Canadian Open canary in coal mine, going head-to-head with new Saudi-funded series

The Canadian Open returns to the PGA Tour schedule next month for the first time since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and while it goes up against the launch of the Saudi-backed LIV Golf Invitational Series tournament, organizers are mostly unconcerned.

Still, the June 9-12 Canadian Open in Toronto will serve as a canary in the coal mine given it will go head-to-head with an event that offers super-sized prize money. The first of LIV's eight events will take place that same week at Centurion Golf Club outside of London.

Since the LIV Golf series was unveiled, golfers have had to choose sides while both the PGA Tour and DP World Tour warned it would suspend or fine those jumping to the breakaway circuit.

How many are willing to risk the PGA Tour's wrath and how much impact it will have on the Canadian Open will be revealed on May 27 when the 48-player field for Centurion is expected to be revealed.

Looking to make a splashy return after a pandemic-extended layoff, the Canadian Open on Monday confirmed that six of the world's top 20 golfers, including number one and Masters champion Scottie Scheffler and defending champion Rory McIlroy, would be teeing it up at St. George's Golf and Country Club.

"Gauging by the news at media day regarding ticket and hospitality sales, the excitement in Canada for the return of the RBC Canadian Open is clearly evident," PGA Tour spokesperson Joel Schuchmann, told Reuters in an email.

"We anticipate the biggest and best version of Canada's national championship in 2022, with the world's best players primed to entertain and inspire spectators onsite as well as fans around the globe."

With the PGA Tour having drawn a line in the sand, the Canadian Open could see a rush of interest from