Golf Canada – Adam Hadwin claims Rivermead Trophy as low Canadian professional

Jared du Toit earns Gary Cowan Medal as low amateur

OAKVILLE, Ont. – Jhonattan Vegas earned his second career PGA Tour victory at the 2016 RBC Canadian Open at Glen Abbey Golf Club. The Venezuelan tallied nine birdies en route to a final round 64 to emerge victorious at the 107th playing of Canada’s National Open Championship.

The 31-year-old began the day at 4-under, five-strokes off the lead at the historic Jack Nicklaus design. A string of five birdies from holes two to six vaulted Vegas into a share of second. He would notch four birdies on the back nine, including three straight across his final three holes to secure the clubhouse lead at 12-under and the eventual victory.

“That’s the fortunate breaks that sometimes you need to be a champion on the PGA Tour,” reflected Vegas when asked about the uncertainty that sometimes accompanies the sport. “It’s a great feeling. I mean, last week, I had a six-shot lead going into the weekend and lost by three. I was five back starting today and won by one. It’s a crazy sport. You’ve just got to keep your head down and play hard at every shot.”

The past three years have seen Vegas endure some highs and lows, dating back to shoulder surgery in 2013 which saw him miss nearly 10 months while recovering. Vegas spoke to the need for self-confidence when reflecting on the state of his game.

“The biggest thing, I think it’s the belief; the belief that you can do it; the belief that you can go shoot low numbers competing against the best players in the world. That’s just the difference. I mean, because from where I was last year to where I am right now, obviously a couple of things have improved.”

Vegas will compete in Rio de Janeiro when golf makes its long-awaited return to the Olympic stage after a 112-year absence. The Venezuelan Olympian was clear when asked to whom he would dedicate this victory, outside of his family.

“Definitely I want to dedicate it to the country because of all the tremendous support that I’ve had from them, even through the rough time they are having right now.”

The Vegas triumph closed a chapter on one of the biggest storylines heading into the final round – the performance of Kimberley, B.C., native Jared du Toit, who entered the day with a share of second alongside U.S. Open champion and World No. 2 Dustin Johnson. The 21-year-old garnered cheers from hosts of newfound fans as he attempted to become the first Canadian since Pat Fletcher in 1954 to earn the title of Canadian Open champion.

“Unbelievable. The atmosphere they were providing was unbelievable,” said du Toit, when asked about the experience of playing in the final round of the RBC Canadian Open. “Every tee box, like I said yesterday, every tee box, every green, everyone was clapping, hollering, “Go Canada!” It was truly unbelievable. I’m on cloud nine right now.”

du Toit, a member of Golf Canada’s National Amateur Squad, carded a 71 to move to 9-under and finish in four-way tie for ninth. The Arizona State University Sun Devil, who will begin his senior year in the fall, claimed the Gary Cowan Medal as low amateur. du Toit was at a loss for words when asked how he would have reacted to this outcome just a few days ago.

“I don’t know what I would say. Honestly, I had no expectations coming into this week. I thought maybe if I play well and make the cut…I honestly didn’t know. To come out this week and play well, Top-10 feels really good.”

Abbotsford, B.C., product Adam Hadwin registered a 71 to finish 1-under and claim the Rivermead Cup as the low Canadian professional.

The RBC Canadian Open will return to Glen Abbey Golf Club for a record 29th time in 2017 to build upon the continued partnership between the storied club and Canada’s National Open Championship.

CANADIANS AT THE 2016 RBC CANADIAN OPEN

• T9 – Jared du Toit (a) – Kimberley, B.C. – 67-71-70-71, -9
• T49 – Adam Hadwin – Abbotsford, B.C. – 72-70-74-71, -1
• T77 – Garrett Rank (a) – Elmira, Ont. – 69-75-76-76, 8
• 80 – Corey Conners – Listowel, Ont. – 75-71-76-78, 12

