Among the celebrities will be Justin Rose, Sahit Teegala, Chris Kirk and two-time champion Jonathan Vegas.
Canada has endured long, cold winters, but the darkness of the past two years has been most unwelcome. Not to mention the four-day test right in front of Box 156, the logistics of simply organizing the RBC Canadian Open are a challenge. Soon, however, the machinations of preparation will pay off in strength.
St. George’s G&CC turns 93 this year. Stanley Thompson’s design opened as the Royal York GC and first hosted this tournament in 1933. All subsequent editions are held under his current name. His last turn was in 2010. Carl Peterson had one hit over Dean Wilson. The week of the Swede included the record for the tournament 60 in the third round.
Eight years ago, all the bunkers were updated. They were again in 2019. Many of them are located next to what is already built green areas with an average of only 4,000 square feet. When you consider that the longest bluegrass-rough can extend up to six inches over the weekend, the feeling of claustrophobia settles. Power occupies the rear seat of precision from tee to green and overall course control.
You will also need a sharp short game to emerge as a champion. Laying sloping grass surfaces that should touch 12 feet on the Stimpmeter will probably not be so critical for the simple reason that the track is largely unknown to the field. (As of Monday, 24 golfers in the field included it in the 2010 edition.) Moreover, not only are greens a mystery to most, but there is a mystery in greens. Thin waves will generate frustration, especially with money laundering.
The field has shrunk by 65 yards since his last home game. Now the slope of only 7,014 yards is a pair of 70 with uneven nines. The front is pair 34 with three pairs and one pair 5; the back is a standard pair of 36. Nines, as will be played, at least in the first two rounds, are also not traditional. Due to the logistics, golfers will be divided to face numbers 1 and 9. Those who open on the modified back will play par 5 on 9 and 11, so quick starts are promised.
It will rain at some point and probably more than once during the tournament. If the court plays softly, the holes may harden in defense. Comfortable daily high temperatures of 70 degrees, give or take a degree or three, will contribute to the pleasure. The prevailing wind from the west and north will be moderate.
ROB BALTON’S SCHEDULE
Rob Bolton of PGATOUR.com summarizes and visualizes each tournament from different perspectives. Look for his next scheduled contributions.
MONDAY: Strength rankingTUESDAY*: Sleepers, Draw and FadesWEDNESDAY: Choose them previewSUNDAY: medical extensions, qualifications, relocation, recruit ranking
* – Rob is a member of the PGATOUR.COM expert panel for PGA TOUR Fantasy Golf, which he also published on Tuesday.
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