HAMILTON– Brandt Snedeker has many integral connections to Canada. For one, he is one of the chief golfing representatives of the Canadian bank and tournament sponsor, RBC. And now, he is forever etched into Canadian golfing history.
With a second-round 10-under 62 at the RBC Canadian Open, Brandt Snedeker now has the course record at Hamilton Golf & Country Club. In addition, the 13-time winner on the PGA Tour is the second golfer in Canadian Open history to shoot a 60. The other was Carl Petterson back in 2010.
“I was hitting the ball so well off the tee and making so many putts,” said Snedeker. “Just trying to put the ball in the green. I knew if I did that I had a good chance. It was one of those rounds where everything comes together.”
Not New for Brandt Snedeker to Shoot Low
Brandt Snedeker epitomizes experience. Particularly at tournaments where he has won before, like the RBC Canadian Open. Playing at golf courses that appeal to his full faceted game allows Snedeker to get out in front. And shoot low scores.
Shooting low is a reality not unfamiliar to Snedeker. Last year at the Wyndham Championship, Snedeker shot a 59. The one area that enables this success is his putting. Currently, Snedeker’s Strokes Gained: Putting is 5.74, a whole three strokes above the field average. With eight birdies and one eagle on the scorecard, it highlights the upward trajectory of Snedeker’s performance on the greens.
“It’s been coming,” says Snedeker. “Been rolling it really well for the last month. I got to put the ball in the fairway and give yourself plenty of opportunities. Sounds boring, but that’s the way this golf course is meant to be played.”
Snedeker Hoping for a Solid Result at RBC Canadian Open
Most likely in the final group for Saturday, Snedeker is looking to have a favourable result this weekend in Canada. With only two top-10 finishes on the PGA Tour this season, Snedeker is hoping to use the RBC Canadian Open as a springboard for a successful summer swing.
“I’ve played good in spots, bad in others,” stated Snedeker. “Haven’t been able to take the next step of putting four rounds together. Playing three good rounds and one terrible round is killing my chances.”
Recently, Snedeker went back to his former coach, Todd Anderson. Going back to a sense of comfortability with someone whom Snedeker has had a close relationship with, is crucial in getting all aspects of the golf game into consistency.
“He knows all my mannerisms, when to say something and when not to,” affirms Snedeker. “We had a great session with him last week before I came up here.”
Snedeker is a big fan of old-school golf courses. And that is exactly what Hamilton Golf & Country Club exudes. Hitting fairways, getting good looks to put the ball close on the slopey greens and making birdies. With the poana greens cut in pristine condition, it’s hard not to imagine Brandt Snedeker contending for his second RBC Canadian Open title.
“I play tournaments I like,” says Snedeker. “I’ve only won RBC once, so be kind of a fitting way to top this one off.”
