CALEDON, Ont. — The 114th RBC Canadian Open makes its debut on the TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley course this week, presenting unique challenges for this year’s field.

At 7,389 total yards and a par 70, strategic decisions on the North Course are paramount for success, say those who have played it.

Following 2023 renovations, even golfers who are historically familiar with the venue are noting new troubled spots.

“I think they’ve added a lot of length to the course,” said Canadian Taylor Pendrith, during Wednesday’s press conference. “Where some of the holes, like 9, for example, used to be a 3-iron and a wedge up the hill, now you’ve got to hit (the) driver.

“And if you can fly the bunker you might have a wedge if it’s downwind. But it’s a totally different hole now.”

Those changes have transformed numerous holes into new challenges that require players to adapt their tournament plans.

Another facet of the game that makes TPC Toronto tough is the unpredictable wind conditions, which can amplify the difficulty of the course’s undulating greens and demand precise shot-making to avoid costly mistakes.

“The greens are really pure, poa annua greens, got some speed to them, and I think today is going to be really windy so I expect them to get a little bit quicker, but I’m excited for the week,” said Pendrith.

Two-time Canadian Open winner and 2025 Masters champion Rory McIlroy echoed Pendrith’s words.

“The greens are tricky, undulating, (and you) really got to hit it into the right sections,” said McIlroy, after wrapping up Wednesday’s pro-am round. “I think it could be a good test by the end of the week if there’s no rain and it firms up a little bit and they can tuck the pins away.”

While distance and green angulation are spots that could prove difficult, players also noted some aspects that could play to their advantage.

The North Course has many holes with wide, soft, and forgiving fairways. Players noted that this presents opportunities players can use to get an upper hand, but caution must still be taken.

“A little bit of room off the tee, the fairways are quite generous, but if you miss them, the rough is pretty penal,” said the Masters champion.

Pendrith, who finished 12th at this past week’s Memorial Tournament, appreciates the conditions he’s been seeing from the short stuff.

“I enjoy it when it is soft because it makes the fairways bigger and I can carry the ball pretty far, so that is an advantage for me,” said the Richmond Hill native.