Blog#248 Canadian Open

Blog#248 Canadian Open

Toronto Osprey Valley GC

June 5-8 2025 Par 72

Purse $9.8M up 400K 4%

HISTORY

Last year Robert MacIntyre defeated Ben Griffin by 1 stroke, then went on to win the Scottish Open by 1 stroke over Adam Scott.

MY WINNER Ludvig Åberg based on his final RD last week. He has been off his game since he got sick at the Farmers after leading for the 1st 2 RDs. I think it affected his game and hopefully he is completely recovered and will play up to his capabilities.

FAVORITES It is a very limited field as many of the top PGA golfersare resting or preparing for the US Open. Only 4 golfers are shorter than 30/1 odds, so anyone could win. It is such a weak field some information will be directed at the US Open.

1 R McIlroy 5/1 Fourth last year, tuning up for US Open, winning not important.

2 L Aberg 14/1 RD4 last week bogie free 66. I think he wins.

3 C Conners 20/1 Only 1 missed cut in 14 events best finish 3 at Arnold Palmer.

4 S Lowry 22/1 I think he is just keeping Rory company.

5 Sam Burns 33/1 Missed 3 cuts, including Players, in 15 events.

6 Robert McIntyre 33/1 Has been playing well

7 Luke Clington 35/1 Still an amateur, I don’t think has much of a chance.

8 T Pendrith 35/1 Canadian fans would love to see him duplicate Nick Taylor 2023.

12 K Mitchell 45/1 Has led for first 2 RDs earlier this year but can’t finish.

15 Nick Taylor 55/1 Doubt he can win again but played well at The Memorial.

SPECIAL INFORMATION ON THE US OPEN

On Monday the final qualifiers for the US Open took place at 10 sites for 47 spots in the field of 156. Some big names that did not qualify. Rickie Fowler, Max Homa,

Jake Knapp, Padraig Harrington, Eric Cole, Sergio Garcia(had been in 25 straight).

Michel Block, club pro at Arroyo Traduce GC, Mission Viejo CA, became a household name in the 2023 PGA Championship finished 15th, did not advance to the qualifiers main field. Of the 47 who made it in my guess is that 11 may make the cut, none the top 10. LIV, Marc Leishman, Carlos Ortiz, Jinichiro Kozuma.

Oakmont CC Located near Pittsburgh PA opened in 1903 along the Allegheny river but has virtually no water hazards and almost no trees. One of the most famous hazards is the famous Church Pews bunkers which comes into play on holes 3&4.

It is 100X40 yards and features 12 grass covered ridges resembling church pews.

The last 2 US Opens held here were in 2016, won by Dustin Johnson & 2007, won by Angel Cabrera who defeated Tiger Woods by 1 stroke.

Picture of Church Pews bunkers at Oakmont CC