DID NOT ADVANCE

• MC – Adam Cornelson – Langley, B.C. – 75-73, 4
• MC – Nick Taylor – Abbotsford, B.C. – 75-74, 5
• MC – Graham DeLaet – Weyburn, Sask. – 77-72, 5
• MC – David Hearn – Brantford, Ont. – 74-75, 5
• MC – Brad Fritsch – Manotick, Ont. – 77-74, 7
• MC – Branson Ferrier – Barrie, Ont. – 78-74, 8
• MC – Mike Weir – Brights Grove, Ont. – 78-75, 9
• MC – Blair Hamilton (a) – Burlington, Ont. – 77-79, 12
• MC – Hugo Bernard (a) – Mont-St-Hilaire, Que. – 81-76, 13
• MC – Dave Levesque – Montréal – 85-75, 16

(a) – Denotes amateur

INTERVIEW VIDEO, AUDIO AND TRANSCRIPTS FOR SUNDAY, JULY 24
Interview video, audio and transcripts for the following players from Sunday, July 24 are available here. Please note that the videos are unedited, uncut and in broadcast-quality.

• Jhonattan Vegas
• Closing ceremonies
• Jared du Toit
• Jon Rahm
• Jason Day
• Adam Hadwin
• Garrett Rank
• Dustin Johnson
• Brandt Snedeker
• Steve Wheatcroft

2017 RBC CANADIAN OPEN TICKETS
Grounds tickets for the 2017 RBC Canadian Open at Glen Abbey Golf Club, as well as a limited number of premium ticket packages are now available. Details regarding ticket packages and pricing are available online at www.rbccanadianopen.com. Golf Canada and RBC will once again offer FREE admission to juniors 17-and-under.

VOLUNTEER AT THE 2017 RBC CANADIAN OPEN
Volunteer registration for the 2017 RBC Canadian Open is available online. Information regarding volunteer roles and committees can be found at www.rbccanadianopen.com.

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ABOUT THE 2016 RBC CANADIAN OPEN
Part of the FedExCup, stars of the PGA TOUR will compete for $5.9 million (US) at the RBC Canadian Open, July 18-24, 2016 at Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, 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 Ronald McDonald House Charities Canada 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, Shaw, BMW Group Canada, Molson Canadian 67, ZTE, WestJet, TaylorMade adidas Golf, Boston Pizza, Ballantine’s, Santa Carolina Wines, Toronto Star, Coca-Cola, CHIN Radio TV International, Metrolinx and the Government of Canada. For tickets or tournament information, please visit www.rbccanadianopen.com or call 1-800-571-6736.

RBC GOLF
RBC proudly supports golf around the world through high profile relationships with the PGA TOUR and Golf Canada. RBC is the Official Banking and Financial Services partner of touring professionals Jason Day, Graham DeLaet, Ernie Els, Jim Furyk, Adam Hadwin, David Hearn, Brooke Henderson, Matt Kuchar, Graeme McDowell, Ryan Palmer, Morgan Pressel, Brandt Snedeker, Nick Taylor and Mike Weir. As the title sponsor of both the RBC Heritage and the RBC Canadian Open, RBC also supports emerging Canadian golfers through Golf Canada’s grassroots developmental programming, the Canadian Amateur Golf Championships and the high performance national team. RBC is one of North America’s leading diversified financial services companies and among the largest banks in the world, as measured by market capitalization. For more information, visit www.rbc.com/golf.

GOLF CANADA – LOVE THE GAME. GROW THE GAME.
Golf Canada is the National Sports Federation and governing body for golf in Canada representing close to 305,000 golfers at more than 1,400 member clubs across the country. A proud member of the Canadian Olympic Committee, Golf Canada’s mission is to grow participation, excellence and passion in the sport while upholding the integrity and traditions of the game. By investing in the growth of the sport and introducing more participants of all ages to the game, our goal is to be relevant to and respected by all Canadian golf enthusiasts from coast to coast. For more information about what Golf Canada is doing to support golf in your community, visit www.golfcanada.ca.

For more information:

Dan Pino
Director, Corporate Communications
Golf Canada
(t) 1-800-263-0009 x 406
(c) 416-434-5525
(e) dpino@golfcanada.ca