In a thrilling display of skill and nerves, Nick Taylor emerged as the champion of the RBC Canadian Open, becoming the first Canadian in 69 years to win his national open. The tournament reached its climax on Sunday with Taylor holing a remarkable 72-foot eagle putt on the fourth playoff hole to defeat Tommy Fleetwood.
Taylor’s triumph sent the crowd into a frenzy as he tossed his putter into the air and embraced his caddie in celebration. His fellow Canadian players, including Mike Weir, Corey Conners, and Adam Hadwin, rushed to the green to congratulate him on his historic achievement.
Overwhelmed with emotion, Taylor expressed his gratitude, stating, “I’m speechless. This is for all the guys that are here. This is for my family at home. This is the most incredible feeling.” The victory marks the most significant triumph of Taylor’s PGA Tour career.
The last time a Canadian golfer claimed the Canadian Open title was in 1954 when Pat Fletcher emerged victorious at Point Grey in Vancouver. Prior to Fletcher, Carl Keffer was the only Canadian-born champion, securing wins in 1909 and 1914.
Taylor’s path to victory was nothing short of extraordinary. With the galleries rallying behind him and even serenading him with the national anthem, Taylor sank an 11-foot birdie putt on the 18th hole, finishing the tournament at 17-under 271 at Oakdale. His final round featured a stellar 6-under 66.
Fleetwood, vying for the title, needed a birdie on the par-5 18th to secure victory in regulation play. However, he faced difficulties, missing his tee shot and landing in the right rough. Despite his best efforts, Fleetwood had to settle for par, leading to a playoff in challenging rainy conditions.
During the playoff, the players showcased their skills, trading birdies on their first attempt at the 18th hole. They proceeded to par the 18th and the par-3 ninth before returning to the 18th hole once again.
Taylor, reaching the green in two shots, set the stage for a dramatic conclusion. Meanwhile, Fleetwood opted to lay up after finding a fairway bunker with his drive. With an opportunity for birdie, Fleetwood’s chances were rendered unnecessary as Taylor’s eagle putt from the front of the green collided with the flagstick and found the bottom of the cup.
The 35-year-old Taylor, hailing from Winnipeg, Manitoba, and growing up in Abbotsford, British Columbia, clinched his third victory on the PGA Tour. Despite a challenging start with a 75 in the opening round, Taylor showcased his resilience by rallying with a 67 on Friday and an impressive 63 on Saturday to position himself within three shots of the leader, C.T. Pan.
In a tournament that featured top talent, including two-time defending champion Rory McIlroy, Taylor’s victory stood out. McIlroy finished in a tie for ninth, five shots behind the leader.
Although Tommy Fleetwood, a seasoned player from England and a two-time Ryder Cup participant, put up a valiant effort, he remains without a win on the PGA Tour.
The RBC Canadian Open also saw strong performances from Tyrrell Hatton, Aaron Rai, and C.T. Pan, who finished just one shot shy of the playoff.
Nick Taylor’s unforgettable victory in the RBC Canadian Open will go down in golf history, marking a momentous occasion for Canadian golf and bringing joy to fans across the nation.