RBC Canadian Open 2023: Predictions, Best Bets, Sleepers

In between a designated event with the Memorial Tournament and the U.S. Open, the RBC Canadian Open is still attracting a solid field.

Defending champion Rory McIlroy leads the way, but there are also 10 of the top-30 players in the Official World Golf Rankings teeing it up, including Tommy Fleetwood, Cameron Young, and Sam Burns.

McIlroy (+450) has the best odds to win going into the week.

Oakdale Golf & Country Club in Toronto will host the event for the first time, so there’s no past course history to go on when looking at players to target this week.

It is a par-72 listed at 7,264 yards, but has the ability to play longer. The three par-5s are very reachable, and there are four par-4s that are under 400 yards. It seems like hitting fairways and greens will be important, as the rough is listed as being 4-to-6 inch Bentgrass.

In terms of the greens, they are a mix of Bentgrass and Poa, which is similar to other northern courses on the PGA Tour, like TPC River Highlands and Detroit Golf Club.

It won’t be the best week to rely on a Fantasy National model simply because of the lack of data available for the course. With that being said, I will be focusing more on recent form and past success at the event since most courses in Canada are similar.

Below are some players to target when golf betting, followed by my betting card for the week.

*All odds as of June 6.

RBC Canadian Open Predictions 

Rory McIlroy is predicted to win the RBC Canadian Open with a 18.18% implied probability — i.e., the overall chance of a potential outcome in relation to the odds — according to betting markets.

Tyrrell Hatton has the next best odds to win with a 8.33% implied probability.  He is followed by Matt Fitzpatrick and Sam Burns at 6.67%.

RBC Canadian Open Best Bets

Rory McIlroy +450 Odds to Win

McIlroy has dominated the RBC Canadian Open, winning the last two editions (2019 and 2022). In 2019, he won by six strokes and last year, he edged Tony Finau by two.

Although the 34-year-old has finished inside the top 10 in his last two starts, he seems to be fighting his swing a bit. Perhaps a trip north of the border where he’s had some success will help get things back on track.

Tyrrell Hatton +1100 Odds to Win

Hatton has been extremely consistent of late. He has five straight top-20 finishes and it could be even better if not for several poor rounds within some tournaments. With how well he’s playing, it would not be surprising to see him pick up his first win of the season soon.

He doesn’t have much success at this event, though. He missed the cut in his lone appearance a year ago.

RBC Canadian Open Sleepers

Eric Cole +6600 Odds to Win

Cole is in the midst of a terrific rookie season, which includes two top-10 finishes and three top 25s in his last five starts. 

The 34-year-old has had the majority of his best finishes at shorter, easier courses, which is what Oakdale Golf & Country Club seems to be. This could be another solid week for Cole.

Ludvig Aberg +6600 Odds to Win

This is a name to learn. Aberg, who just finished up at Texas Tech, earned his PGA Tour card by finishing first in the PGA Tour University standings. 

He has been the No. 1 ranked amateur since last March and won a program-record eight times during his collegiate career and back-to-back Ben Hogan Awards. This could be the time to get him at this price before the rest of the golf betting world takes notice.

RBC Canadian Open Betting Card & Other Predictions

• Tyrrell Hatton Outright Win +1100
• Shane Lowry Outright Win +1800
• Eric Cole Top-20 Finish +220
• Ludvig Aberg Top-20 Finish +210
• Michael Thorbjornsen Top-20 Finish +400

Given the lack of course history, I kept my card very short this week and stayed away from McIlroy, the big betting favorite.

Hatton topped my Fantasy National model, while Cole was third and Lowry 10th.

Aberg and Thorbjornsen are two college stars, who have had past success in PGA Tour events. This week has the chance to be no different.

Here’s the top 10 of my Fantasy National model:

1. Tyrrell Hatton
2. Justin Rose
3. Eric Cole
4. Rory McIlroy
5. Brendon Todd
6. Matt Kuchar
7. Corey Conners
8. Mark Hubbard
9. David Lipsky
10. Shane Lowry