2022 RBC Canadian Open: Top 10 Power Rankings at St. George’s

The RBC Canadian Open is one of golf’s most longstanding events. Originating in 1904, the national open has been held annually except during both World Wars and in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Canadian fans will be thrilled to see live golf again. With a growing contingent of golfers repping the maple leaf, it’s important for them and other stars to make an imprint in person.

Speaking of stars, a great field of 156 players is assembled this week at St. George’s Golf and Country Club. Half of the top 10 in the Official World Golf Ranking and 12 of the top 50 are getting reps prior to next week’s U.S. Open.

That’s pretty solid considering the PGA Tour is squaring off for the first time with the Saudi-backed LIV Golf Tour, which is staging it’s debut event this week in London.

Dustin Johnson is the top billing across the pond after breaching his RBC contract at quite an interesting time.

St. George’s is hosting the RBC Canadian Open for the first time since 2010.

Carl Pettersson was the winner here a dozen years ago when he eeked out a one-shot victory at 14-under.

There are a handful of players in this week’s field who have reps here, but this will be a new test for most guys.

St. George’s is in Etobicoke, Toronto, Ontario. It’ll make for an easy trek southeast for those teeing it up in the U.S. Open next week in Massachusetts.

St. George’s is a short venue by PGA Tour standards, measuring 7,025 yards for a par 70. The rough won’t be as gnarly as we’ll see next week at Brookline, but narrow fairways still make driving accuracy one of the top priorities this week.

Strong iron play is another skill that will be put to the test.

Weather for the week shows rain could be possible both in practice rounds and during tournament play. Temperatures expect to be in the 50s-70s Fahrenheit with breezes north of 10 miles per hour possible each day.

If the golf course plays soft, that will benefit the bombers.

After three long years, Canada is ready to take the stage. Let’s dive into the 10 players best equipped to grab the trophy at St. George’s.

Adam Hadwin has quietly been playing some great golf. The Canadian rattled off three top-10s in a row this spring, including T-9th at the Players Championship.

The 34-year-old has made the cut in six of his last seven starts. Hadwin played well last week at the Memorial Tournament where he recovered from a 76 on Thursday to climb to T-18th.

The vibes were high Friday when Hadwin made his first ace as a pro and the third of his life.

Hadwin has been the best hope to end the 50-plus year Canadian drought.

He’s played well at the RBC Canadian Open several times, including as a youngster in 2011 when he earned T-4th.

Hadwin played well in 2019, taking solo sixth.

The former Louisville Cardinal hailing from Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan is also one of few with experience at St. George’s. He posted 68-66-70-71 to finish T-37th in 2010 in his PGA Tour debut.

Hadwin currently ranks 35th on the PGA Tour in total strokes gained (.912) and is 18th in SG around the green (.38). His lack of length shouldn’t be a big issue this week.

Hadwin’s also 12th in sand saves (62.22%).