Rory McIlroy to Make First-Ever Start In 2019 RBC Canadian Open
2019 PLAYERS Champion and 15-time PGA TOUR winner joins elite field
OAKVILLE, ON, March 21, 2019 /CNW/ - (Golf Canada) – Today, RBC and Golf Canada announced that world ranked No. 4 – Rory McIlroy – will compete in the 2019 RBC Canadian Open, June 3-9 at the Hamilton Golf and Country Club.
Fresh off an impressive victory at the 2019 PLAYERS Championship, McIlroy joins an already strong field of players, including world No. 1 and Team RBC Ambassador Dustin Johnson, alongside team members Jim Furyk, Adam Hadwin, Webb Simpson and Brandt Snedeker.
"I'm really excited to play in my first RBC Canadian Open," said McIlroy. "There continues to be a lot of momentum around this historic tournament, with a new date, new location and now a new concert series. I've had the opportunity to see the passion that Canada has for our sport and I look forward to seeing the energy of Canadian golf fans first hand. I'm also looking forward to squaring off with DJ, Adam and the rest of Team RBC for Canada's National Open Championship."
The 29-year old international superstar from Northern Ireland currently holds the No. 1 spot on the 2019 FedEx Cup Ranking. His results also include:
- Four-time Major Champion (US Open 2011, PGA Championship 2012, 2014, and The Open Championship 2014)
- Two-time WGC Champion (2014, 2015) and 2019 The PLAYERS Champion
- 15-time PGA TOUR Winner including 2016 FedEx Cup Champion, 24 worldwide wins overall
- Five appearances (four Team Europe wins) in the biennial Ryder Cup
- Two-time PGA TOUR Player of the Year (2012 and 2014)
- Three-time Race to Dubai Champion (2012, 2014 and 2015)
- Held world #1 in Official World Golf Ranking for 95 weeks over his career
"Rory is one of the game's most accomplished and iconic young stars – his win at THE PLAYERS Championship this past weekend was incredible," said Mary DePaoli, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, RBC. "We are so pleased that he has added the 2019 RBC Canadian Open to his schedule and are looking forward to giving him a warm welcome to Canada for his first-ever start at the tournament. I'm sure that Canadian golf fans, young and old, will show him our enthusiasm for this great sport."
McIlroy's commitment to play in his first RBC Canadian Open builds on an earlier announcement this week introducing a two-night RBCxMusic Concert Series at the tournament. The concerts will feature Grammy nominated and internationally acclaimed duo Florida Georgia Line on Friday, June 7, and JUNO award-winning homegrown rock band The Glorious Sons on Saturday, June 8.
"We have seen incredible momentum for the 2019 RBC Canadian Open with the move to our new June date," said Golf Canada CEO Laurence Applebaum. "The exciting news that Rory McIlroy will be joining the field at Canada's National Open Championship will be really special for golf fans at the Hamilton Golf and Country Club. Together with RBC, our goal has always been to continually elevate this tournament, for players and golf fans alike. Having Rory join other big names like Dustin Johnson, Webb Simpson and Jim Furyk will no doubt make this a ground-breaking year at our Open."
In the coming weeks, additional players, including Canadians and tournament exemptions, will be announced. PGA TOUR players have until Friday, May 31 to commit to the field of the 2019 RBC Canadian Open.
More information about the 2019 RBC Canadian Open including tickets, corporate hospitality and volunteer information is available at www.rbccanadianopen.com.
About the RBC Canadian Open
Part of the FedExCup, stars of the PGA TOUR will compete for $7.6 million (US) at the RBC Canadian Open, June 3-9 at the Hamilton Golf and Country Club in Hamilton, Ont. Conducted by Golf Canada for more than a century, the RBC Canadian Open provides an opportunity for Canada's top talents to compete against the world's best golfers while also leaving a significant impact in the event's host community. The RBC Canadian Open is proud to support the Golf Canada Foundation as the event's official charity partner. Established in 1904, Canada's national open golf championship 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, Acushnet, Steam Whistle, Levelwear, Golf Town, Coca-Cola, the City of Hamilton and the Government of Canada. For tickets or tournament information, please visit www.rbccanadianopen.com or call 1-800-571-6736. Follow the RBC Canadian Open on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
SOURCE Golf Canada
Media Contacts: Michelle Yao, Senior Manager, Brand Communications, RBC, 647-618-3792, [email protected]; Dan Pino, Director, Communications, Golf Canada, 416-434-5525, [email protected]
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