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RBC Canadian Open returns to Mackenzie Hughes' hometown course

Gregory Shamus / Getty Images Sport / Getty

ANCASTER, Ontario - As the 2019 PGA Tour schedule comes together, another piece of the puzzle was added Wednesday, with Hamilton Golf and Country Club named the host of the 2019 and 2023 RBC Canadian Open.

Next year's tournament marks the 100th anniversary of the first time the storied club - located about an hour outside Toronto and established in 1894 - hosted Canada's only PGA Tour event.

It's going to be a particularly special week for PGA Tour winner Mackenzie Hughes, who grew up just 10 minutes from the golf course. He said he's very comfortable with the tree-lined layout, and is eager to have friends and family support him in the hometown event.

"Having played some of the best courses in the world, I still have (Hamilton Golf and Country Club) right up near the top of my list," said Hughes, who's an honorary member of the club.

Golf Canada CEO Laurence Applebaum said he talked to Hughes and fellow Canadians Corey Conners and Nick Taylor, along with Americans Jim Furyk and Dustin Johnson, and all of them are thrilled they'll return to Hamilton.

"I think being a national open and having a rich history is a feather in the RBC Canadian Open's cap," Furyk told SCOREGolf.com. "They can use that card, talk about it, talk about the tradition and what it's meant to players to win the Canadian Open. I think it's great."

The Hamilton announcement comes just weeks before the 2019 PGA Tour schedule, which will include some major changes, is expected to be revealed.

It's been confirmed already that the PGA Championship is moving from August to May and The Players Championship from May to March. The PGA Tour season and FedEx Cup Playoffs will wrap up closer to early September, so as not to conflict with both college football and the NFL season.

There was no word on when the 2019 Canadian Open will be scheduled, but the logistics point toward it coming in late June or early July, after a new event in Detroit.

Applebaum didn't rule out the tournament returning to Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Ontario - which will play host this year for the 30th time, but has been primed for redevelopment by its owner, ClubLink Corp. - but said there is an "extensive" group of interested courses.

He added that the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area contains an "abundance of riches" in terms of golf courses, likely quashing any chance the Canadian Open will move across the country.

The 2018 Canadian Open takes place July 26-29.

(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)

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