It appears as though everyone except Tiger Woods is coming to the RBC Canadian Open this summer at Glen Abbey.
The RCGA confirmed Monday that The Eagles, Tom Cochrane, 54-40, Blue Rodeo, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal will all be there. Actually that's a bit misleading. The Eagles happen to be playing two concerts at the Air Canada Centre during Open week, and it’s expected that Federer and Nadal will be at the Rexall Centre for the Rogers Cup which happens to be in town the same week as well.
But the RCGA can take credit for bringing in Blue Rodeo, 54-40 and Tom Cochrane as performers on the grounds of the Open at Glen Abbey on the Thursday, Friday and Saturday of tournament week.
Together with its major sponsors, the RCGA has come up with what they're calling a "full week" concept as part of their five-year plan to ramp up the prestige of our National Championship. There will be parties and events both in downtown Toronto and at Glen Abbey all week. They also realize they have to bring some added value to the event to convince players and their families that this is a must-attend tournament on the PGA calendar.
That's where the Eagles and the Rogers Cup fit in. You can bet a request for tickets won't be denied. Improved programs for players’ families and caddys are all part of the scheme. In other words, do whatever it takes to get them here. So far it’s worked for the likes of Retief Goosen, Sean O'Hair, Fred Couples, Mark Calcavecchi and Boo Weekley who have all confirmed. As defending champion, Jim Furyk would have returned regardless.
There's only two things they can't control: The awkward date right after the British Open and Tiger Woods not coming. But they've got just about everything else well in hand.
