The stage is set for Canada’s national golf championship as tournament officials announced the final player field for next week’s RBC Canadian Open at TPC Toronto’s North Course in Caledon.
After months of anticipation, golf fans across the Greater Toronto Area can finally plan their viewing strategies as the complete list of competitors has been released. The tournament, running from May 30 to June 2, features a compelling mix of established PGA Tour stars, rising talents, and Canadian hopefuls.
“This year’s field strikes that perfect balance between international star power and homegrown talent,” says Golf Canada tournament director Bryan Crawford, who I spoke with yesterday. “Having the event return to the Toronto area always creates a special atmosphere.”
Leading the international contingent is world No. 6 Rory McIlroy, seeking his third Canadian Open title after victories in 2019 and 2022. The Northern Irishman’s commitment to the tournament continues to elevate its profile among the tour’s non-major events.
“Toronto crowds have always been incredibly supportive,” McIlroy told reporters during last week’s PGA Championship. “The energy around this tournament has grown tremendously, and I’ve circled it on my calendar as one I genuinely look forward to each year.”
Several other top-30 ranked players will join McIlroy, including Tommy Fleetwood, Sam Burns, and Sahith Theegala. Notable additions include former major champions Shane Lowry and Justin Rose, alongside fan favorites like Matt Kuchar and Cameron Young.
The Canadian contingent features 20 players, headlined by Corey Conners, currently Canada’s highest-ranked male golfer. Mackenzie Hughes, Adam Hadwin, and Nick Taylor—who delivered that unforgettable celebration after winning last year’s tournament—round out the established Canadian PGA Tour players in the field.
“Last year’s victory was career-defining,” Taylor reflected during a media call earlier this week. “Walking onto that first tee as defending champion, in front of the home crowd, will be an experience I’ll never forget.”
The Canadian representation extends beyond PGA Tour regulars. Tournament organizers awarded exemptions to several promising Canadian players, including amateur Liam Bryson, who earned his spot through national qualifying events.
According to Tourism Toronto, the economic impact of the tournament is expected to exceed $25 million for the region, with hotels reporting over 90% occupancy rates for tournament week.
The venue itself has undergone significant preparation over the past year. TPC Toronto’s North Course, designed by renowned architect Doug Carrick, has been meticulously conditioned to challenge the world’s best. The tournament layout will play as a par-71 stretching to 7,344 yards.
“We’ve enhanced several key holes to create more risk-reward opportunities,” explains TPC Toronto superintendent Gordon Witteveen. “The 16th has been completely reimagined as a drivable par-4 that should produce some dramatic moments late in the round.”
Transportation and logistics plans have been finalized to manage the expected crowds of 25,000+ daily attendees. Tournament officials have arranged shuttle services from designated parking areas, while special GO Transit schedules will accommodate fans traveling from downtown Toronto and surrounding communities.
For Toronto’s golf community, this marks the return of a premier sporting event to the region. Local club professionals and golf retailers report surging interest in the sport, with lesson bookings and equipment sales showing double-digit increases compared to this time last year.
“Having the Canadian Open back in the Greater Toronto Area creates a genuine buzz throughout the entire golf community,” notes Jennifer Liu, director of the Toronto District Golf Association. “It inspires the next generation and reminds us why this sport holds such a special place in our sporting culture.”
Weather forecasts currently suggest comfortable conditions for tournament week, with temperatures expected to range between 18-24°C with moderate chances of afternoon thunderstorms—typical early summer conditions for the region.
Tickets are selling briskly, with premium viewing areas and weekend grounds passes in highest demand. Tournament officials recommend that fans secure their tickets soon to avoid disappointment.
As the city prepares to welcome the golf world, the tournament’s return to the Toronto area reinforces our position as a premier sporting destination capable of hosting world-class events that resonate both locally and globally.
