was going to take a little bit of magic, and I’m just really happy that I’m sitting here next to the trophy.”
Back home at the prestigious St. George’s Golf and Country Club in Toronto, the RBC Canadian Open took centre stage in the world of golf as LIV Golf, a new men’s professional golf tour and rival to the PGA Tour held its first-ever tournament at the same time.
With much of the attention on the new LIV Golf event, The RBC Canadian Open countered and delivered a five-star performance that showcased the PGA Tour.
St George’s Golf and Country Club was in magnificent shape and challenged many of the best players in the world who put on a show for the golf starved Canadian fans.
Behind the scenes kudos to course superintendent Ian McQeen and his entire staff. A tip of the cap goes to the members of the course, organizers, support staff and the thousands of volunteers for a job well done. To Golf Canada who faced many logistical challenges in setting up the event at a course in the middle of a busy suburb of Toronto. To the sponsor RBC, thank you for making this event a highlight for many golfers. To many of the players who went out of their way each day to give a ball to young golfers in the massive crowds. Finally, to the boisterous Canadian golf fans who showed their enthusiasm and support at each hole. You did Canada proud.
On the final day, the golf gods turned a forecast of thunderstorms into a spectacular day for golf. Rory McIlroy fired an 8-under 62 to win his second RBC Canadian Open with a two-stroke victory over Tony Finau of the United States to finish at 19-under overall. McIlroy was beloved by Canadian fans all week, with fans chanting his name at all 72 holes.
“If there was some honorary Canadian citizenship bestowed upon me, I certainly wouldn’t turn it down,” said McIlroy with a laugh, the Canadian Open trophy sitting beside him.
The only thing that could have made the final day any better would be a Canadian in contention and in the final group. Corey Conners of Listowel, Ont., came close as he fired an 8-under 62 to finish at 12 under and take sixth. With the popularity of Rory, I wonder who would be the fan favorite? Maybe next year at the Oakdale Golf & Country Club.
