Amateur Cam Kellett sets course record to win second Ontario Regional Qualifier and exemption into 2024 RBC Canadian Open
Kellett gains exemption into 2024 RBC Canadian Open
Springfield, Ont. – Cam Kellett (a) secured his exemption into the 2024 RBC Canadian Open and set a new course record for good measure. Kellett fired a 6-under 64 at Tarandowah Golfers Club in Springfield, Ont. on Thursday to finish atop the leaderboard and with it, a spot in the field at Hamilton Golf and Country Club for the 113th playing of Canada’s National Open Championship.
Kellett of London, Ont. recorded six birdies, three on the front and three on the back and credited his patience along with solid putting and converting on the chances he could on Thursday.
“I made clutch par saves on the front side, birdied 11, hit a poor lag putt on 14 but recovered by making the 10-footer, made birdie on 15. I knew 6-under would be to tough beat so was just happy to post that early,” said Kellett following play.
Leaderboard refreshing and texting with his friends helped pass the time for Kellett, but as play concluded his 6-under round could not be matched and with it a new course record at Tarandowah Golfers Club, which came as surprise.
“That’s sweet, I thought I tied it. It’s obviously really cool. It’s the first course record I’ve held so very excited about that.”
I took advantage of having the good morning draw and having played it 200 or so times before certainly helped. This was where I grew up playing with my dad so it’s special for sure,” added Kellett.
Kellett recently finished his collegiate career at Eastern Michigan University and will be competing at Hamilton Golf and Country Club with the world’s best at the RBC Canadian Open for the first time.
“I’ve struggled with self belief since college, but the last year I’ve really started playing how I know I can play. I’ve been more compassionate with myself, but I work hard for the results.”
Just keep trying to get better in any way I can. The patience in last year has paid off. It’s been tough to come close and not get wins, so this is special. The PGA TOUR start will be unreal,” added an excited Kellett.
In addition to Kellett’s exemption, the top 10 per cent of the 137-player field (18 players total) from the first Ontario Regional Qualifier have advanced to the RBC Canadian Open Final Qualifier on Monday, May 27 at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley (North Course) in Caledon, Ont.
RBC Canadian Open – Second Ontario Regional Qualifier Results:
For the full leaderboard, click here.
The RBC Canadian Open Regional Qualifying series featured five qualifiers across the country. Winners (low medalist) at regional qualifying sites that had a field of 120 players or more, earned a direct exemption into the 113th playing of Canada’s National Men’s Open Championship.
For results from the B.C. Regional Qualifier at Pitt Meadows Golf Club in Pitt Meadows, B.C. won by Jake Lane, please click here.
For results from the first Ontario Regional Qualifier at Oshawa Golf & Curling Club in Oshawa, Ont. won by Justin Matthews (a), please click here.
For results from the Quebec Regional Qualifier at Club de Golf Le Blainvillier in Blainville, Que. won by Marc-Olivier Plasse, please click here.
In addition to the second Ontario Regional Qualifier on Thursday, six players advanced to the RBC Canadian Open Final Qualifier at the Alberta Regional Qualifier at the Sirocco Golf Club in Foothills, Alta. No direct exemption was awarded as the field size was under 120. For the final leaderboard from the Alberta Regional Qualifier, please click here.