What Hamilton Golf and Country Club have done to make the course more like a US Open test ahead of Canadian Open

Add as preferred source on Google

The Canadian Open at Hamilton Golf and Country Club is underway, with Rory McIlroy looking to land a hat trick of titles.

Four-time major winner McIlroy previously took the title in 2019 and 2022 and is seeking his third PGA Tour victory of the 2024 season.

After the Northern Irishman’s victory triumph years ago at Hamilton Golf and Country Club, the course underwent a significant renovation, resulting in multiple changes.

With the course playing tougher, this year’s edition could be the perfect preparation for the U.S. Open at Pinehurst No.2.

Hamilton G&CC make U.S. Open-style changes

• READ MORE: Canadian Open 2024: How to Watch, Tee Times, Predictions, Prize Money

Canadian player Matthew Anderson spoke to Golf Talk Canada ahead of the first round and admitted he loves what he’s seen.

“I was out Friday with no one here,” he said. “I was out Sunday and the last couple of days, like Monday and Tuesday, just nine holes every day.”

“I love it. I love the changes. They did a lot with the bunkers. They redid all of them, added bunkers, added some fescue, and made it more U.S. Open style.”

Anderson went on to mention the alterations to the greens, with more ridges now in play.

He added: “They redid all the greens, which used to be more back-to-front and consistent slopes. Now, there are a lot more ridges and fall-offs. A lot more going on.”

Why Rory McIlroy loves the Canadian Open

McIlroy, unsurprisingly, is the favourite to take the title this week and the Northern Irishman has spoken of his admiration for the tournament. “It was my first Canadian Open [in 2019], and I was blown away by the enthusiasm of the fans,” he explained in his press conference.

Looking to remain active ahead of the trip to Pinehurst No.2 is a good move by the 2024 Wells Fargo Championship winner. It’s been far too long since his last major, and, quite frankly, no stone can remain unturned ahead of what will be a challenging test in the year’s third major.

By McIlroy’s standards, his finish at the PGA Championship was sub-par, and an improvement is required come June 13.

Rory, at the top of his game, will be hard to compete with, and the Canadian crowds will be hoping to witness just a taste of what he’s capable of this week.