CALEDON, Ont. – The 114th Canadian Open returns this weekend, to TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley, with a very loaded field and excitement among many. 

Headlined by 2025 Masters champion and two-time Canadian Open winner Rory McIlroy, and many Canadians, this is shaping up to be a memorable weekend for Canadian golf fans who are swarming the Caledon area, northwest of Toronto. 

Five of the top-20 ranked golfers have made their way north to Canada to showcase the talents that make them fan favourites. 

Among these five are McIlroy, Ludvig Åberg, Shane Lowry, Justin Rose and reigning champion Robert MacIntrye. 

A heavy European contingent is present which McIlroy contributed to having the Canadian Open a week before the US Open.

“I think a lot of the European guys like to play a week before a major,” said the world number two-ranked golfer, at a Wednesday presser in the media centre. “I think for the most part it’s become a very good tournament, and I think because of that you see guys playing each and every year.” 

During McIlroy’s press conference (after wrapping up his pro-am nine hole round) he was quick to touch on how much appreciation he and others have for the only PGA tournament hosted in Canada. 

“Playing in front of the Canadian fans and everything that goes along with the enthusiasm … I think that atmosphere is really appreciated by the players that get to play in front of the fans.” 

The tournament will have 24 players representing the maple leaf when they tee off Thursday. 

Among the headliners are the 21st-ranked Corey Conners, the 32nd-ranked and 2023 Champion Nick Taylor (fourth at the Memorial last week), and Taylor Pendrith (ranked 36th). All have aspirations of claiming victory this weekend. 

Pendrith is coming in on a hot streak having finished tied for 12th last weekend at the Memorial Tournament and placing tied for 5th at the PGA Championship down at Quail Hollow. 

This weekend gives him a shot to continue on the good run he feels he has been on.

“I feel like I’ve been playing really nice golf the last couple months,” said the Canadian. 

The impact of this tournament is not lost on the Richmond Hill native, who knows the importance that this weekend holds on his fellow Canadians. 

“It’s an event that we Canadians really look forward to. It’s a big week for us. It’s a really important week for us. To see what it’s become is amazing.”