McIlroy Backs RBC Canadian Open Amid Uncertainty

PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp is scheduled to announce a new tournament structure at the Travelers Championship, introducing “Track 1” and “Track 2” schedules by 2028. Rory McIlroy has stated the RBC Canadian Open should not be relegated to the lower-tier Track 2, which he described as a “glorified Korn Ferry (Tour) event.”

How will the PGA Tour’s new “Track” system work?

The proposed structure will divide events into two tiers to determine where top players compete. Track 1 is likely to feature at least 18 tournaments, along with the majors and The Players, boasting the top 120-or-so players on the Tour.

Track 2 events will be open to all other players. According to the proposed model, golfers competing in Track 2 can earn their way onto the Track 1 circuit for the following year.

Did You Know? The Canadian Open is the third oldest event on the PGA Tour schedule, trailing only the U.S. Open and the Open Championship.

Why is the RBC Canadian Open’s status under debate?

Rory McIlroy, a two-time winner of the event, argued the tournament’s significance warrants a top-tier spot. While McIlroy skipped the most recent event at TPC Toronto for family time and U.S. Open preparation, he emphasized the tournament’s importance.

The debate centers on the “best product” versus traditional access. According to McIlroy, the current shift toward cutting fields and increasing prize funds was a reaction to LIV Golf creating a “false economy.” He noted that the Tour’s structure before LIV was “actually pretty good.”

What happens to Canadian players if the event moves to Track 1?

A move to Track 1 could significantly reduce the number of local competitors. Last week, more than 20 Canadians played via sponsor invites or cross-country qualifiers, but those paths would be nearly eliminated under a Track 1 model.

Rory McIlroy | Every shot from his win at RBC Canadian Open | 2022

Nick Taylor, the 2023 champion, said the potential loss of Canadian players “would certainly suck.” The Canadian contingent could be trimmed by more than 80 percent, though the field would then include almost all the Tour’s biggest names.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that the Tour faces a critical trade-off between global star power and regional growth. By prioritizing a Track 1 “elite” field, the Tour may maximize broadcast value but risk alienating the local talent and fanbases that sustain historic opens.

How could sponsorship costs impact the tournament’s future?

Financial requirements may dictate the event’s tier, as rumored costs for a Track 1 sponsorship are upwards of $30 million. RBC already sponsors the RBC Heritage, making it one of only two sponsors on the calendar with two events, alongside Genesis.

RBC renewed multi-year sponsorships for both the Heritage and the Canadian Open last August. However, the company may need to acquire partners to share the financial load of two Track 1 events, similar to how The Players Championship uses partners like Morgan Stanley, Comcast Business, and Optum.

The Canadian Open will return to TPC Toronto in 2027. The 2026 edition was won by Bud Cauley, with attendance exceeding 134,000 fans.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Track 1 and Track 2?
Track 1 will likely consist of 18+ tournaments for the top 120 players, while Track 2 serves as a tier where other players compete to earn a spot on the Track 1 circuit the following year.

Who won the most recent Canadian Open mentioned?
Bud Cauley won the 2026 edition of the Canadian Open.

What is the estimated cost for a Track 1 sponsorship?
The rumored cost for a sponsor to maintain a Track 1 event is upwards of $30 million.

Do you think the PGA Tour should prioritize the world’s top 120 players or maintain open qualifying for local athletes?