Canadian Open Talk...by JungleJ

[JungleJ]

How come the Canadian Open, one of the most historic events on the Tour, doesn't get its own thread?

I guess this is it...

Mike Weir is tied for the lead in his national Open, alongside Eric Axley whose name crops up more and more often, and the rising star Anthony Kim. They all shot 65. Several players didn't finish their first round.

It would be huge in Canada if the Tiger Slayer could win this event. But can he?

[Shelby]

Who is the Tiger Slayer?

[JungleJ]

Originally Posted by Shelby

Who is the Tiger Slayer?

Old GRW joke - Mike Weir beat Tiger in the President's Cup in Montreal last year, so now he is called the Tiger Slayer

[droogy33]

Originally Posted by JungleJ

How come the Canadian Open, one of the most historic events on the tour, doesn't get its own thread?

Well, JJ, it's kind of like this: If Tiger isn't playing in a tournament, most folks here at GRW are uninterested.

And, if Tiger isn't playing the TOUR, the entire season is virtually meaningless.

I know, it seems a little strange. But that's reality.

[Leaguegolf]

Tiger or no Tiger, the Canadian Open hasn't been an elite tour stop in decades. That being said, thank you JungleJ for starting the thread.

No Tiger and no Wie? Maybe Super Mike can save the day.

[Wazmankg]

26 year old rookie Chez Reavie is tearing it up so far. -13 at the halfway point. His only career top 25 was a T-5 at The Hope. It could be fun to see how he holds up this weekend. He's 2 up on Eric Axely. The few top players playing this week, including Anthony Kim, have fallen off the pace. Mike Wier is still within striking distance at -6. Quite a few players haven't finished round 2 though.

[JimSomebody]

I'm rooting for Mikey to become the first Canadian since Pat Fletcher in 1954 to win the Canadian Open. Nicklaus never won this thing, BTW. Competed in it 27 times, finished second 7 times... but never won it. Maybe Mike can become a Bear Slayer, too!

[droogy33]

Looks like Chez is beginning to take his foot off the pedal a little, with the bright light, Anthony Kim, beginning to make a nice move. As I type, AK has an 8-ft. birdie putt at the par 5 13th, to pull to within one stroke of the lead...and he makes it.

Chez Reavie is now fully aware of his position, and his opportunity. I suspect he'll kind of struggle for the remainder of the tournament.

That sets up a very nice Sunday, though. Some decent names on that leaderboard, led by the game's newest star, Anthony Kim. A third victory would be huge.

[Wazmankg]

Originally Posted by droogy33

That sets up a very nice Sunday, though. Some decent names on that leaderboard, led by the game's newest star, Anthony Kim. A third victory would be huge.

It sure would. I counted him out while watching some of the replay last night. He started by hitting his 1st drive OB and went out in 40. He was about 12 back at one point yesterday. I guess he finished his 2nd round this morning birdie, birdie, eagle for a smooth 40/29 - 69. He has it going again today -6 through 16. I guess they aren't going to finish round 3 today. I think he'll be tough to stop tomorrow. This is uncharted territory for Reavie.

[Frank-0-Sport]

Greetings ....

Well, now that we are discussing the Canadian Open, perhaps admin can change this thread's title "How Come" to "Canadian Open (Spoilers Possible)"

Thanx-A-Lot, Frank-0-Sport

[Wazmankg]

Originally Posted by Frank-0-Sport

Greetings ....

Well, now that we are discussing the Canadian Open, perhaps admin can change this thread's title "How Come" to "Canadian Open (Spoilers Possible)"

Thanx-A-Lot, Frank-0-Sport

Good idea Frank. Well Kim has a share of the lead through 3 rounds as he birdied 18 while Reavie bogied 16. Reavie will finish up 17 & 18 tomorrow. He has only 1 par on the back (3 birdies & 3 bogies). I'll be amazed if he hangs on to win, but just a good check would help his cause immensely.

[droogy33]

One thing which continues to baffle me is why the RCGA insists on bringing the nation's national championship to Glen Abbey so often.

There are many much greater courses in Canada, and wouldn't you want your national championship to kind of move around a little?

This old championship also has, IMO, too much a PGA TOUR feel to it, instead of emphasizing Canadian golf.

[JungleJ]

I think many would agree droogy33. The events at Hamilton CC and Shuaghnessy got good reviews from the player. Glen Abbey is no longer the premier venue for this sort of thing. However it still has several prime advantages - Eastern time zone, proximity to the huge Toronto golfing and corporate market, and it WAS designed by Jack to cope with large galleries.

It's at Glen Abbey next year and St George's (a classic and exclusive course near Toronto) but some of the players are worried about St George's coping with the crowds and the heavy traffic on some parts of the course.

RBC, the new sponsor, might have an interest in keeping the event near Toronto?

[droogy33]

I can just imagine a recuperating Tiger Woods, at home on his sofa, watching the final round of the Canadian Open, and seeing his young friend, Anthony Kim wearing a red Nike shirt, saying "If you're gonna wear red, you gotta get it done, dude."

[JimSomebody]

Wow... great approach shot by Chez at the 17th hole. Looks like he's holding up under the pressure.

[JimSomebody]

Misses the birdie putt but takes a 2-shot lead to 18.

[JimSomebody]

Nice approach to 18 green. Game over. Congrats, Chez Reavie!

[Butter Knife Guy]

And he drops the birdie putt to cap it all off. Nice finish by Reavie.

[droogy33]

Great victory for William Chesney Reavie. You would've never known this was the first time Chez has contended for a TOUR victory. He was so calm, cool and focused all day.

From a professional standpoint, this victory just turns Chez' whole career around. He now has a two-year exemption, and he qualifies not only for next week's WGC event at Firestone, but he's now in the field for the PGA Championship.

Anthony Kim just couldn't find the right gear today. But he continues to play solid golf, and I have to think he'll be a factor at both Firestone and Oakland Hills.

Also, good weeks from Mike Weir, Jim Furyk and Sean O'Hair. Jim is beginning to show the consistency we have come to expect. He has always played well at Firestone, so watch out for him there.

[Bolt Fore]

Originally Posted by droogy33

Great victory for William Chesney Reavie. You would've never known this was the first time Chez has contended for a TOUR victory. He was so calm, cool and focused all day.

From a professional standpoint, this victory just turns Chez' whole career around. He now has a two-year exemption, and he qualifies not only for next week's WGC event at Firestone, but he's now in the field for the PGA Championship.

Anthony Kim just couldn't find the right gear today. But he continues to play solid golf, and I have to think he'll be a factor at both Firestone and Oakland Hills.

Also, good weeks from Mike Weir, Jim Furyk and Sean O'Hair. Jim is beginning to show the consistency we have come to expect. He has always played well at Firestone, so watch out for him there.

Chez is also in the Masters