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Good morning. This is your Happy Valley Golf Team newsletter. Let’s get it!

Here’s what we’ve got for you today:

• New Venue Alert: TPC Toronto’s North Course hosts the Canadian Open for the first time—expect 7,400 yards of drama, driveable par-4s, and “The Rink” par-3 for hockey vibes.

• Homegrown Hope: With 21 Canadians in the field—including Corey Conners and Taylor Pendrith—can the Great White North crown a local champion again?

• Rory’s Return: Two-time champ Rory McIlroy headlines a star-studded but wide-open field, with Scottie Scheffler sitting out and new faces eyeing the $9.8M purse.

• Bet Smarter: Get top picks, longshots, and promo offers from DraftKings, FanDuel, and BetMGM—plus why Taylor Pendrith and Mackenzie Hughes are the value plays this week.

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Unsolicited Golf Tips

Watch: BEST PUTTING DRILL EVER! [Phil Mickelson]

Golf Trivia

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The 2025 RBC Canadian Open Preview

The Great White North gets its golf moment this week, eh?

The PGA Tour crosses the border this week for the 114th RBC Canadian Open at the newly renovated TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley. It's the final tune-up before the U.S. Open. While some stars are sitting this one out, there's plenty of intrigue for those who made the trip.

The Course: New Kid on the Block

TPC Toronto's North Course makes its debut on the big stage after a complete makeover by architect Ian Andrew. The par-70 layout stretches to a hefty 7,400 yards with some serious teeth – four par-4s measuring over 500 yards will separate the bombers from the boys7.

But don't worry, it's not all punishment. The course offers a few driveable par-4s for the risk-takers, and "The Rink" (the tournament's signature hockey-themed par-3 14th) plays a mere 125 yards, practically begging for aces and roaring crowds. Taylor Pendrith already notched one during a charity event last fall, so the precedent is set.

The Storylines: Rory's Return and Canadian Hopes

Rory being Rory: After skipping Memorial, Rory McIlroy returns as the overwhelming favourite. The four-time major champ already has three victories in 2025, including the Masters, and he loves this tournament, having won it twice (2019, 2022). Will he continue his dominance on Canadian soil?

The Scheffler Void: World #1 Scottie Scheffler is sitting this one out after his Memorial win, his third victory in four starts. His absence opens the door for others, but also means the field's star power takes a hit.

O Canada: The home crowd will be pulling for their 21 Canadian competitors3. Keep an eye on world #20 Corey Conners, who has two top-6 finishes in recent Canadian Opens, and Taylor Pendrith, who's riding strong momentum after a solid PGA Championship showing.

The Defending Champ: Robert MacIntyre (2024 winner) returns to defend his title, though at a completely different venue.

💰 Poeches Corner: Betting Breakdown

Outright Winner Market

Taylor Pendrith (+2800)

The Canadian bomber enters with elite recent form: 5th at the PGA Championship and 12th at Memorial, where he led the field in strokes gained: approach. Pendrith’s familiarity with TPC Toronto (played Mackenzie Tour events here) and ranking 4th in driving distance (317.1 yards) make him a perfect fit for this 7,400-yard brute.

Mackenzie Hughes (+4500)

This is our sneaky value pick due to his top-5 field ranking on 200–225-yard par-3s and two top-10s in his last five Canadian Open starts. His elite short game (2nd in strokes gained: around the green) could neutralize TPC Toronto’s tricky green complexes.

Gary Woodland (+7000)

The 2019 U.S. Open winner is quietly resurgent: a runner-up in Houston and 11th at Colonial, fueled by a putting renaissance (1st in SG: putting at both events). Woodland’s power (8th in driving distance) and major-winning pedigree at 70/1 offer tantalizing upside.

Top Finish Markets

Corey Conners Top 10 (+200)

Canada’s highest-ranked player (World No. 20) has two top-6 finishes in this event since 2022 and ranks 12th on Tour in greens in regulation (69.7%). His ball-striking prowess aligns perfectly with TPC Toronto’s emphasis on long-iron accuracy.

Thorbjorn Olesen Top 20 (+250)

The Dane’s all-around consistency (13th in total strokes gained) and recent top-10s in weaker fields make him a savvy play. Olesen thrives on long courses, ranking 29th off the tee and 24th on approach.

Where To Bet It

Draftkings: Bet $5 Get $300 in Bonus Bets If Your Bet Wins!

FanDuel: Bet $5 Get $200 in Bonus Bets If Your Bet Wins!

BetMGM: $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back!

Looking for the best place to place your bet?

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With $9.8 million up for grabs and the U.S. Open looming, expect some serious drama in the Great White North this weekend – even without Scheffler in the field.

News You Need to Know

👉 10 notable pros who failed to advance through U.S. Open final qualifying

👉 ‘Stick’ review: Owen Wilson charms in this golf comedy about grief and growing up

👉 ‘Total gut punch’: Rare scorecard error ends UPS driver’s U.S. Open quest

Golf Courses We Want to Play: Cabot Cliffs

If golf courses had LinkedIn profiles, Cabot Cliffs would list “Professional Heartbreaker” under skills. This 6,835-yard par-72 beast in Nova Scotia’s Cape Breton isn’t just a course—it’s a full-sensory hallucination designed by legends Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw. Imagine hitting approach shots over 200-foot ocean cliffs while Atlantic winds try to steal your ball (and dignity).

Why It’s Worth Maxing Out Your Credit Card

Cabot Cliffs isn’t subtle. Seven holes cling to the ocean like seagulls on a fish truck, including the par-3 16th—a 176-yard adrenaline shot over a cliff that’s equal parts gorgeous and cruel. Golf Digest ranks it #12 globally, which is like being the Beyoncé of golf courses. The layout’s quirky symmetry—three par 3s, 4s, and 5s per nine—keeps your scorecard as unpredictable as a Cape Breton weather app.

Peak-season green fees hit $340 CAD ($249 USD), but locals snag twilight rates as low as $113. Pro tip: Walk the course. Cabot’s walking-only policy means you’ll earn those views—and burn off the lobster poutine from the 19th hole.

Logistics: Getting There Without Losing Your Mind

Fly into Halifax (3.5-hour drive) or Sydney (2 hours), then cruise the Cabot Trail—a coastal road so scenic it’ll make your Instagram followers seethe. Stay at the resort’s cliffside residences (from $635 CAD/night) or downgrade to a lodge room if your stock portfolio’s shaky.

The Verdict

Cabot Cliffs is the golf equivalent of a mic drop. It’s remote, pricey, and humbling—but standing on that 16th tee as the sunset turns the Gulf of St. Lawrence into liquid gold? Priceless. Just don’t blame us when your home course feels like a putt-putt arcade afterward.

Meme of the Week

Thanks for reading!

Enjoy the rest of your week,

Cody.