St. George's to host 2010 RBC Canadian Open

The RBC Canadian Open is returning to St. George's Golf and Country Club after more than 40 years.

For the first time in more than 40 years, the historic St. George's Golf and Country Club in Toronto will host the Canadian Open golf championship.

The Royal Canadian Golf Association announced Thursday that the venerable Toronto club, which annually ranks as one of Canada's best courses, will host the 2010 event.

St, George's has hosted four Canadian Opens, but none since 1968. The championship's return to the course represents the next step in the RCGA's commitment to making the RBC Canadian Open a "best in class" event on the PGA Tour, the association said.

"We are tremendously excited about bringing the RBC Canadian Open to St. George's," said Scott Simmons, CEO of the RCGA. "Time and time again we hear that the quality of the golf course is of utmost importance to PGA Tour players. There are few courses in the world as fine as St. George's and I'm delighted the membership has agreed to host the championship in 2010."

Designed by famed course architect Stanley Thompson, St. George's opened in 1929 under the name the Royal York Golf Club. It was planned as a weekend retreat for clients of the Royal York Hotel.

In 1946, it left the Royal York connection behind and was renamed St. George's Golf and Country Club. The club is consistently rated in the top three in Canada and the top 100 in the world.

St. George's has hosted Canadian Opens in 1933, won by Joe Kirkwood, in 1949, won by Dutch Harrison, in 1960, won by Art Wall Jr., and 1968, won by Bob Charles.

The Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Ont., is the site of the 2008 and 2009 Canadian Opens. This year's event runs from July 24 to 27.

From: Canwest News Service 2008