In the News

[Jeffrey Reed]

Final Field Announced for 2011 RBC Canadian Open
07/15/2011

Vancouver(Golf Canada) – Golf Canada and RBC announced today the final field of competitors set to challenge for the $5.2 million (US) RBC Canadian Open, July 18-24 at Shaughnessy Golf and Country Club.

Defending champion Carl Pettersson will be challenged by a list of notable PGA TOUR stars that includes
World No. 1 Luke Donald, Ernie Els, Paul Casey, Jim Furyk, Rickie Fowler, Matt Kuchar, Hunter Mahan, Anthony Kim, Retief Goosen, Sean O’Hair, Camilo Villegas, Geoff Ogilvy, Justin Leonard, Jose Maria Olazabal, Stuart Appleby, David Duval and John Daly as well as 2010 British Open champion Louis Oosthuizen and 2011 Masters champion Charl Schwartzel.

Also competing at Shaughnessy will be Canadian favorites and PGA TOUR members Stephen Ames of Calgary, Canadian Golf Hall of Famer Mike Weir of Bright’s Grove, Ont., David Hearn of Brantford Ont., Chris Baryla of Vernon, B.C., and Matt McQuillan of Kingston, Ont. Among the 12 Canadians confirmed are 2010 Canadian PGA Club Pro Champion Brian Hutton of Burlington, Ont. and 2-time defending Canadian Men’s Mid-Amateur Champion Dave Bunker of Woodbridge, Ont. as well as rising stars Adam Hadwin and Nick Taylor of Abbotsford, B.C. and Matt Hill of Bright’s Grove, Ont.

Other exempt Canadians include Team Canada members Albin Choi of Toronto, the reigning Canadian Men’s Amateur champion and Eugene Wong of Vancouver, winner of the 2010 Jack Nicklaus Award.

“The field is set and we’re ready to kick off the 102nd playing of Canada’s National Open Championship,” said Bill Paul, Tournament Director. “The positive buzz about this year’s golf course, playing in the city of Vancouver and how far we’ve come as an event with RBC’s support over the past four years has really gained us traction with the players. Canadian golf fans are going to be treated to a terrific showcase at Shaughnessy Golf and Country Club.”

Six more exemptions into the field for the 2011 RBC Canadian Open will be confirmed this weekend via the Canadian Tour. In addition to the winner of the Canadian Tour Players Cup (July 14-17 in Winnipeg), the top five players on the Canadian Tour Order of Merit (not otherwise exempt) at the conclusion of the Canadian Tour Players Cup will earn an exemption to compete at Shaughnessy.

The final four spots into the field will be determined at Final Qualifying, Monday July 18th at Morgan Creek Golf Course in Surrey, B.C.

The following is a list of players set to compete in the 2011 RBC Canadian Open, July 18-24 at Shaughnessy Golf and Country Club:

Adams, Blake
*Ames, Stephen
Andrade, Billy
Appleby, Stuart
Atwal, Arjun
Austin, Woody
Baird, Briny
*Baryla, Chris
Beem, Rich
Begay III, Notah
Bertsch, Shane
Bettencourt, Matt
Blanks, Kris
Bowditch, Steven
Bradley, Keegan
Bramlett, Joseph
Brigman, D.J.
*Bunker, Dave (a)
Campbell, Chad
Cantlay, Patrick (a)
Casey, Paul
Cejka, Alex
Chalmers, Greg
Chappell, Kevin
*Choi, Albin (a)
Crane, Ben
Daly, John
Davis, Brian
DiMarco, Chris
Donald, Luke
Driscoll, James
Durant, Joe
Duval, David
Els, Ernie
Estes, Bob
Flesch, Steve
Fowler, Rickie
Frazar, Harrison
Furyk, Jim
Gainey, Tommy
Garrigus, Robert
Gates, Bobby
Gay, Brian
Gillis, Tom
Glover, Lucas
Gomez, Fabian
Gonzales, Andres
Goosen, Retief
Gordon, Scott
Goydos, Paul
Green, Nathan
Gutschewski, Scott
*Hadwin, Adam
*Hearn, David
Herman, Jim
Herron, Tim
Hicks, Justin
*Hill, Matt
Horschel, Billy
*Hutton, Brian
Janzen, Lee
Jobe, Brandt
Jones, Kent
Jones, Matt
Kang, Sunghoon
Kelly, Jerry
Kim, Anthony
Kim, Bio
Kisner, Kevin
Knost, Colt
Kuchar, Matt
Lamely, Derek
Leonard, Justin
Levin, Spencer
Lunde, Bill
Lyle, Jarrod
Mahan, Hunter
Mallinger, John
Martin, Ben
Mathis, David
McCarron, Scott
McGirt, William
McNeill, George
*McQuillan, Matt
Merrick, John
Merritt, Troy
Micheel, Shaun
Miller, Zack
Molder, Bryce
Moore, Ryan
Na, Kevin
O'Hair, Sean
O'Hern, Nick
Ogilvie, Joe
Ogilvy, Geoff
Olazabal, Jose Maria
Oosthuizen, Louis
Panzeri, Joe
Percy, Cameron
Perez, Pat
Pernice, Jr., Tom
Pettersson, Carl
Piercy, Scott
Piller, Martin
Price, Aron
Prugh, Alex
Putnam, Michael
Quinn, Fran
Quinney, Jeff
Reavie, Chez
Renner, Jim
Ridings, Tag
Rocha, Alexandre
Rollins, John
Romero, Andres
Schwartzel, Charl
Smith, Nate
Snedeker, Brandt
Stadler, Kevin
Stallings, Scott
Stankowski, Paul
Steele, Brendan
Streelman, Kevin
Strickler, Will
Stroud, Chris
*Taylor, Nick
Taylor, Vaughn
Teater, Josh
Thatcher, Roland
Thompson, Michael
Tidland, Chris
Trahan, D.J.
Tringale, Cameron
Turnesa, Marc
Tway, Kevin
Van Pelt, Bo
Villegas, Camilo
Wagner, Johnson
Waldorf, Duffy
Walker, Jimmy
Warren, Charles
*Weir, Mike
Wi, Charlie
Willis, Garrett
Wilson, Dean
*Wong, Eugene (a)

