In a dazzling display of camaraderie and triumph, the RBC Canadian Open bore witness to an extraordinary moment that defied the skeptics and forever changed the narrative of individualism in golf.
There is no shortage of negative opinions on LIV Golf’s team concept. Golf’s talking heads all have an opinion on how team golf will never take off and be popular. Last Sunday, any naysayer to the team concept was simply proven wrong when the RBC Canadian Open went into a playoff between Nick Taylor and Tommy Fleetwood.
As the playoff unfolded, Taylor found himself with an unexpected team of fellow Canadian players rallying behind him, defying the odds, and captivating the world of golf. The CBS broadcast was continually showing fellow players like Mike Weir, Adam Hadwin and Corey Conners rooting for their fellow countryman. On the other side, Shane Lowrey and Justin Rose were greenside cheering on Fleetwood.
The broadcast team at CBS is always looking for a dramatic story to give the viewer while the tournament is unfolding. And even though this was not a “team” event, that angle was the highlighted. Would it be Taylor and team Canadian winning the Canadian Open. Or Fleetwood and the Englishman stealing the show. Either way, the fans of golf were going to win.
The entire scene had a feel of The Ryder Cup or a LIV team event where all your teammates are surrounding the green and cheering on their mates to help the team take home the title.
And Taylor and Fleetwood made it dramatic. Both had difficult up and downs on the first playoff hole. In fact, it was Fleetwood who drained a clutch 15-foot downhill putt to keep his hopes alive on the first playoff hole.
Chaos Ensued!
Finally on the fourth playoff hole Nick Taylor made the most dramatic shot when he drained a 70-foot eagle putt to win the Canadian Open. When the putt dropped… his fellow Canadian players rushed the green spraying champagne, the crowd went crazy, Adam Hadwin was tackled by security. The place went nuts!
“This is for all the Canadian guys who are here, for my family at home, my wife Andie… This is most incredible feeling ever.”
Nick Taylor
There are no teams on the PGA Tour. The Canadians and Englishmen came out to support their countryman. Just like in LIV Golf, when a player wins, their entire team rushes the green and sprays champagne. This scene is great for everyone involved, the players, fans, and the broadcast.
Nick Taylor’s triumph at the RBC Canadian Open, bolstered by the unprecedented support of his fellow Canadian players, marked a new chapter in golfing history. The event showcased the potential of team golf, challenging the conventional wisdom that golf is purely an individual sport.