The RBC Canadian Open is currently underway at the Oakdale Golf and Country Club in Toronto, with the likes of Rory McIlroy, Tyrrell Hatton, and more competing for the prestigious title. One of the oldest events on the PGA Tour, this year’s edition of the Canadian Open has been an extremely exciting tournament so far.
But the inclusion of a seasoned club pro in the 156-player field has now become a point of contention for several golf enthusiasts. Consequently, the PGA Tour has found itself at the receiving end of fans’ ire yet again.
Let’s jump in to find out more about how the golf world is reacting to the Tour’s controversial move!
A controversial club pro’s inclusion in the PGA Tour field comes under limelight
54-year-old Omar Uresti is one of the most talked-about names in the world of golf. However, the fuss surrounding Uresti has little to do with his golfing acumen. Instead, it is his appearance in highly stacked fields year after year that has infuriated many.
This time around, the club pro made his 388th PGA Tour start at the RBC Canadian Open following the withdrawal of golfer Webb Simpson. But Uresti’s dream to win on the “big Tour” remained unfulfilled yet again as he failed to make the cut on Friday.
In the past, Uresti has drawn flak from the golf community for qualifying to play in big events in what they believe is a bit too comfortable a manner. In fact, his appearance in the 2021 PGA Championship took the internet by storm back in the day.
After his inclusion in the Canadian Open field came to light, fans reacted angrily, with many slamming the PGA Tour and the PGA of America.
Fans vent their frustration after Omar Uresti’s appearance in the Canadian Open field
Following former U.S. Open winner Webb Simpson’s withdrawal due to illness, Omar Uresti got the chance to tee it up alongside Rory McIlroy and Justin Rose at the coveted Canadian Open. While it was a big moment for the player, fans were unimpressed.
Back in 2017, after Uresti qualified to play in the PGA Championship due to his PGA Professional Championship win, many club pros contested against him. They argued that the golfer was a former touring professional and did not work full-time as a golf professional. However, their complaints were later dismissed by the PGA of America.
This season, Uresti has appeared in only two other events where he missed the cut as well. The PGA pro has had nine professional wins in his career so far, with two PGA Professional Championship wins to his name.
Source: Essentially Sports
