Canadian Open: Top 10 power rankings at Hamilton G&CC

The RBC Canadian Open settles into its new pre-U.S. Open spot as it heads to Hamilton G&CC for the first time since 2012

It’s national open season. This week brings the RBC Canadian Open followed by next week’s U.S. Open. Over on the European Tour, a bunch of national opens will be held on continental Europe in the run-up to the Open Championship in July.

The Canadian Open has recently been held the week after the Open Championship, which has took a toll on the field quality. It’s now seen an uptick in top talent as it caters to golfers who prefer to get reps in the week before a major. Players will still have to make the cross-continent flight to get to Pebble Beach, but heading west is preferable to heading east.

Along with its new spot on the schedule, the Canadian Open returns to Hamilton Golf and Country Club for the first time since 2012. It also hosted in 1919, 1930, 2003 and 2006.

Hamilton has removed nearly 1,000 trees to return closer to how it looked when the Harry Colt design opened in 1914. That is the big change since 2012 along with some bunkering improvements.

The course is relatively short at 6,966 yards for a par 70. There are 87 bunkers and greens run relatively slow around 11 on the Stimpmeter.

The fairways are relatively narrow and accuracy is important, though I imagine bombers will still be OK here.

The early weather forecast shows dry conditions, at least during tournament days, with little to no wind and temperatures topping in the low 70s.

Par-4 scoring, scrambling, driving accuracy and strokes gained approach are among some of my key stats to watch this week.

Winning score was 17-under in 2012 at Hamilton and with a slightly stronger field this time around, don’t be surprised if 20-under gets it done.

Let’s take a look at who shapes up to get it done north of the border.