It had been 69 long years since fans had seen a Canadian win on home soil at the RBC Canadian Open. To put it in perspective, when Pat Fletcher claimed a 4-stroke victory at Point Grey in 1954 –his only career PGA Tour victory – Canada didn’t even have the iconic maple leaf emblem they bear on their flag today, as that was not introduced for another 11 years.
That all changed in 2023, when Taylor saw off Tommy Fleetwood in remarkable fashion at Oakdale Golf & Country Club in Toronto. The pair had tied on 17-under par for the tournament, and they could not be separated after 3 playoff holes until Taylor pulled out an incredible 72-foot eagle putt to etch his name on the trophy in style.
As the event heads to Hamilton for the 7th time – it most recently hosted the event in 2019 – Taylor will undoubtedly return to mount a title defence. The 35-year-old is fresh from winning the iconic WM Phoenix Open earlier in February, yet again courtesy of a playoff success.
Among those likely to be standing in his way will be Rory McIlroy. The Northern Irishman had won the previous 2 editions of the Canadian Open prior to Taylor’s victory, including the 2019 event at Hamilton. He then won again in 2022 at St. George’s Golf & Country Club after the tournament’s 2-year absence during the pandemic, so he’ll almost certainly return seeking a 3rd title.
The 2024 edition will run from 27 May – 2 June. If you’re looking to see Taylor, McIlroy, and some of golf’s other biggest stars battling it out in Hamilton, tickets start at C$40. For more information on the RBC Canadian Open and its tickets, click here.
