McIlroy to play in Canada before US Open at Pebble Beach
Rory McIlroy will play in the Canadian Open for the first time in June.
MIAMI (AFP) - Four-time major winner Rory McIlroy will play in the Canadian Open for the first time in June, a week before he seeks a US Open crown at historic Pebble Beach.
Fourth-ranked McIlroy, who won last week s Players Championship, will compete for his first Canadian title June 6-9 at Hamilton Golf and Country Club, organizers announced Thursday.
"I m really excited," McIlroy said. "I ve had the opportunity to see the passion that Canada has for our sport and I look forward to seeing the energy of Canadian golf fans firsthand."
Among the rivals the 29-year-old from Northern Ireland will face are world number one and defending champion Dustin Johnson, Jim Furyk, Brandt Snedeker and Canada s Adam Hadwin.
McIlroy will chase a career Grand Slam in next month s Masters at Augusta National after wins at the 2011 US Open, 2012 and 2014 PGA Championship and 2014 British Open.
In May, McIlroy will seek a third PGA crown when the event moves from its former August date to be played at Bethpage Black just three weeks before the Canadian Open, which moves from a previous late July spot on the PGA Tour schedule.
Following the US Open June 13-16 at Pebble Beach, McIlroy will be pointing to a British Open in his homeland for the first time since 1951 on July 18-21 at Royal Portrush.