ALTERNATES
Letzig, Michael
Weibring, Matt
Pampling, Rod
Lickliter II, Frank
Pride, Dicky
Quigley, Brett
Dawson, Marco
MacKenzie, Will
Hensby, Mark
Gamez, Robert

*denotes Canadian
(a) denotes amateur

RBC CANADIAN OPEN ONLINE AUCTION
As part of the charitable commitment of the 2011 RBC Canadian Open, golf fans from coast to coast can take part in an online auction with a chance to bid on exclusive VIP golf experiences and other memorabilia.

The online auction at www.rbccanadianopen.com/auction runs from June 7 to July 24, 2011 and offers five different bidding lots. Premium items available for auction include VIP trips to the most coveted professional golf events such as the Ryder Cup, PGA Championship and Grand Slam of Golf as well as the World Junior Hockey Championship and Toronto International Film Festival. There are also several unique pieces of autographed memorabilia up for auction.

All proceeds from the online charity auction will go directly to The Mike Weir Foundation, the National Charity Partner of the RBC Canadian Open.

Opening auction bids will be listed with each item — some items starting as low as $20 — to ensure that all golf fans are able to participate. One of the key commitments made by RBC and Golf Canada is for the RBC Canadian Open to generate $5 million over five years in support of children’s wellness in Canada. Since 2008, the RBC Canadian Open has contributed over $3 million dollars to various charities and community programs.

ABOUT THE 2011 RBC CANADIAN OPEN
An exciting new era has arrived for Canada's national championship. Part of the FedEx Cup, stars of the PGA TOUR will compete for $5.2 million (US) at the RBC Canadian Open, July 18-24, 2011 at Shaughnessy Golf and Country Club in Vancouver. Established in 1904, the tournament is the third-oldest national open golf championship worldwide next to the British Open and the U.S. Open. The RBC Canadian Open is proudly sponsored by RBC, Bell, BMW Group Canada, C.F.F Stainless Steels, Corona Extra, TaylorMade adidas Golf, The Glenlivet, The Globe and Mail, Mike Weir Wine, LG, WagJag.com and Reader’s Digest. For updated ticket and tournament information please visit www.rbccanadianopen.com or call 1-800-571-6736.

RBC AND THE RBC CANADIAN OPEN
In partnership with Golf Canada, RBC is the title sponsor of the RBC Canadian Open, the third oldest national golf championship worldwide, next only to the British Open and the U.S. Open. With a history of great players and premier fields, the RBC Canadian Open provides golf fans with the opportunity to experience the excitement of a world class event on Canadian soil. RBC also sponsors all levels of amateur sport, from grassroots programs in local communities to national sport organizations and elite-level athletes, and is Premier National Partner of the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

GOLF CANADA – LOVE THE GAME. GROW THE GAME.
Golf Canada – a member-based organization governed by the Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA) – is the governing body of golf in Canada, representing close to 350,000 members at almost 1,500 clubs across the country. Recognized by Sport Canada as the National Sports Organization (NSO) for golf in this country, Golf Canada is responsible for promoting participation in and a passion for the game of golf in Canada.

A proud member of the Canadian Olympic Committee, Golf Canada actively conducts championships, programs and services to help shape the present and future of golf in Canada. High performance athlete development, National Golf in Schools, Golf Fore the Cure, the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame and Museum and CN Future Links, Canada’s national junior golf program, are only some of the initiatives the association leads for golf in Canada. As the authority for golf in Canada, the association also administers the Rules of Golf, amateur status and handicapping and course rating under the respected RCGA brand.

