The RBC Canadian Open, Done Right With adidas

adidas & SHARP

Watching any professional sport up close is impressive, but there’s something special about seeing the best golfers in the world teeing off in person — the distance control, the way they shape the ball, the touch around the greens — you can see that the end result is good on TV, but it’s only when you’re a few feet away that you can truly appreciate how good these guys are. They make it look easy, when those who’ve played know it’s anything but.

Luckily for us, Canadians get to see that when the world’s best golfers come to Toronto for the RBC Canadian Open.

The RBC Canadian Open experience is about more than just watching a few rounds. It’s a chance to tee off, yourself, at some of the nicest courses in the country, in the surrounding area; it’s an opportunity to catch up with old friends; or it can serve as the backdrop for a little vacation with the family.

With the tournament kicking off at Hamilton Golf and Country Club on May 30th — with a field led by defending champion Nick Taylor, the first Canadian in 69 years to win the tournament — we’re teaming up with adidas to help you get the most out of the week, with pro tips on where to stay, where to play and what to wear.

Stay in Style

One of the best parts about the RBC Canadian Open being held at Hamilton Golf and Country Club is that it sits in a golden triangle of sorts, between Toronto and Niagara-on-the-Lake, allowing you the freedom to stay in heart of the city or to choose a more quaint locale nestled next to Niagara Falls and a number of stellar vineyards. Both downtown Toronto and Niagara-on-the-Lake are about an hour’s drive from Hamilton Golf and Country Club, allowing you to not miss any of the action.

The Hazelton

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Considered one of the country’s most luxurious hotels, The Hazelton is located in Toronto’s buzzy Yorkville neighbourhood, with the city’s best shops and restaurants no more than a fairway wood away – allowing you to enjoy days at the course and evenings on the town. The hotel features sleek interior design and spacious rooms that are tastefully furnished and finished with premium materials. While there are countless excellent restaurants nearby, The Hazelton’s own restaurant, ONE, offers an excellent menu and a great selection of wine and spirits. The best menu the hotel offers, though? The pillow menu, from which guests can select an array of sizes and firmness options for the best sleep of their lives.

Windsor Arms

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Staying at the Windsor Arms is like stepping into a bygone era — when hospitality was more widely treated as an art. And staying there during the Canadian Open, one imagines, must feel like stepping into another setting, too, transported across the pond, somewhere in England or Scotland for the other Open. Also located in Toronto, the Windsor Arms taps into a distinct aesthetic that has attracted royalty, movie stars, heads of state and other dignitaries over the years. The lavish suites offer an oasis of relaxation, while guests can enjoy a meal at The Gatsby in the evenings or sit for high tea in one of the hotel’s historic tea rooms in the afternoon, should the weather dampen the golfing.

124 on Queen

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For those looking for more quaint accommodations, 124 on Queen in Niagara-on-the-Lake offers a luxury experience without the bustle of downtown Toronto, without being any further away from Hamilton Golf and Country Club. 124 on Queen is nestled in Historic Old Town, with a 12,000 square foot spa and 20,000 square foot garden creating a peaceful, calming atmosphere. Despite the calmer environment, 124 on Queen won’t leave you wanting for anything, as it’s close to a number of great farm-to-table restaurants and offers a great base from which to explore the heart of Canada’s wine country.

Where to Tee Off

It’s safe to say that there won’t be many tee times available at Hamilton Golf and Country Club until after the pros have taken aim at the pins. Luckily, there’s no shortage of options in the area for those looking to squeeze in a round — or two — or even just nine holes, when they’re not watching the pros.

Flamborough Hills

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A 27 Championship hole public course in Hamilton, separated into three nines – The Lakes, The Hills and The Woods, each holding challenges to conquer. When Flamborough Hills opened in 1961, it had carved 18 holes from a dairy farm. The original 18 consists of the Hills and Woods courses, with tight fairways, small greens and rolling hills. The Lakes offers undulating greens that can be confounding at times – but that only makes the sunk putts more satisfying. A spacious, Muskoka-style clubhouse sits at the center of Flamborough’s verdant property, perfect for a post-round round with friends.

Heron Point

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Nestled in the rolling landscape surrounding Lake Dunmark, Heron Point’s course was designed by Canadian architect Thomas McBroom. Heron Point offers a taste of Canada’s natural landscape, with wetland, meadowlands, dense strands of trees lining narrow fairways and even links-style open terrain, complete with fescue. McBroom’s greens are well-protected and sufficiently challenging – but not necessarily frustratingly punishing. The 18th hole is one of the finest finishing holes, not only in the area, but in Canada. And, after making your last putt, you can enjoy the Great Room and 22,000 square foot clubhouse, which overlooks Lake Dunmark.

