The RBC Canadian Open Is Losing Its 'Tier 1' Status and Nobody in the Golf World Is Ready For It

Alright, Emerald City! You gotta hear this, even if it ain't on the turf at Lumen or the ice at Climate Pledge. We're talking golf, but trust me, the drama is REAL out on the greens! Seriously, the future of the RBC Canadian Open as a "Tier 1" event is hanging by a thread, with folks already talking about it being downgraded after 2028. Can you even imagine?

The Canadian Open's Identity Crisis is Brewing

Golf Channel's Rex Hoggard was out there at the RBC Canadian Open, even rocking a cage and sweater like he was ready for a Kraken game, which is pretty awesome. He was talking with Canadian golfers Corey Conners and Adam Hadwin about what it would actually mean if their national open stops being a "Tier 1" event from 2028 onwards. This isn't just some small talk, man, this is about the prestige of the tournament itself! Adam Stanley from Sportsnet even jumped in to discuss the Canadian Open's place on the new PGA schedule, and let me tell you, when you start hearing reporters talk about whether a major event will be "Tier 1 or Tier 2 next year," you know there are some serious questions brewing.

Who's Making Noise Elsewhere on the Tour?

Away from the Canadian drama, Nelly Korda is absolutely crushing it, fresh off her U.S. Women's Open win at Riviera. Now she's out here ahead of the Dow Championship in Michigan, unveiling "Team Legally Blonde" on Instagram! She's got Germany's Olivia Cowan teaming up with her at Midland Country Club this week. You love to see athletes having fun with it! On the men's side, Brooks Koepka has been grinding on his putting during the first half of 2026, telling Hoggard he's playing the long game to find a permanent fix. We all know how important that short stick is! Then there's Scottie Scheffler, who Golf Channel's Ryan Lavner says is the top story heading into the 2026 U.S. Open. Forget how tough Shinnecock Hills is supposed to play next week, the real buzz is Scheffler chasing that career Grand Slam. Talk about high stakes! And don't sleep on Tommy Fleetwood, who Damon Hack believes should be the second favorite after Scheffler at Shinnecock, especially after that 63 he dropped there in the 2018 U.S. Open. And a shoutout to Stanford's Kelly Xu, who loves the team vibe of match play events like the Curtis Cup, saying it makes her even more motivated to succeed. That's the spirit, right?

What's Next for the Links?

So, what are we looking forward to out on the greens? We've got the RBC Canadian Open's first round, which is happening RIGHT NOW. Then there's the Dow Championship's first round, and the International Series Morocco. Plus, the Curtis Cup Flag Raising Ceremony is on the docket. It’s all happening, folks! Keep an eye on the Canadian Open to see if they can show why they deserve that top-tier status moving forward. Every shot matters when the future is on the line!

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.