In addition, Golf Canada conducts Canada’s most prestigious golf championships. The RBC Canadian Open and CN Canadian Women’s Open attract the best professional golfers in the world, while regional junior and national amateur championships provide world class competitive opportunities for Canada’s top golfers to showcase their talents.
For more information about what Golf Canada is doing to support golf in your community, visit us online at www.golfcanada.ca.

[Jeffrey Reed]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

July 18, 2011





CANADIANS DARREN WALLACE, BRAD FRITSCH AND AMATEUR MITCH EVANECZ, ALONG WITH AMERICAN JOSHUA HABIG EARN MONDAY QUALIFER SPOTS INTO 2011 RBC CANADIAN OPEN



News and Notes for Monday at the 2011 RBC Canadian Open



Vancouver (Golf Canada) – Darren Wallace of Langley, B.C., and Brad Fritsch of Manotick, Ont. carded scores of 7-under par 65 during Monday’s Final Qualifier at Morgan Creek Golf Course in South Surrey, B.C., to earn exemptions into the 2011 RBC Canadian Open being held this week at Shaughnessy Golf and Country Club in Vancouver.



Amateur Mitch Evanecz of Red Deer, Alta., a member of Team Canada’s National Squad, and Joshua Habig of San Diego, Calif., also earned spots into the 102nd playing of Canada’s National Open Golf Championship, outlasting amateur Ryan Terdik of Mt. Pleasant, Ont., in a one-hole playoff after all three competitors posted scores of 5-under par 67 through 18 holes.



The playoff, which was contested on Morgan Creek Golf Course’s 17th hole, saw Terdik’s second shot find the environmental area, which ultimately assured both Evanecz and Habig a spot in the field at Shaughnessy.



After Monday’s Final Qualifier, a total of 17 Canadians will be in the field for the 2011 RBC Canadian Open.



Wallace, 22, the youngest player ever to win the Canadian Amateur in 2004 at age 15, was a standout at the University of Washington. Wallace joined the Canadian Tour in 2011, earning exempt status by finishing 5th at Qualifying School. He last participated in the Canadian Open in 2004, missing the cut with a two-day score of 165 (83-82).



Fritsch, 33, previously qualified for the RBC Canadian Open in 2006, 2007, and 2008, and most recently earned a T3 finish at the Canadian Tour’s Players Cup at Pine Ridge Golf Club in Winnipeg.



Evanecz, 25, a former standout at the University of Victoria, captured back-to-back Glencoe Invitational titles in 2009 and 2010, and also won the 2009 Alberta Amateur. He will be competing in his first PGA TOUR event this week at Shaughnessy.



Habig, 34, a member of the Canadian Tour, has posted three top-10 finishes thus far this season, including T3 at both The Players Cup and The Western Championship. Habig last competed at the RBC Canadian Open in 2006, missing the cut after posting a two-day tally of 144 (74-70).



A full list of Final Qualifier scores is available at www.rbccanadianopen.com or by clicking here



B.C. CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL FOUNDATION PRO-AM KICKS OFF TOURNAMENT WEEK

Tournament week kicked off at Shaughnessy with a Monday Pro-Am in support of BC Children’s Hospital Foundation. A total of 15 teams participated alongside PGA TOUR professionals with proceeds benefiting BC Children’s Hospital Foundation. Amateurs Todd Shewfelt, Jay Bouchey and Casey Akizuki partnered with pro Chris Baryla to card a winning score of 13-under par 57.





RICKIE FOWLER TO TAKE PART WEST JET RBC MASTERCARD PUTTING CHALLENGE ON TUESDAY

On Tuesday, RBC is inviting the public to come and experience the WestJet RBC MasterCard Putting Challenge, a state-of-the-art 3,000 square foot putting green uniquely located in the heart of downtown Vancouver. PGA TOUR 2010 Rookie of the Year Rickie Fowler will be on hand to share putting lessons with the general public and media alike. Two finalists will get the chance to win $250,000 on July 23rd immediately following Saturday’s 3rd round. The WestJet RBC MasterCard Putting Challenge takes place Tuesday, July 19th beginning at 10 a.m. at Royal Centre located at 1055 Georgia St W.





ABOUT THE 2011 RBC CANADIAN OPEN
An exciting new era has arrived for Canada's national championship. Part of the FedEx Cup, stars of the PGA TOUR will compete for $5.2 million (US) at the RBC Canadian Open, July 18-24, 2011 at Shaughnessy Golf and Country Club in Vancouver. Established in 1904, the tournament is the third-oldest national open golf championship worldwide next to the British Open and the U.S. Open. The RBC Canadian Open is proudly sponsored by RBC, Bell, BMW Group Canada, C.F.F Stainless Steels, Corona Extra, TaylorMade adidas Golf, The Glenlivet, The Globe and Mail, Mike Weir Wine, LG, WagJag.com and Reader’s Digest. For updated ticket and tournament information please visit www.rbccanadianopen.com or call 1-800-571-6736.

