DeLaet sports Canadian colours
Waving the flag just was not good enough for Graham DeLaet.
The Weyburn, Sask., native pretty much wore it during Thursday’s opening round at the RBC Canadian Open, with a white-shirt, red-pants ensemble.
“You know there was a couple people that were saying, ‘Go Canada,’ ” said DeLaet, who finished with an even-par 70. “I felt a lot of support out there, it was great. Hopefully I can play well enough (Friday) and get into contention and be there Sunday afternoon.”
Wilson makes most of chance
Dean Wilson arrived in Toronto has alternate for the RBC Canadian Open, and ended Day 1 tied for fourth after a 5-under 65.
The 40-year-old Hawaii native has just one PGA Tour title to his name — the 2006 International — but figures it is a little more enduring than others.
“I won it, and then it was cancelled,” Wilson said. “I’m the all-time reigning champion.”
Hot start for Taylor
Canadian amateur Nick Taylor had a quick start at the RBC Canadian Open.
The 22-year-old from Abbotsford, B.C., holed a lob wedge from 115 yards for an eagle on the par-four first hole.
“There were some people there and they went crazy,” said Taylor, who finished at 1-over 71. “It was pretty cool to start a tournament like that.”
St. George’s saves best for last
The par-five 11th was the easiest hole of the first round at the RBC Canadian Open, yielding eight eagles and 78 birdies for a cumulative total more than half a stroke below par. The par-five ninth was next, with six eagles and 75 birdies.
St. George’s 471-yard, par-four finishing hole played tough, with only eight players making birdie. There were 101 pars, 44 bogeys and three double-bogeys on No. 18. Just five players made it around St. George’s with bogey-free rounds: Wilson, Stephen Ames, Greg Chalmers, Tim Clark and Ryan Palmer.
