For the first time since 2019, the Ontario Open is returning with a brand new name thanks to its recently announced title sponsor.
The PGA Tour Canada event will now officially be known as the Sotheby's International Realty Canada Ontario Open. The tournament is set to take place over seven days, from July 25-31, at the Woodington Lake Golf Club in Tottenham.
“This is an important day not only in the history of PGA Tour Canada but also for golf in Ontario,” said PGA Tour Canada Executive Director Scott Pritchard. “The Ontario Open is a historic and important part of the golf landscape in this part of the country, and it’s important that it returns to is previous stature. To have a company like Sotheby’s International Realty Canada partnering with the Ontario Open ensures that this will take place.”
First held in 1923, the Ontario Open took place every year until 1979. After a 10-year hiatus, the tournament came back in 1989 for just one year. It then had another five-year run from 1992 to 1996 before taking a 21-year break, returning in 2019. The event has seen a number of big-name players, including George Knudson, Moe Norman, and even World Golf Hall of Fame member Sam Snead, who took home the win in 1940. PGA player Michael Bradley has also played in the tournament, winning the 1989 event.
“As one of the oldest and most storied golf championships in the world, the Ontario Open has a reputation for attracting the best golfers nationally and internationally," said Sotheby’s International Realty Canada President and CEO Don Kottick. "Our sponsorship of this tournament is not only a reflection of our company’s commitment to contributing to the communities in which our clients live, work and play, it is a reflection of our commitment to celebrating and aligning with professional excellence, whether in sport or in business."
The 72-hole medal-play event will return to the Legends Course at Woodington Lake Golf Club, where it was also held in 2019.
“From our ownership group and all of our dedicated staff, we are thrilled to be hosting the Sotheby’s International Realty Canada Ontario Open at our beautiful facility here at Woodington Lake," said John Chetti, partner in Woodington Lake Golf Club. "Marrying together a partner with the legacy of Sotheby’s and such a historic golf tournament on our Legends course is a privilege, and we look forward to growing the event together for years to come. We’re also excited to host once again The Ontario Disabilities Championship early in the week."
The Ontario Disabilities Championship will see up to 60 participants competing in a 36-hole stroke-play championship, taking place from July 25-26.
The Ontario Open is the sixth tournament on the 11-event PGA Tour Canada schedule and will offer full Fortinet Cup points to all players who make the cut. The top Fortinet Cup points winners will earn membership on the 2023 Korn Ferry Tour, as well as share in a $100,000 player bonus pool, with $25,000 to the winner.
