Question of the week [July 13-19]: How should the PGA Tour treat national opens, such as the Canadian Open and Scottish Open, with its proposed two-tier scheduling system?
The First Call Inbox archives | View
— — — — — — —
Pete Croppo | Bayfield, Ontario, Canada
How we think they will be treated is immaterial. For example, RBC is already sponsoring two events — the RBC Heritage and the RBC Canadian Open. Both of which have been long-term stalwarts of the Tour, but our national open has bounced around like a beer cap in the schedule.
I can't imagine it will be a "designated premier" event in the future. With a limited number of slots available on the Tour, American locations will be a priority and others will be treated like second-class. Remember, Arnold Palmer won his first event in Canada almost 75 years ago, but that and five bucks will buy you a coffee. So much for seniority.
—————
Terry Fraser | Huntsville, AL
I believe every National Open fits into Tier 1 status. While the U.S. Open and Open Championship enjoy an elevated status, the Canadian, Irish, Scottish and Australian Opens deserve to be treated with a high level of respect. The problem remains that there are too many tournaments bunched together, which, to me, lessens the sense of relevance. Figure out a schedule that enhances the integrity of these tournaments rather than placing them at convenient times for American players.
—————
Michael Baillie | Markham, Ontario, Canada
Both should be in the top tier, while still allowing entrants via traditional qualifying.
—————
The First Call invites reader comment. Write to editor Stuart Hall at shall@buffalogroupe.com. If your comment is selected for publication, we will not publish your email address. We reserve the right to edit for clarity and brevity.
Front: A ceremony is performed at the 2023 RBC Canadian Open, held at Oakdale Golf and Country Club in Toronto, Ontario.
Photo: Mateo Villalba | Golffile