The PGA Tour heads north to Caledon, Ontario this week for the 2026 RBC Canadian Open, teeing off Thursday at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley. The tournament carries a $9.8 million purse and sits in a challenging spot on the calendar, arriving one week before the U.S. Open. Four top-10 players in the OWGR (Matt Fitzpatrick, Tommy Fleetwood, Justin Rose and Collin Morikawa) headline the field, alongside defending champion Ryan Fox.

TPC Toronto's Demanding Test

TPC Toronto plays as a demanding 7,389-yard Par 70, and the course proved its teeth during its debut as tournament host last year. The North Course underwent an extensive renovation by architect Ian Andrew finalized in 2024, transforming it into a venue capable of hosting championship golf. Four of the 12 Par 4s stretch over 500 yards, demanding both power and precision throughout the round.

While the wide fairways allow a bombs away approach off the tee, strategically placed greenside bunkers still penalize the wrong angle of attack. The green complexes are the real defense. Approach play determines outcomes here, and the length forces players to hit long irons into undulating surfaces. Ryan Fox won the 2025 edition, ranking second in strokes gained tee-to-green, sixth on approach, and 16th in putting. The formula is clear: ball striking sets the table, but converting birdie opportunities separates contenders from also-rans.

Tommy Fleetwood Returns With Unfinished Business

Fleetwood and Fitzpatrick are the co-favorites in the 2026 RBC Canadian Open odds at +1200, and Fleetwood brings a complicated history to this venue. The Englishman captured the FedExCup at the 2025 TOUR Championship, his first PGA Tour win after years of close calls. Fleetwood has gained strokes across the board and ranks sixth in bogey avoidance and 21st in adjusted scoring average this season. His consistency positions him well for a course that punishes mistakes. At world No. 7, he's playing with confidence built over a strong 2026 campaign. His iron play should fit TPC Toronto's premium on approach work.

Collin Morikawa's Precision Play

Morikawa is priced at +2500, and he represents value for a player of his caliber. This season, Morikawa won the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro Am in February and has three top-fives and five top-10s in nine events. He won at Pebble Beach in February, beginning a span of five straight tournaments where he finished T7 or better. Morikawa will be competing in his second RBC Canadian Open after finishing T14 in 2019. His approach game remains among the best on tour, and TPC Toronto's demand for accurate long iron play fits his profile perfectly. The two-time major champion looks ready to contend after his strong spring stretch.

Sam Burns and the Playoff Rematch

Sam Burns lost this event in a playoff last year, falling to Fox after both finished at 18-under. That near-miss gives Burns course knowledge and motivation, though he only has three top-10 finishes all season and has finished outside the top 15 in four of his past five events. His ball-striking has been inconsistent entering this week. Still, Burns' putting ability remains elite, and on a course where hot flatstick work can make the difference, he can't be dismissed. The question is whether his approach game has enough sharpness to keep pace with the field's top iron players.

Matt Fitzpatrick's Hot Streak

At world No. 4, Fitzpatrick has already collected three victories in 2026 (the Valspar Championship, RBC Heritage and Zurich Classic). Fitzpatrick has yet to miss a cut in 12 starts this season and has already earned more than $10 million in prize money. That consistency and form make him a legitimate favorite. He's striking the ball well, converting chances, and carrying confidence into a course that rewards precision. The co-favorite status looks justified.

Pool Strategy for This Week

TPC Toronto's length and approach demands create opportunity for pool players willing to bet on elite iron players over big names. Target players who rank inside the top 30 in strokes gained approach in recent starts and who have shown comfort on demanding par 70 layouts. Avoid leaning too heavily on putting specialists this week. The course's green complexity rewards approach proximity more than scrambling magic. Consider fading players coming off the Memorial's bentgrass greens adjusting to TPC Toronto's surfaces, and prioritize those with previous rounds here or similar venue experience. Playoff odds are higher on a par 70 where red numbers bunch the leaderboard.

Make Your Picks

The RBC Canadian Open offers compelling value for pool players. With top names skipping the week ahead of the U.S. Open, the field is concentrated but winnable for multiple profiles. TPC Toronto's design and the $9.8 million purse ensure quality golf without overwhelming star power. Ready to lock in your picks? Head to our RBC Canadian Open pool page to see full odds and player breakdowns, then log in to create your pool and get your group involved before Thursday's first tee time.