John Daly and Justin Leonard Confirm Entry into Bell Canadian Open

Tue, 03 Mar 2009 01:42:56

"Markham, Ont. - The Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA) announced today that John Daly and Justin Leonard have joined the list of PGA Tour players who have confirmed their intention to play the Bell Canadian Open held September 2-8 at Angus Glen Golf Club in Markham, Ontario.

A perennial fan favourite, Daly heads to Angus Glen after finishing 4th at the 2001 Bell Canadian Open. He has four career PGA Tour victories to his credit including the 1995 British Open and 1991 PGA Championship. In 2002, he leads the Tour in driving distance (305.3 yards), and is 4th in eagles (11).

Leonard has been among the Tour's most consistent players in 2002. He is currently 11th on the PGA Tour money list with $1,899,735 in earnings, sits 8th in scoring average and is 7th in the Tour's all-around ranking which combines all statistical categories. This year he won the WorldCom Classic and carded four other top-10 finishes. He has seven career PGA Tour victories to his credit including the 1997 British Open and 1998 Player's Championship.

"I am proud to announce that Justin Leonard and John Daly have confirmed their intention to play the 2002 Bell Canadian Open," said Bill Paul, RCGA Managing Director, Tour and Player Relations. "Justin has been playing some great golf this year and John is always a crowd pleaser so it should be a real thrill for golf fans to see them play our national open championship."

Leonard and Daly will join a host of other top PGA Tour players at the 2002 Bell Canadian Open. Among those who have confirmed their intention to play are the PGA Tour's number two-ranked player Phil Mickelson, Canada's own Mike Weir, winner of the 2001 Tour Championship; the 2000 Masters champion Vijay Singh; the colourful Jesper Parnevik; rising PGA Tour star Charles Howell III and defending Bell Canadian Open champion Scott Verplank.

"The RCGA and Bell Canada are proud to bring the top golfers in the world to Canada for one of this country's premiere sporting events," said Michael Taylor, Tournament Director. "This year marks the 93rd edition of the championship and I can say with confidence that it's shaping up to be one of the best ever."

The world's best professional golfers will gather at Angus Glen Golf Club September 2-8 for the 2002 Bell Canadian Open, Canada's oldest open golf championship. Limited tickets still remain for all tournament events including practice round Monday and Tuesday, a championship pro-am on Wednesday, and tournament rounds Thursday through Sunday. Tickets may be ordered on-line at www.bell.ca/cdnopen or by calling toll free 1-800-571-OPEN (6736)."