Canadian Open: Rory McIlroy, Nick Taylor lead field at Hamilton G&CC

The Canadian Open, one of the oldest tournaments on the PGA Tour, is back this year at Hamilton Golf & Country Club in Ontario. This prestigious event, which is co-organized by Golf Canada, has a long history, dating back to 1904.

That makes the Canadian Open the third oldest tournament in professional golf, behind only the U.S. Open and the Open Championship. The 2024 edition is set to deliver some thrilling golf action on a classic course designed by the legendary Harry Colt, with recent renovations by Martin Ebert enhancing its historic charm.

This year’s Canadian Open will be all about Nick Taylor, the defending champion. Taylor made history in 2023 by becoming the first Canadian to win the national open since 1954, ending a 69-year drought. His victory was pretty dramatic, too. He won the title with a 72-foot putt in a playoff against Tommy Fleetwood. Taylor’s win was a big deal for Canadian golf. It inspired a new generation of golfers in the country. 

Taylor’s winning streak continued into 2024 with another victory at the WM Phoenix Open. Despite his recent wins, Taylor is still a long shot with odds of +6000 to win. He knows the course well and has the support of the home crowd, so he’ll be a compelling story to watch as he attempts to defend his title.

The Field of the Canadian Open

We’re expecting some of the top players in the world to be competing, which makes this one of the strongest fields we’ve seen in recent years. World No. 2 Rory McIlroy is the favorite to win with odds of 3-1. McIlroy, a two-time winner of the Canadian Open, is coming off a strong performance at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans and the Wells Fargo Championship.

Tommy Fleetwood, who came in second last year, has 16-1 odds and is eager to secure his first PGA Tour victory. Other players to watch out for include Sahith Theegala (20-1), Shane Lowry (25-1), and Corey Conners (26-1). They’ve all been playing well this season.

Expert and Sleeper Picks

Expert Picks:

Rory McIlroy (3-1): There’s a good reason Rory McIlroy is the favorite. McIlroy’s in great shape, having won the Canadian Open twice and the Wells Fargo Championship recently. His ability to navigate tight fairways and his strong iron play make him well-suited for the challenges of Hamilton Golf & Country Club. McIlroy’s experience and confidence will be big advantages as he goes for his third Canadian Open title.

Tommy Fleetwood (16-1): Tommy Fleetwood is another strong contender in the race. Even though he hasn’t won on the PGA Tour yet, Fleetwood has been in the top 10 a lot this season. His runner-up finish last year, after a nail-biter playoff with Nick Taylor, shows he can handle the pressure. Fleetwood’s great iron play and creativity around the greens make him a tough opponent on this course.

Sleeper Picks:

Nick Taylor (60-1): As the defending champion, Nick Taylor is a dark horse pick with the potential to surprise once again. His familiarity with the course and the support of the home crowd could give him the edge he needs. Taylor’s recent win at the WM Phoenix Open shows he can perform under pressure, so he’s a dark horse worth considering.

Doug Ghim (80-1): Another sleeper pick who could make waves at the Canadian Open is Doug Ghim. Ghim is a great bet. He’s shown some great moments this season and has the game to excel on a course like Hamilton. If Ghim can keep up his accuracy off the tee and solid putting, he could be a contender for the title.

Weather and Course Condition

The Hamilton Golf & Country Club is a par-70 layout that’s 7,084 yards long. It’s got tight fairways lined with mature trees, so you’ve got to be accurate off the tee and precise with your approach shots. The greens have a subtle undulation that even the best putters in the world find challenging. The course’s strategic bunkering and well-placed hazards make it a real challenge, so only the most skilled and strategic players will triumph.

We’re expecting mild weather and minimal wind during the tournament week, which should provide ideal playing conditions.

The course is in great shape, with well-manicured greens and fairways that will reward precision and penalize errant shots. The total purse for the championship is a whopping $9.4 million, with the winner taking home $1.65 million.

The 2024 RBC Canadian Open is shaping up to be a pretty exciting event, with a challenging course and a strong field of competitors. From the favorites like Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood to the underdogs like Nick Taylor and Doug Ghim, the tournament is wide open. Golf fans can look forward to a week of nail-biting action as the world’s best golfers compete for one of the most prestigious titles on the PGA Tour.