Thoughts from the Fringe

The second round of the 2023 RBC Canadian Open is in the books and before this tournament reaches its conclusion there’s no question that we’ll see more fireworks than on a Canadian Victoria Day Weekend. After “Cut Day at the Canadian” let’s take a look at some quick hits, like those of a 30-handicap tearing through a large bucket of range balls in 15 minutes. Without further delay here are some “thoughts from the fringe”.

Cut: The cut line was established at -1 for the 2023 edition of the RBC Canadian Open. As the week becomes the weekend we bid a fond au revoir to 12 Canadians including Adam Svensson and Mackenzie Hughes. We also say so long to Sam Burns, Sangmoon Bae, Keith Mitchell, Erik van Rooyen, and Michael Block.

Blocked: Michael Block. Has the “Cinderella, from out of nowhere” fairy tale come to a dark Brothers Grimm end? His story was amazing as the club professional from California’s Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club made history and caught the imagination of nearly every golf fan. Of course, there was the ace that he made at Oak Hill. He’s received exemptions into some events – including this week’s Canadian Open – based on his performance. However, with two straight missed cuts this tale may soon be over. Michael, thank-you for the wonderful ride.

On to the Weekend: Now we’re getting somewhere. Plenty of star power in this year’s field made it through to the weekend including defending champion Rory McIlroy. He was shaky on Thursday and on Friday he was better. The grind was real after his round on Thursday. He’s only a few back (3 strokes behind). Tyrrell Hatton had a season best 64 (-8) moving up 68 positions to a share of second. Harry Higgs, Justin Rose, Matt Fitzpatrick, Shane Lowry, Sahith Theegala, and rising star Doug Ghim all made it to the weekend. All chasing the current leader Carl Yuan. But wait… There’s more!

No Flag Waving… Honest! (fingers were crossed): I lied. We’ll see plenty of maple leaves this weekend. Listowel, Ontario’s Corey Conners leads the Canadian contingent. After his birdie on 18, Conners sits in a tie for second.

Wil (Wilson) Bateman of Edmonton, Alberta made a move after carding a -6 (66). Since last September I’ve talked about Wil Bateman a lot. He won both the Fortinet Cup Championship and the Fortinet Cup last year (PGA TOUR Canada’s highest honours) while earning a Korn Ferry Tour exemption. Meanwhile, Adam Hadwin and Roger Sloan both find themselves in the Top-20.

Taylor Pendrith, Stuart Macdonald, Nick Taylor, and Mike Weir did his best to – in the words of Cher – turn back time. He, too, made the cut. 

And finally… I’m all for the fans having fun at golf tournaments. I love the 16th at the Waste Management and “The Rink” is the epitome of a good time. But please, for the love of all things right enough with yelling out things like “mashed potatoes” or as is the case this week “poutine” or “maple syrup”.

Until The Next Tee!!

#fightandgrind #seeuonthenexttee