The stars of the PGA TOUR are ready to challenge Glen Abbey Golf Club for the 26th time as the opening round of the 2013 RBC Canadian Open gets underway Thursday morning.
Mike Weir who will be making his 23rd appearance at Canada’s National Open, expressed how the golf course will challenge some of the PGA TOUR’s best this week as he searches for his first National Open title.
“It’s in tremendous shape, really healthy and around the greens it’s very difficult with some funny lies around the greens,” he said. “I think as the week goes on, some of the rough will grow a little bit and I think it’s going to be a good championship here.”
In all, 18 Canadians are set to begin play tomorrow in front of thousands of excited Canadian golf fans. Each player has the chance to become the first Canadian since Pat Fletcher in 1954 to win Canada’s National Open title.
Hunter Mahan acknowledged the great chance the Canadian fans have to witness one of their own capturing a National Open title and how great the support is for the players out there this week.
“They’re just hoping for a winner and they’re excited about the guys this year,” Mahan said. “I think they should be excited about the guys this year. I think there are a lot of guys that are capable of winning.”
Graeme McDowelll, winner of the 2013 RBC Heritage, stated his well wishes for the Canadian contingent and commented on the tremendous condition of Glen Abbey this year as he looks to become the first player to take home both RBC crowns in one season.
“The golf course is fantastic, the rough is really gnarly,” McDowell stated. “You’ve got to keep the ball in play and control your ball on a tricky golf course. It’s a great field and I’m just excited to be here.”
“There is always that extra bit of attention for a home player. So I wish the boys all the best this week.”
WEDNESDAY RBC CHAMPIONSHIP PRO-AM RESULTS
The teams hosted by PGA TOUR professionals Hunter Mahan and Greg Owen came out on top at today’s RBC Championship Pro-Am. In the morning draw, Mahan teamed with amateurs Jaime Dawick, Ryan Hassan and Oliver Bock to shoot 16-under par 56. In the afternoon draw, Owen joined amateurs David Sharma, Shawn Mandel, Jaime McNicol to shoot 15-under 57.
PAIRINGS FOR ROUNDS 1 AND 2
Pairings for Thursday, July 25th and Friday, July 26th at the RBC Canadian Open are now available online at www.rbccanadianopen.com and www.pgatour.com.
RBC CANADIAN OPEN – BY THE NUMBERS
The field is set for the RBC Canadian Open and the PGA TOUR has broken down the numbers and analyzed the field for the 104th playing of the RBC Canadian Open.
http://www.pgatour.com/power-rankings/2013/07/22/rbc-canadian.html