We're heading to Canada this week with heavy hearts after the tragic loss of Grayson Murray to suicide during last week's tournament. Many touching tributes have been shared by players and those close to the game. Life can be incredibly tough, even for those who seem to be doing well. Check in on your friends because you never know what they're going through. This puts golf in perspective, reminding us at Fantasy Alarm that it's just a game—one we love and want to excel at, but still just a game.

 

 

 

Moving on to golf, I was surprised Scottie didn’t swoop in on Sunday to take the win from Davis Riley. Instead, Davis pulled it off, earning his first individual tour win with some impressive play in tough conditions. Good for him!

RBC Canadian Open 2024 Tournament

This year, the schedule is a bit different. The Memorial has moved from its usual Memorial Day Weekend slot, and the Canadian Open is a week earlier than usual. We're back at Hamilton Golf and Country Club, where Rory crushed it with a Sunday 61 to win in 2019. While some players might not have much experience here, it should still be a straightforward challenge.

Hamilton Golf & Country Club: Course Breakdown

Hamilton Golf & Country Club, one of Canada’s oldest golf clubs, dates back to the late 1800s. It started as a basic 9-hole course but was transformed by Harry Colt into a top-notch 18-hole layout, perfect for big events like the Canadian Open. The club first hosted the Canadian Open in 1919 and quickly gained a reputation as one of the most challenging and beautiful courses in the country.

In recent years, Hamilton has been a popular spot for the Canadian Open. 2024 marks the 5th time it’s hosted since 2003. After the 2019 tournament, the course underwent a major restoration to bring back its classic features while updating it for modern play.

Even though the course is short by PGA Tour standards—just over 7,000 yards—it’s still a tough challenge. With ten par-4 holes under 450 yards, it’s a big change from longer courses like Quail Hollow. While it’s a bit longer than in 2019, big hitters like Rory McIlroy can still take it apart if they’re accurate.

The course has swapped rough and bunkers around the greens for short grass, which adds difficulty. The par-3s are tough, and the par-5s are easy to reach in two shots for most players. Fairways narrow slightly from 250 to 325 yards, encouraging long hitters to take risks.

Success at Hamilton can come from either long drives or pinpoint accuracy, as shown by past winners. Most approach shots will be from 75-150 yards, so proximity and greens-in-regulation stats are key. Expanded greens and added short grass areas will also test short game skills.

 

 

 

2024 RBC Canadian Open Field

Nick Taylor is back to defend his title at the RBC Canadian Open after his thrilling win last year at Toronto’s Oakdale Golf and Country Club. Taylor, who also grabbed a victory at the WM Phoenix Open this season, is Canada’s top-ranked male golfer. He’ll be joined by fellow Canadian PGA TOUR winners like Taylor Pendrith, Corey Conners, Adam Svensson, Adam Hadwin, and Mackenzie Hughes.

Rory McIlroy is another big name to watch. He’s got a great track record at the Canadian Open, having won it in 2019 and 2022, and he’s already picked up two wins this season. Shane Lowry, who finished T2 in Hamilton in 2019, is also making a return, along with Ryder Cup teammates Tommy Fleetwood, Robert MacIntyre, and Nicolai Højgaard.

Other notable players in the field include Tom Kim, Sahith Theegala, Cam Young, and Sam Burns, with Adam Scott making a rare appearance at the event for the first time since 2003.

At least 25 Canadians will be competing on home turf, led by International Presidents Cup team captain Mike Weir, who’s playing in his 31st RBC Canadian Open. David Hearn, who nearly won in 2015, will be playing his 20th.

This tournament is the last chance for players to earn FedExCup points before the Memorial Tournament. Davis Riley leads the Aon Swing 5 standings after his win at Colonial, followed by Chris Gotterup and Mac Meissner, who have also climbed the ranks with strong recent performances.

 

 

 

PGA Stats To Know: 2024 RBC Canadian Open

Top SG: Off-The-Tee Targets

  • Rory McIlory - 3rd on Tour
  • Cameron Champ - 4th on Tour
  • Kevin Yu - 5th on Tour
  • Keith Mitchell - 7th on Tour
  • Maverick McNealy - 17th on Tour

Top SG: Approach Targets

  • Corey Conners - 2nd on Tour
  • Aaron Rai - 9th on Tour
  • Shane Lowry - 10th on Tour
  • Keith Mitchell - 11th on Tour
  • Greyson Sigg - 12th on Tour

Top SG: Putting Targets

  • Aaron Baddeley - 2nd on Tour
  • Denny McCarthy - 3rd on Tour
  • Sahith Theegala - 4th on Tour
  • Justin Suh - 8th on Tour
  • Matt Kuchar - 12th on Tour

Best Course History

  • Rory McIlory - 2 Wins & a Top 10 (3 of 3 Cuts)
  • Tommy Fleetwood - 2nd & 6th (2 of 2 Cuts)
  • Adam Hadwin - 3 Top 10s & a 12th (6 of last 8 Cuts)
  • Shane Lowry - 2nd & 2 Top 12s (4 of last 4 Cuts)
  • Nick Taylor - A Win & 2 Top 30s (4 of last 4 Cuts)

My Best Bets (24-50 Overall, -11.35 Units)

  • Tommy Fleetwood: Top 10 (+190)
  • Shane Lowry: Top 20 (+120)
  • Adam Hadwin: Top 20 (+210)
  • Robert MacIntyre: Top 20 (+280)

One & Done Play

  • Tommy Fleetwood

 

 

 

PGA DFS Picks: RBC Canadian Open 2024

Top-Price DFS RBC Canadian Open Picks

Rory McIlory ($12,100)

Well, when it comes to Rory McIlroy, it's not just luck or chance. He's got a solid track record, having won at Hamilton last time around. Plus, he's been on fire lately with a win in the past month. I’ve got him rated as the top contender. 