RBC AND THE RBC CANADIAN OPEN
In partnership with Golf Canada, RBC is the title sponsor of the RBC Canadian Open, the third oldest national golf championship worldwide, next only to the British Open and the U.S. Open. With a history of great players and premier fields, the RBC Canadian Open provides golf fans with the opportunity to experience the excitement of a world class event on Canadian soil. RBC also sponsors all levels of amateur sport, from grassroots programs in local communities to national sport organizations and elite-level athletes, and is Premier National Partner of the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

GOLF CANADA – LOVE THE GAME. GROW THE GAME.
Golf Canada – a member-based organization governed by the Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA) – is the governing body of golf in Canada, representing close to 350,000 members at almost 1,500 clubs across the country. Recognized by Sport Canada as the National Sports Organization (NSO) for golf in this country, Golf Canada is responsible for promoting participation in and a passion for the game of golf in Canada.

A proud member of the Canadian Olympic Committee, Golf Canada actively conducts championships, programs and services to help shape the present and future of golf in Canada. High performance athlete development, National Golf in Schools, Golf Fore the Cure, the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame and Museum and CN Future Links, Canada’s national junior golf program, are only some of the initiatives the association leads for golf in Canada. As the authority for golf in Canada, the association also administers the Rules of Golf, amateur status and handicapping and course rating under the respected RCGA brand.

In addition, Golf Canada conducts Canada’s most prestigious golf championships. The RBC Canadian Open and CN Canadian Women’s Open attract the best professional golfers in the world, while regional junior and national amateur championships provide world class competitive opportunities for Canada’s top golfers to showcase their talents.



For more information about what Golf Canada is doing to support golf in your community, visit us online at www.golfcanada.ca.

[Jeffrey Reed]

CJGA Has Strong Presence at RBC Canadian Open



Richmond Hill, Ont. (July 19, 2011) Since its inception in 1993, the Canadian Junior Golf Association (CJGA) has seen the landscape in golf change considerably. Many young golfers who have been a part of the Canadian Junior Golf Association have gone on to develop further in the game and are now showing the world what a Canadian can accomplish.



On Monday July 18, the final field for the RBC Canadian Open to be played at Shaughnessy Golf & Country Club in Vancouver, BC was announced and there was a strong showing of CJGA alumni. In the field, 17 Canadians will look to capture Canada’s national championship for the first time since Pat Fletcher in 1954, of which, nine players are alumni of the Canadian Junior Golf Association. Several of the participating players also represented CJGA Team Canada at a number of international competitions.


CJGA Alumni and rising stars participating this coming week in the RBC Canadian Open are: Chris Baryla of Vernon, British Columbia; Albin Choi, Toronto, Ontario; Mitchell Evanecz, Red Deer, Alberta; Adam Hadwin, Abbotsford, British Columbia; Matt Hill, Bright’s Grove, Ontario; Matt McQuillan, Kingston, Ontario; Nick Taylor, Abbotsford, British Columbia; Darren Wallace, Langley, British Columbia; and Eugene Wong, Vancouver, British Columbia.


“This makes us very proud to know that the Canadian Junior Golf Association has helped in the development of such outstanding talent” said Earl Fritz, Executive Director of the CJGA.



Stephen Ames of Calgary, Alta., the CJGA’s National Spokesperson, will also be competing this week in Vancouver. Ames was the top Canadian the last time the event was held at Shaughnessy in 2005 finishing tied for seventh.


Other notables in the RBC Canadian Open that have participated in CJGA international events include Hunter Mahan (Euro Junior Golf Cup) and Rickie Fowler (North America Cup) - two prominent players on the PGA Tour.


About the CJGA

The Canadian Junior Golf Association is a “registered Canadian amateur athletic association” (RCAAA) not-for-profit registered federally with Revenue Canada.. The Canadian Junior Golf Association (CJGA) is dedicated to providing Canada's junior golfers with the necessary skills and knowledge required to lay a foundation for a future in competitive golf. Through its six-stage competitive development program that focuses on tournaments, clinics, international competitions, and mentoring programs with PGA Tour professionals, the CJGA introduces the game to juniors as young as five and offers competitive multi-day events for the more advanced golfer. The CJGA acts as a feeder system to provincial and national competitions, collegiate and university golf, as well as professional and recreational golf. For more information please visit www.cjga.com.


The Canadian Junior Golf Association is generously supported by its National Founding Partner, LEXUS.