JASON Day bogeyed holes 8 and 9 but roared back with three consecutive birdies across the three final holes on July 26 to capture the 2015 Canadian Open golf championship.
Throughout the tournament, the Canadian crowd at Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Ontario, demonstrated an affection for the Filipino-Australian.
Entering the final round of competition, Day was tied for second with Bubba Watson behind leader David Hearn of Brantford, Ontario.
Watson tallied eight birdies, including four straight across holes 15 to 18. Despite a runner-up finish at 16-under, Watson remained positive on his return to the Canadian Open.
“I’ve never felt so much at home, and I’m not even from Canada,” Day said. “True golf fans, they understand what a good shot is and what a bad shot is.
“It was just amazing to play in front of the crowd that we had out there this week. Some of the nicest people you’ve ever met. It’s amazing.
“For this to be the third oldest tournament, and to come off what happened last week and be able to get the putt to the hole this time and come out as a winner, it just feels fantastic.”
The 28-year-old narrowly missed out on a playoff for The British Open championship the week before making the trip to his third RBC Canadian Open appearance.
“I take confidence from this. I take pride that I fought back with the birdies,” he said.
“I think Canada and the crowd were treating me just as fair as David (Hearn). Since my wife’s Canadian, I still have a little positivity going my way.”
The Day victory ends David Hearn’s bid to become the RBC Canadian Open’s first Canadian champion in 61 years.
Hearn became the first Canadian to hold a 54-hole lead at the RBC Canadian Open since Mike Weir in 2004.
Despite coming up just short in his 13th bid for Canada’s National Open Championship, he reflects on the experience with pride and appreciation.
The champion now sets his sights on the 2016 RBC Canadian Open.
“I’m looking forward to coming back and defending the title here next year because I know when I get here, it’s going to be the same,” Days said. “It’s great to feel like a Canadian for a week. They did a good job out there and I’m so glad to play in front of them.”
The RBC Canadian Open will return to Glen Abbey Golf Club for a record 28th time to build upon the continued partnership and legacy between the storied club and Canada’s National Open Championship.
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PICTURE: At the top left, pumped-up Jason Day after sinking birdies at the 2015 Canadian Open golf championship. Lower right, Day with his 2015 Canadian Open Cup.
