Hamilton Golf and Country Club to Host 2012 RBC Canadian Open

Hamilton, Ont. (Golf Canada) - Golf Canada and RBC announced today that the historic Hamilton Golf and Country Club in Ancaster, Ont. will host the 2012 RBC Canadian Open.

Consistently ranked among Canada's best courses, a return to the renowned Harry Colt designed classic course further emphasizes Golf Canada and RBC's commitment to conducting the RBC Canadian Open at the country's premier golf courses.

"We are thrilled to bring the RBC Canadian Open back to the Hamilton Golf and Country Club," said Scott Simmons, Executive Director and CEO, Golf Canada.  "Time and time again we hear that the quality of the golf course is of utmost importance to PGA TOUR players. There are few courses in the country as fine as Hamilton Golf and Country Club and I'm delighted that the membership has agreed to host the championship in 2012."

The historic Hamilton layout drew rave reviews from players in both 2003 and 2006 and is sure to once again be a favourite when the stars of the PGA TOUR return in 2012.  The return to Hamilton in 2012 will follow consecutive years at two other classic Canadian venues - this year's return to St. George's Golf and Country Club in Toronto for the first time since 1968 and a 2011 return to the venerable Shaughnessy Golf and Country Club for the first time since 2005.

"We believe that returning to Hamilton Golf & Country Club for the 2012 RBC Canadian Open will continue building the terrific momentum of our national championship," said Jim Little, RBC Chief Brand and Communications Officer. "There is a buzz about the RBC Canadian Open among the PGA TOUR players in part because we are giving them the opportunity to compete on world class courses like Hamilton in 2012, Shaughnessy next year and St. George's Golf and Country Club this week."

Hamilton Golf and Country Club has hosted four Canadian Opens in its past including the 1919  championship (won by J. Douglas Edgar); 1930 (won by T.D. Armour); 2003 (won by Bob Tway) and 2006 (won by Jim Furyk).

With its 27 championship holes as well as a nine-hole executive course, Hamilton is consistently rated among Canada's best courses, a fact which generates significant pride among club's members.

" We have an experienced team of management, staff and volunteers who look forward to hosting the Canadian Open again in 2012," according to Hamilton's Chief Operating Officer, George Pinches. "Hamilton Golf and Country Club is proud to have hosted some of the most prestigious events in Canadian golf history," said Mike Hughes, President of Hamilton Golf and Country Club. "Our members are honoured to have the opportunity to help write the next chapter in the long and storied history of the Canadian Open."

The 2012 RBC Canadian Open will be contested July 23-29, 2012.