RBC Canadian Open poised for launch, as Nick Taylor's 2023 win helped spur a national golf renaissance

When Nick Taylor's putter soared through the air on the 18th hole at Oakdale Golf and Country Club in Toronto, it changed the course of Canadian golf.

The beginning of the decade had been rough for the sport in the country.

In 2020 and 2021, the pandemic led to the cancellation of the RBC Canadian Open – even as, below the surface, participation in the sport was soaring.

When the tournament finally returned in 2022, it went head-to-head with the inaugural LIV Golf event in London — a double-edged sword with increased attention and a notable winner in Rory McIlroy while the national part of the national open receded to the background.

One year later, things could've taken a nosedive. Wildfire smoke engulfed the Tuesday practice round. Then, the bombshell announcement of the PGA Tour's framework agreement with LIV – a deal, by the way, that is still yet to be finalized – put the future of the sport as we know it on trial.

Now, as the 2025 Canadian Open is set to be played from June 5-8 for the first time at TPC Toronto, billed by Golf Canada as the Canadian home of golf, the tournament and game itself appear to have ascended.

"I wouldn't say it's added pressure really," said Taylor Pendrith about Nick Taylor's win, "more motivation seeing Nick do it. But, like, winning a PGA Tour event is very difficult. Obviously winning the RBC Canadian Open is a dream of all of us Canadians out here, and to see Nick do it will still give you goosebumps."

Taylor's curse-breaking win seemed to solidify Canada's place in professional golf.

You can chalk it up to motivation or to his booming drives, but Pendrith, of Richmond Hill, Ont., just authored the best Canadian finish at a major in 20 years when he tied for fifth at the PGA