GOLF
How much prize money did Nick Taylor win at the 2023 RBC Canadian Open?
Nick Taylor, originally from British Columbia, was the hot golfer at this year’s edition of the PGA Tour’s RBC Canadian open.
Nick Taylor, a 35-year-old Canadian golfer, made an impressive comeback in the final round of the RBC Canadian Open to secure a thrilling victory. Heading into the last round, Taylor was three shots behind the leader, C.T. Pan, after a disappointing opening round of 75. However, he turned his fortunes around by shooting a remarkable course-record 63 on Saturday.
Sunday’s round started on a high note for Taylor, who hails from British Columbia, as he notched up four birdies in his first seven holes. This stellar performance propelled him to a three-stroke lead at one stage during the day. With a total score of 17 under par, Taylor confidently entered the clubhouse, hoping it would be enough to clinch his first-ever PGA Tour title.
Also vying for his maiden PGA Tour victory, Tommy Fleetwood made a valiant charge towards the finish. With birdies on the 16th and 17th holes, Fleetwood matched Taylor’s score of 17 under and forced a playoff. The intense playoff started with both players birdieing the 18th hole. In the subsequent replay of the hole, they both secured pars. The tension continued to mount as they matched pars on the third playoff hole, leading them back to the 18th for the fourth time in the day.
Although Taylor’s drive found the rough on the right side, he displayed enormous composure using a perfect wood to reach the green successfully. This remarkable shot set him up for an even more spectacular 72-foot eagle-winning putt.
Taylor’s third career PGA Tour title earned him well-deserved recognition and came with a handsome first-place prize sum of $1.620 million from the tournament’s overall purse of $9 million.
This victory was particularly significant for Canadian golf, as it marked the end of a 69-year-long drought since the last local champion, Pat Fletcher, claimed the RBC Canadian Open title. Nick Taylor’s triumph at the Toronto Oakdale Golf & Country Club saw him close his final round with a six-under 66, including birdies on the last two holes.