In a historic moment for Canadian golf, Nick Taylor’s incredible 72-foot eagle putt on the fourth playoff hole at the RBC Canadian Open has been crowned as the Shot of the Year for 2023. The tournament, held at Toronto’s Oakdale Golf and Country Club, marked the end of a 69-year drought for a Canadian golfer winning their national open.
The magical putt, affectionately known as “The Putt,” took place amidst a steady rain, adding to the drama of the moment. CBS’s Jim Nantz, in his TV commentary, eloquently described it as “glorious and free.”
Adam Hadwin, kneeling greenside and holding a bottle of champagne, couldn’t contain his excitement as he shouted, “Do it, Do it, DO IT!” while Taylor’s ball inched closer to the hole. And it did just that, resulting in a moment of pure jubilation.
The significance of the putt was not lost on the commentators and spectators alike. Mark Zecchino, calling the action on Sirius/XM’s PGA Tour Network, couldn’t contain his excitement, repeating, “The drought is over, the drought is over…History! History!”
After sinking the putt, Taylor celebrated with his caddie, Dave Markle, who also happened to be a former teammate on Canada’s amateur team. The victory was made even more memorable when Taylor witnessed his friend, Hadwin, getting tackled by a security guard as he attempted to spray Taylor with champagne, creating a viral moment of camaraderie.
Joining in the celebration were fellow Canadian players Mike Weir and Corey Conners, who rushed onto the green to congratulate Taylor. The crowd, which had been fervently supporting Taylor throughout the tournament, was so loud that CBS’s Amanda Renner had to delay the post-round interview due to the overwhelming cheers.
This triumph was not just for Taylor, but for all the Canadian golfers who had come before him. The last player from Canada to win the Canadian Open was Pat Fletcher in 1954 at Point Grey in Vancouver. Taylor’s victory broke the curse, becoming a historic moment for Canadian golf.
Reflecting on his win, Taylor expressed his gratitude to his fellow players and his family, stating, “This is for all the guys that are here. This is for my family at home. This is the most incredible feeling.”
From Hopes of Making the Cut to RBC Canadian Open Champion
Taylor’s journey to victory was not without its challenges. After shooting a disappointing 75 in the opening round, he was unsure if he would even make the cut. However, a pep talk from his wife Andie, who was tending to their newborn daughter Harper back home, inspired him to rally.
With determination and skill, Taylor shot a remarkable 67 on Friday, narrowly making the cut. He continued his impressive performance, shooting a course-record 9-under 63 on Saturday to position himself just three shots behind the leader going into the final round.
Starting the final round with a three-shot lead after five birdies in his first ten holes, Taylor encountered a few challenges on the back nine. However, he remained composed and drained an 11-foot birdie putt on the 18th hole to secure a 6-under 66 and finish at 17-under 271.
The playoff against Tommy Fleetwood proved to be just as intense. Each player traded birdies on their first attempt at the par-5 18th hole. On their second try, both players parred 18 and the par-3 ninth hole. Finally, on their third visit to the 18th hole, Taylor sealed his victory with a sensational uphill eagle putt that hit the flagstick and dropped into the hole.
His remarkable performance in the playoff further solidified Taylor’s position as the deserving winner of the RBC Canadian Open.
A Sporting Moment That Will Last a Lifetime
Taylor’s victory has etched his name into Canadian sports history, joining the ranks of other iconic moments such as Sidney Crosby’s golden goal, Joe Carter’s World Series-winning home run, and Donovan Bailey’s 100-meter Olympic gold medal.
The impact of Taylor’s win was so significant that the RBC Canadian Open even redesigned its logo to commemorate this historic achievement.
True to his down-to-earth nature, Taylor remains humble and appreciative of the overwhelming support he has received from the Canadian crowd. He has already started to experience the effects of his newfound fame, with fans recognizing him and buying him drinks at the U.S. Open in Los Angeles.
Overall, Taylor’s incredible 72-foot eagle putt at the RBC Canadian Open will forever be remembered as a defining moment in Canadian golf history. It exemplifies the passion, skill, and perseverance that Canadian golfers bring to the sport, and it will continue to inspire generations to come.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Who won the Shot of the Year at the RBC Canadian Open?
Nick Taylor’s 72-foot eagle putt on the fourth playoff hole won the Shot of the Year at the RBC Canadian Open 2023.
How long was Nick Taylor’s winning putt?
Nick Taylor’s winning putt was an incredible 72-feet long, securing his victory at the RBC Canadian Open.
Who was the last Canadian to win the Canadian Open?
The last Canadian to win the Canadian Open before Nick Taylor was Pat Fletcher in 1954 at Point Grey in Vancouver.
How did Nick Taylor’s victory break a 69-year drought?
Nick Taylor’s victory at the RBC Canadian Open ended the 69-year drought of a Canadian not winning its national open. His impressive performance brought the title back to Canada, sparking immense pride and celebration among Canadian golf fans.
What is the significance of the redesigned RBC Canadian Open logo?
The RBC Canadian Open redesigned its logo to commemorate Nick Taylor’s historic win and the incredible moment of his 72-foot eagle putt. The new logo serves as a lasting reminder of this remarkable achievement in Canadian golf.
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