And the cherry on top? He's priced really well compared to others in the mix. So, yeah, to answer your question, expect McIlroy to be the top choice for a lot of folks out there.

Tommy Fleetwood ($10,300)

Keep an eye on Tommy Fleetwood – he nearly clinched victory at the Canadian Open last year, and I've got a hunch he's revving up for another standout performance this time around. This Englishman isn't just any golfer; he's been making waves with his game. 

Fresh off a solid top-30 finish at the PGA Championship, where he showcased his prowess in both long and short game categories, Fleetwood's precision off the tee and his ability to sink crucial putts make him a force to be reckoned with. With his consistent accuracy and recent form, I'm betting he's set to shine bright at Hamilton this week.

Alex Noren ($9,900)

Watch out for Alex Noren – he's making waves for good reason. The guy's a wizard around the greens, leading the pack in strokes gained there over his last 24 rounds. But it's not just his short game that's on point; he's also solid tee-to-green and downright lethal on those mid-range par-4s. 

And check this out: he turned heads with a strong tie for 12th at the PGA Championship and then followed it up with a third-place finish at the Byron Nelson, where he was firing on all cylinders and finished an impressive 21-under. With that kind of form, he's definitely someone to watch closely this week.

 

 

 

Mid-Price DFS RBC Canadian Open Picks

Sam Burns ($9,400)

You know, Sam Burns may have been flying under the radar lately, but there's more to his game than meets the eye. This guy's a five-time PGA Tour champ, and he's quietly been stepping up his performance, despite what the score sheet might say. Sure, he missed the cut at the PGA Championship, but here's the kicker: he was gaining over 2.5 strokes with his approach shots. 

Now, he's heading to a course that's tailor-made for his skill set. Burns isn't just good on the greens; he's one of the best putters in the field within 15 feet. And when it comes to shorter, tactical courses like this one, he's been known to shine. There’s a good chance that he might just remind everyone why he's a force to be reckoned with out there.

Akshay Bhatia ($8,100)

Alright, let's talk about Akshay Bhatia. Now, if you've been following along, you'll know he's had a bit of a rough patch lately with two missed cuts in a row. But hey, there's more to the story. This guy had some serious highs this season, hitting that magical 20-under mark not once, but twice, and even clinching a victory at the Valero. And get this – just a short while later, he's grinding it out and manages a solid tie for 18th at the tricky Harbour Town. 

So, despite the recent setbacks, he's still sitting pretty at number three overall in our books. And it's not just luck – his approach game ranks a solid 14th, he's 29th in Tee-to-Green, and 35th in Putting. With that kind of talent and resilience, I wouldn't be surprised if he turns things around in a big way this time around. Keep an eye on Bhatia – he's definitely one to watch.

Taylor Pendrith ($7,600)

Taylor Pendrith is on fire lately, isn't he? I mean, the guy's already bagged a victory at the CJ Cup, and now he's back in his homeland, Canada. You can bet he's itching to keep that winning streak alive. But here's the kicker – Pendrith's not just riding on luck. 

He's got some serious game, especially on those bentgrass/Poa greens. People might not realize it, but he's quietly one of the best putters on that combo in the field. And let's not forget his recent performance at Detroit Golf Club – a solid second place on a course that's not dissimilar to what he'll face here. With his skills and recent form, I've got high hopes for him this week. Keep an eye on Pendrith – he might just steal the show again.

 

 

 

Value-Price DFS RBC Canadian Open Picks

Ryo Hisatsune ($7,000)

Can we talk about Ryo Hisatsune's rookie season on the PGA Tour? It's been a bit up and down, but he’s been okay, sitting at 90th in the FedExCup Standings, so playoffs wouldn't be on the table if they started today. He hasn't cracked the top 10 yet, but he's had four top-25 finishes, which isn't too shabby. And guess what? Two of those came this month, including at the PGA Championship. 

But here's the thing: his stats suggest he's actually playing better than his scores show. And hey, let's not forget, the guy's just 21. He's still figuring things out, so there's a lot of potential there. Keep an eye on Hisatsune – he's just getting started.

Brice Garnett ($6,100)

How much do you know about Brice Garnett? You might not have him on your radar at $6,100, but he's worth a look. This dude's already bagged a win this year down in Puerto Rico. And let me tell you, he's got some serious skills. He's like a sniper with his drives, hitting fairways like it's second nature. Plus, he just wrapped up a decent 35th place at the PGA Championship, where he was nailing his approach shots, gaining a solid six strokes. 

And don't even get me started on his putting game – it's legit. His best putting performance ever? Happened on greens just like the ones he'll be facing at the Travelers Championship. So, yeah, don't sleep on Garnett – he's got the goods to shake things up this week.

Henrik Norlander ($5,600)

Here’s a name that hasn’t made the playbook in a while, Henrik Norlander. This guy's been flying a bit under the radar, you know? He hasn't been out there every week, just making seven starts, mostly in those smaller tournaments. But hey, don't underestimate him. He's been holding his own, scoring a solid T20 finish at Myrtle Beach and even making the cut at the Byron Nelson. 

But here's the kicker – even with his limited appearances in those less prestigious events, he's ranked 18th on Tour this season in strokes gained: Approach. And get this – he's also sitting pretty in the top 80 for strokes gained: Putting. So, yeah, Norlander might not always be in the spotlight, but he's definitely showing he's got some game.

 

 

Player Pool

$ Tier {{pos.alias}}

Stacks

{{stack.team.name}} {{player.name}}
DraftKings {{player.fantasy.price.value[8]}}-
Fanduel {{player.fantasy.price.value[6]}}-