RBC scores 'a hole in one' with 2019 PGA TOUR schedule change

Critical date change will enrich golf in Canada and the RBC Canadian Open
for years to come

TORONTO, July 3, 2018 /CNW/ - RBC, Golf Canada and the PGA TOUR today announced that the 2019 RBC Canadian Open will be moving to a premier spot on the PGA TOUR schedule starting in 2019, one week before the U.S. Open. The 110^th RBC Canadian Open, to be played at the historic Hamilton Golf and Country Club with new dates,

June 3-9, 2019, is expected to attract an even better field for Canada's National Championship.

The 2018 RBC Canadian Open will be played as scheduled, July 23-29, at Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Ontario.

"The RBC Canadian Open is one of the oldest and most-prestigious golf events in the world and we're thrilled to start a new chapter in 2019," said Mary DePaoli, executive vice-president and chief marketing officer, RBC. "As the only Canadian stop on the Tour, the June tournament date will help enrich the experience for fans, players and all Canadians."

In addition to the new spot on the PGA TOUR schedule, the 2019 RBC Canadian Open will also feature an increased purse, set at USD $7.6-million.

"The PGA TOUR, RBC and Golf Canada have collaborated to ensure this new date is the right fit for players and fans of the RBC Canadian Open," said Andy Pazder, chief tournaments & competitions officer, PGA TOUR. "As title sponsor of both the RBC Canadian Open and the RBC Heritage, RBC has been a tremendous partner of the PGA TOUR, and we're thrilled to have this opportunity to move one of golf's most important and historic tournaments to a new date for the event starting in 2019."

With even stronger fields and competition anticipated with the new date, the RBC Canadian Open is expected to:

• Increase global awareness for golf in Canada and the RBC Canadian Open tournament
• Drive deeper interest and participation in golf in Canada
• Positively impact the regional economy with increased ticket sales, hospitality and tourism

"Golf Canada is beyond thrilled by RBC's overall support for the Canadian Open. Together with the PGA TOUR, the new 2019 date change is a clear demonstration of our combined commitment to the game and Canada's National Open Championship," said Laurence Applebaum, chief executive officer, Golf Canada. "This exciting change will inject tremendous energy into the RBC Canadian Open and make Canadian golf better."

For ticket, volunteering, sponsorship and corporate hospitality information on the 2018 RBC Canadian Open, details are available online at www.rbccanadianopen.com.

About RBC
Royal Bank of Canada is a global financial institution with a purpose-driven, principles-led approach to delivering leading performance. Our success comes from the 81,000+ employees who bring our vision, values and strategy to life so we can help our clients thrive and communities prosper. As Canada's biggest bank, and one of the largest in the world based on market capitalization, we have a diversified business model with a focus on innovation and providing exceptional experiences to our 16 million clients in Canada, the U.S. and 34 other countries. Learn more at rbc.com.?

We are proud to support a broad range of community initiatives through donations, community investments and employee volunteer activities. See how at rbc.com/community-sustainability.

About Golf Canada
Golf Canada is the National Sports Federation and governing body for golf in Canada representing 319,000 golfers and 1,400 member clubs across the country. A proud member of the Canadian Olympic Committee, Golf Canada's mission is to grow participation, excellence and passion in the sport while upholding the integrity and traditions of the game. By investing in the growth of the sport and introducing more participants of all ages to the game, our goal is to be relevant to and respected by all Canadian golf enthusiasts from coast to coast.

For more information about what Golf Canada is doing to support golf in your community, visit: www.golfcanada.ca.

About PGA TOUR
By showcasing golf's greatest players, the PGA TOUR engages, inspires and positively impacts our fans, partners and communities worldwide. The PGA TOUR co-sanctions more than 130 tournaments on the PGA TOUR, PGA TOUR Champions, Web.com Tour, PGA TOUR Latinoamérica, Mackenzie Tour-PGA TOUR Canada, and PGA TOUR Series-China. Members of the PGA TOUR represent the world's best players, hailing from 25 countries (85 members are from outside the United States). Worldwide, PGA TOUR tournaments are broadcast to more than 1 billion households in 226 countries and territories in 23 languages. Virtually all tournaments are organized as non-profit organizations to maximize charitable giving. In 2017, tournaments across all Tours generated a record of more than $180 million for local and national charitable organizations, bringing the all-time total to $2.65 billion.

The PGA TOUR's web site is PGATOUR.COM, the No. 1 site in golf, and the organization is headquartered in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida.

SOURCE RBC