Nick Taylor became the first Canadian golfer to win the National Open in 69 years, hitting a 72-foot eagle putt on the fourth playoff hole to edge Tommy Fleetwood at the RBC Canadian Open on Sunday.
Taylor tossed his putter in the air and ran into his caddy’s arms after making the longest putt of his PGA Tour career. Canadian golfers Mike Weir, Corey Conners and Adam Hadwin ran to congratulate him on the green.
“I have no words. This is for the guys out there. This is for my family back home,” Taylor said with tears in her eyes. “It’s the most amazing feeling.”
The last Canadian player to win the Open was Pat Fletcher in 1954 at Point Gray in Vancouver. But Fletcher was born in England; the last Canadian-born champion was Carl Keffer, who won in 1909 and 1914.
With the crowd rooting for his every move, even chanting “O Canada” to him from the tee box, Taylor birdied 11 feet on the 18th hole for a 17-under 271 finish at Oakdale. After his shot, he stepped back and raised his fist as the ball fell into the hole. On Sunday, he went 66 for six under par.
Fleetwood needed a par-5 birdie to win on the regulation 18 holes, but he missed his shot from the tee, the ball landed awkwardly on the rough grass and he putt twice to win the playoff game at the middle of the round. .rain.
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