The PGA Tour RBC Canadian Open this week will debut “The Rink,” an activation that combines golf and hockey in celebration of Canada’s 150th anniversary. Golf Canada and RBC came up with the unique idea that will transform the par-3 7th hole at Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Ont., into a truly Canadian experience. Included in “The Rink” will be hockey boards lining the hole, a Zamboni and rink-side bleachers. The tee markers will be replaced with goalie masks, and each volunteer marshal will don a hockey referee jersey. Any time a birdie is made at the 7th, a red goalie light will go off and RBC will donate $1,000 to the Ronald McDonald House. Friday has been dubbed "Red & White Day" at the tourney in a bid to have fans wear Canadian colors. The hole that day will play at exactly 150 yards, an ode to the country’s sesquicentennial anniversary this year. Tournament Dir Brent McLaughlin estimated up to 5,000 spectators could view the hole at one time. “It’s about a pure celebration of Canada,” he said. The total cost of the activation is around $120,000. Every partner has embraced “The Rink” in some way, including some getting signage on the hockey boards. The inside of the boards -- which will be visible for TV viewers -- exclusively will feature tournament title sponsor RBC, the tournament logo and a FedEx logo. Those are the only logos allowed to be visible on-air during a PGA Tour broadcast. However, the other side of the boards will include markings for partners Golf Canada, the city of Oakville, Ontario 150, Canada 150 and RBC. The city also will get signage on the Zamboni, which it donated. Athletes will be in attendance throughout the week, including several of RBC’s Canadian Olympians. Jack Nicklaus was scheduled to make an appearance today, and tourney officials are working to secure NHL player appearances throughout the week.
AIMING FOR THE PIN: RBC last year extended its title sponsorships of the Canadian Open and the RBC Heritage in Hilton Head, S.C. for six years, solidifying the bank’s commitment to golf. RBC Chief Brand & Communications Officer Mary DePaoli noted the tournament could possibly bring “The Rink” back next year. However, she added the bank likely would "want to parlay this into something new and different next year” that could be set up at either RBC PGA Tour stop. “What we would do is not repeat it, but build on it based on fan feedback,” she said.
