(Hamilton) Defending champion Nick Taylor rode a cart around Hamilton Golf and Country Country on Wednesday in connection with appearances for media and sponsors at the RBC Canadian Open.
Last year, the Abbotsford British Columbian became the first Canadian to win the title in seven decades.
Taylor triumphed on the fourth extension hole against Englishman Tommy Fleetwood in Toronto, at Oakdale Golf and Country Club.
This victory ended a 69-year drought for the Canadians at their national championship.
As long as the wait has been for a Canadian to win the title – Pat Fletcher was the last to do so, in 1954 – it goes back even further for two consecutive victories by golfers from the country at this tournament: 1913 and 1914 (Albert Murray and Karl Keffer).
Taylor’s title defense begins Thursday morning with Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland and Taylor Pendrith of Richmond Hill, Ont.
McIlroy won the event in 2019 and 2022 – the tournament was canceled in 2020 and 2021, due to the pandemic.
Pendrith won the CJ Cup earlier this month.
“I feel like the whole year has been preparation for this competition, potentially,” Taylor, also a Phoenix Open winner, said in February.
“There’s going to be a lot of energy. It’s going to be great and I can’t wait. »
McIlroy made his first appearance at the Canadian Open in 2019, winning at Hamilton Golf and Country Club.
The course has undergone significant changes: $8.5 million was invested in the reconstruction of the tee boxes, bunkers and greens.
The No. 4 golfer in the world has fond memories of his 2019 triumph.
“The place was lively. The Raptors were on the verge of winning the NBA championship, McIlroy recalled. I was blown away by the enthusiasm of the fans. It was a great atmosphere to play. »
A total of 28 Canadians will be among the 156 players competing at the only PGA event in the land of the maple leaf.
“It’s a major tournament for us Canadians,” Pendrith said. This is the only time we can play in our country, in front of our fans. It’s a big event. It was super inspiring to see Nick win last year. »