The PGA Tour ventures up to Ontario this week for the 113th edition of the RBC Canadian Open at Hamilton Golf Club. Two-time champion Rory McIlroy headlines the 156-person field in Ancaster.

Last year's event at Oakdale in Toronto was initially overshadowed by the surprise framework agreement between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf. It ended up producing arguably the most entertaining finish of the season.

On the third playoff hole, Winnipeg native Nick Taylor denied Tommy Fleetwood of his long-awaited first tour victory with a 72-foot eagle putt.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wpu0X9XWrt8

 

The PGA Tour can only dream of a repeat in excitement — but maybe without the unhinged security measures. It can get a bit rowdy up there.

The winner of the non-Signature event will earn $1.7 million of the $9.4 million purse and 500 FedEx Cup points. More importantly, they'll get a confidence boost heading into a Signature event (the Memorial) followed by the U.S. Open at Pinehurst (June 13).

Davis Riley, winner of this past week's Charles Schwab Challenge at Colonial, is in the field. McIlroy (+360 on FanDuel) is the heavy favorite.

Here are three storylines heading into PGA Tour's excursion to the north.

RBC Canadian Open preview

3. Canadian representation

Taylor became the first Canadian to win the event 69 years. Can the Canucks go back-to-back?

Taylor is the highest ranked Canadian in the field (no. 30), but he has just one top 10 since winning the WM Phoenix Open. Corey Conners hasn't contended on the PGA Tou in 2024, but his ball-striking should behoove him in Ancaster.

Mackenzie Hughes (no. 68), a Hamilton native, is fighting for a spot on Team Canada for the Paris Olympics. Adam Svensson, Taylor Pendrith, and Adam Hadwin are regular top-25s, too.

International team spots for the 2024 Presidents Cup (being played in Montreal) could be on the line, too.

2. Course reno

Like Colonial, Hamilton has undergone a full-scale renovation since it last hosted a PGA Tour tournament.

The celebrated 2023 update of the short par 70 course emphasized ball-striking and optionality. There are par-3s and par-4s of all distances. Contenders will need to be sharp with their irons on approach.

The course still features “The Rink” — a hockey-themed party hole at the par-3 14th.

1. Rory McIlroy is back

McIlroy didn't just win the last time this event was at Hamilton — he rolled by seven strokes thanks to a final-round 61 (that included two bogeys!). He also won the 2022 RBC at St. George's.

McIlroy, one of four top-20 players in the field, hasn't teed it up since an underwhelming result (T12) at the PGA Championship encircled by off-course drama.

Entering Valhalla, Rory had won consecutive PGA Tour events — the Zurich Classic of New Orleans and Wells Fargo Championship — on the back of strong iron play and tee-to-green work.

After a whirlwind few weeks, where will McIlroy's game be as the next major approaches?

My pick: Alex Noren. The Swede has eight straight top-25s and hasn't missed a cut this season. He's due.