Glendale Golf and Country Club

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Locals to the area are familiar with — if not proud of — the Niagara Escarpment. Glendale Golf and Country Club was created in the early 20th century, with the course carved out of the Escarpment’s landscape. Even now, the natural landmark looms large, with the greens succumbing to the “Escarpment affect” — straight, flat putts breaking dramatically away from it. It takes some getting used to, but it makes for a fun and challenging round. Old, large trees loom large, too, protecting tee boxes and providing well-marked flight paths for your shots.

Look Sharp in the Best Gear

The fairway has been the new runway for a few years now, but just because you’re standing outside the ropes doesn’t mean you can’t show up looking good in the best gear — the best golf gear looks as good on the course as off, and these five pieces have all the makings of contemporary classics.

Black Tour360 24 Golf Shoes

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A staple of pros for two decades, the TOUR360 will have you looking and feeling your best. The TOUR360 24 features cutting-edge technology, with a water-proof leather upper, 360Wrap for enhanced hold and support, adidas LIGHTSTRIKE cushioning and JETBOOST to complement a Torsion Bridge stabiliser. The TOUR360 hugs the foot tightly, offering peerless comfort whether you’re teeing off on Sunday with a trophy on the line or just hitting up your local driving range. With five colourways, there’s something for everyone, but we’re partial to the black version, with white stripes to liven things up.

Ivory Ultimate365 Allover Print Polo

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We’re big fans of adidas Golf’s use of ivory in this season’s collection. The All Over Print Polo is designed to offer distraction-free comfort for you — but chances are your playing partners will be stealing glances. Plus you can feel good long after your round knowing that this polo is made with 70% recycled materials.

Grey Three Ultimate365 Tapered Golf Pants

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The pinnacle of performance golf pants, designed for the most demanding pros and cut from a durable woven fabric with four-way stretch and finished with a water-repellent coating for superior comfort, no matter the conditions. Tailored with a taper towards the ankle that promotes freedom of movement when you’re swinging, these pants have a modern look that makes them versatile enough to wear whether you’re playing a round or watching one.

Hemp Three Ultimate365 8.5” Shorts

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Take your short game to the next level, with adidas’ Ultimate365 8.5” Shorts. Like the Tapered Golf Pants, these shorts are made from a water-repellant woven fabric with four-way stretch that’s supremely durable, yet also soft to the touch — and moisture-wicking, too! The 8.5” inseam and straight fit are classic enough to get the job whether you’re inside the ropes or outside of them.

Ultimate365 Mesh Print Polo

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A lightweight and breathable mesh polo with a smartly printed pattern that will keep you cool, comfortable and stylish for 18 holes — and beyond. And, like many of adidas Golf’s polos in this day and age, the Mesh Print Polo is made with 70% recycled materials.

Ultimate365 Tour Wind.RDY Sweatshirt

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In an ideal world, the weather would always cooperate. But that’s not always the case over the course of a tournament — let alone a full summer. Enter, adidas’ Ultimate365 Tour Wind.RDY Sweatshirt, a lightweight pullover designed to shield you from the wind and offer a little extra warmth during those cool early morning rounds. Zip pockets allow you to keep all the important stuff close and dry on damp days. There’s no going wrong with this pullover.

Collegiate Green Leather Cord Corduroy Hat

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The perfect hat for Sunday, with a nod to the most challenging pin positions of any tournament. Though, let’s be honest, it’s a great hat for any day that ends in y — informed by retro styles and finished with luxe leather detailing. The rich shade of green is easy to mix and match with a range of looks and green and golf just go so well together, too.

Ultimate365 Textured Polo

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Let’s be honest, the most important pieces in your clubhouse locker or your golf wardrobe at home are your polos; they’re invariably what you’ll end up wearing most during a season spent on the course. If you have the ivory Ultimate365 Textured Polo, you might not need any other polo in your wardrobe — just wear, wash and repeat, that’s how good it looks and feels. The breathable jacquard knit helps regulate temperature and adds a touch of texture to your looks. While all the colours are nice, the ivory is a sophisticated and versatile number that can be styled for your tee time or your supper reservation alike.

Featured photo by Bernard Brault / Golf Canada.

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