Adedokun Waliyu 
Nothing says Canada like a golf tee surrounded by hockey boards, complete with screaming fans and volunteers dressed up in referee uniforms. The Rink hole at the RBC Canadian Open is getting a lot of attention in the world of golf this week, and considering the other news in the sport, it has been a welcome reprieve.
The reaction to the rowdy par-3 14th hole at Oakdale has been very positive with players saying that Canadian fans have been wild but respectful. Sure they bang on the boards, chant your name, sing O Canada for Canadians, and possibly take their shirts off a bit too frequently, but that’s all part of the fun.
What makes The Rink different from other rowdy par-3s on the PGA Tour, such as the famous 17th at the Waste Management in Scottsdale, is the proximity of fans to the players. All the craziness is so close to the players at the Canadian Open that golfers have had a hard time speaking to their caddies before taking their shot. Adam Hadwin said he was literally shouting to caddie Joe Cruz from inches away and still had trouble communicating with him. Of course, that might have been because the Abbotsford, B.C. native gave the OK sign for fans to take it up another notch all the way through his swing.
The Rink hole began in 2017 and odds are it’s not going anywhere soon. Here’s what the leaders had to say about the hole after moving day on Saturday at the RBC Canadian Open.
“Yeah, that was wild. Very wild. Especially for me. I was out for five months and coming back here and to have that welcoming and really cool party. I almost had to take an extra deep breath after that hole, just to keep my tempo, keep my momentum going. It’s a really cool vibe and I think they did a really good job.”
“Yeah, it’s great. It’s a lot of fun. It’s really loud. But it’s really cool. The one thing Harry [Higgs] said to me walking up 14, he said, ‘Thank God that the people in Phoenix aren’t this close to the tee box as they are here.’ So there’s just the right amount of people for how close they are. But, yeah, it’s a lot of fun, it creates a great atmosphere and fun to be a part of.”
“Rory and Harry [Higgs] were joking, we’re all glad that they’re not that close in Arizona. Because they would get really unruly. But, man, it’s fun. As loud as it is and crazy as it is, the fans for the most part were really respectful and great. And I’ve always said this, the golf season’s short up here. So they really love and appreciate their golf and, yeah, it was awesome.”
“Obviously you walk on there you can feel the energy. You feel your heart rate just go up a beat or two. You want to take a deep breath. But you want to enjoy it. I think the crowd are into it. They’re super respectful, the fans here. They’re having a great time and which is fun to be a part of. And kind of they’re playful, but without going over the edge.”
“I love the energy, for sure. Absolutely. I grew up playing other sports. I love the crowds. I love what they’re bringing. The Canadian fans have always been great. So, yeah, it’s pretty awesome.”
“They have been great to me. Always feel very lucky to have the support that I do. The Canadians have been, it’s they have been great this week so far and hopefully they will carry on and support me tomorrow even though there’s a few Canadians up there.”
“They have been phenomenal. I felt like it grew as the day went on. The Rink was already fired up, which was really fun.”
Canadian Nick Taylor tees off on the 12th hole during the third round of the Canadian Open in Toronto on Saturday, June 10, 2023.
Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland lines up a putt on the 18th hole during the third round of the RBC Canadian Open at Oakdale Golf and Country Club on June 10, 2023 in Toronto.
