The U.S. Open is almost here, and normally a week before a major, that is the storyline dominating the golf world. Well, clearly that is not the case this week, with the monumental news about LIV and the PGA Tour merging dominating the news cycle. The Canadian Open is this week, and it is sadly an afterthought for most people in the golf world. Even with all the major storylines, there is work to do in One and Done, with more money on the line. Let’s dive into the plays and options for RBC Canadian Open One and Done selections.
Canadian Open One and Done Picks and Targets
Even with Rory McIlroy and some other big names in attendance, this is not a field loaded with top-end names. It is not an elevated event due to the major next week, which explains why many have chosen to prep out west for the U.S. Open. This opens the door to a lot of One and Done choices, and Justin Rose makes a ton of sense.
Rose has a win in 2023, is playing great golf and has the right skillset for Oakdale. He had top-10s at THE PLAYERS and the PGA Championship and has shown the ball-striking numbers are right where they need to be. The formula for success here is irons and putting, which are areas where Rose thrives, so this is the perfect time to deploy him in One and Done pools if he is still available.
With this field strength, Kuchar certainly belongs in the conversation, but it’s the recent form that adds some concern when looking to him this week. Kuchar comes in having played pretty average golf over the last month, including last time out at Memorial. He lost over seven strokes on the approach, which will take golfers out of contention no matter where they play. Now, Muirfield Village and Oakdale are very different, and this setup is much better for Kuchar’s game.
Given the season Kuchar has had, he is most likely available in One and Done pools. This is not an elevated event, and he will probably never be on many people’s radars, so it’s a good time to take a risk if looking to jump up the board. Kuchar still has elite short game, and with this layout, he could find himself in contention with improved ball striking this week.
Ben Rasa’s One and Done Pick: Sahith Theegala
Sahith Theegala has been consistently in the conversation for One and Done, but he also never feels like the top option in a given week. That speaks to his consistency and also his rise in the rankings during 2023. He hasn’t missed a cut, is playing in majors and has shown he can putt like few players can. Coming off a few disappointing efforts, it’s a great spot to target him if willing to endure some risk.
The ball striking for Theegala has been a little all over, especially off the tee. However, his recent form does not tell the full story, as his last three events were the Wells Fargo, the PGA and the Memorial. Those are incredibly difficult tests that put strain on the driver in ways he will not have to deal with here. Golfers can get away with laying back off the tee and letting their irons do the work. If that is the case, it is all systems go for a guy who has gained three straight with the approach and three straight with the putter. Theegala is going to be on tour for a long time, and it is a spot like this where he could finally break through and win.
