Golf Canada, RBC and the Hamilton Golf and Country Club are receiving the recognition and adulation they so rightly deserve. They put on a show like no other and with the cooperation from Mother Nature, well except a little rain on the Wednesday pro-am day, the weather could not have been better. A tip of the cap to all involved; you have now set the bar higher and golfers can’t wait to see what’s in store for the 2020 RBC Canadian Open at St. Georges Golf and Country Club. The Hamilton Golf and Country Club, members, the tournament organizers, sponsors, players and to all the volunteers and various committees are to be commended.
This year marked the 100th anniversary of Hamilton Golf & Country Club hosting its first National Men’s Open Golf Championship. Previously the club has 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 stands to this day as the largest margin of victory.
The dream week for the RBC Canadian Open was made possible with its move from late July to the week, directly before the U.S. Open. Sold out tournament days, great entertainment with concerts but it is hard to argue the big new was McIlroy coming to play and boy did he deliver. McIlroy won by seven strokes, the largest margin of victory on the PGA Tour this year. After his victory, McIlroy said “The Canadian fans really come out and support this event. Yeah, it’s probably the best atmosphere I’ve played in a long time. Around that 13 hole it is pretty cool. I think what they’ve been able to do here is like right on the limit of fun but still in keeping with the traditions of the game, so I think it’s been awesome”.
The 13th hole was the hockey rink set up with marshal’s in referee jerseys. On Friday, Adam Hadwin was booed when he pulled a Vancouver Canucks jersey from his bag. The next group after Hadwin was Dustin Johnson with the Gretzky clan in toe. DJ receive a loud cheer from the overflowing crowd when he pulled out an autographed Gretzky jersey. Furyk was not so lucky with the cheers when he displayed a Penguins jersey. However, Canadian Corey Conners brought the crowd back to life and sent them into a frenzy when he brought out a Maple Leaf sweater. Each player gave the hockey jerseys to appreciative young golfers in the crowd.
Golf Canada CEO Lawrence Applebaum was jubilant and at times had a hard time concealing his pleasure. His team delivered and I believe the results will show up in their financial statements during their next annual meeting. Now with the bar set high, the pressure will be on for next year and continue the momentum. Hamilton Golf and Country club did a tremendous job both on site during tournament week and within their community with a number of unique programs. Now it’s St Georges turn and I am sure they are all up for the challenge.
