Nick Taylor Makes History at RBC Canadian Open
Nick Taylor made history on Sunday, becoming the first Canadian in 69 years to win his national open. The 35-year-old golfer holed a 72-foot eagle putt on the fourth playoff hole to beat Tommy Fleetwood in the RBC Canadian Open. Taylor’s victory was an emotional one, and he was congratulated by fellow Canadian players Mike Weir, Corey Conners, and Adam Hadwin.
The last player from Canada to win the Canadian Open was Pat Fletcher in 1954 at Point Grey in Vancouver. Fletcher was born in England; Carl Keffer had been the only Canadian-born champion, winning in 1909 and 1914. With galleries cheering his every move and even serenading him with “O Canada” on one tee box, Taylor curled in an 11-foot birdie putt on the 18th hole to finish at 17-under 271 at Oakdale, walking backwards with his fist raised as the ball dropped into the cup. He shot a 6-under 66 on Sunday.
Fleetwood needed a birdie on the reachable par 5 to win in regulation, but he missed his tee shot right, laid up into an awkward lie in the right rough and two-putted for par to force the playoff in rainy conditions. The players traded birdies on their first time playing No. 18 in the playoff. They both parred 18 and the par-3 ninth before heading back to 18.
Taylor reached the green in two while Fleetwood laid up after his drive found a fairway bunker. Fleetwood gave himself an opportunity for birdie but didn’t need to putt after Taylor’s uphill eagle putt from the front of the green hit the flagstick and dropped.
The 35-year-old Taylor, who was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and grew up in Abbotsford, British Columbia, won for the third time on the PGA Tour. He shot 75 in Thursday’s opening round but rallied with a 67 on Friday to make the cut, then shot 63 on Saturday to begin the final round three shots behind leader C.T. Pan.
Two-time defending champion Rory McIlroy, two shots back of Pan entering the final round, closed with a 72 and finished in a tie for ninth, five shots back. Fleetwood, a two-time Ryder Cup player from England and a six-time winner on the European tour, remains winless on the PGA Tour. Tyrrell Hatton (64), Aaron Rai (69), and Pan (70) finished one shot out of the playoff.
Taylor’s win was a significant moment for Canadian golf, and it was a long time coming. The RBC Canadian Open is one of the oldest national golf championships in the world, and it has a rich history dating back to 1904. The tournament has been held annually since then, except for during the two World Wars.
The RBC Canadian Open has been played at a variety of courses across Canada over the years, including St. George’s Golf and Country Club, Royal Montreal Golf Club, and Glen Abbey Golf Club. This year’s tournament was held at Oakdale Golf and Country Club in Toronto, Ontario.
Taylor’s victory was a popular one among Canadian golf fans, who have been waiting for a homegrown champion for decades. The win was also significant for Taylor personally, as he has been struggling with his game in recent years. He had not won on the PGA Tour since 2016 and had missed the cut in his last four starts.
Taylor’s victory at the RBC Canadian Open is sure to be a boost to his confidence and could be a turning point in his career. It is also a reminder of the talent that exists in Canadian golf and the potential for more success in the future.
In conclusion, Nick Taylor’s historic victory at the RBC Canadian Open was a significant moment for Canadian golf and a long time coming. Taylor’s emotional win was a popular one among Canadian golf fans, and it could be a turning point in his career. The RBC Canadian Open has a rich history dating back to 1904, and it is one of the oldest national golf championships in the world. Taylor’s victory is a reminder of the talent that exists in Canadian golf and the potential for more success in the future.