Wes Heffernan set to compete in eighth RBC Canadian Open
PGA of Canada professional Wes Heffernan is set to compete in his eighth RBC Canadian Open after earning an exemption as the top-ranked player on the PGA of Canada Player Rankings supported by ECCO Golf. The Calgary native will join a strong contingent of Canadian talent at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley this week.
Heffernan, who coaches out of Dynamic Motion Golf Performance, secured his exemption by leading the PGA of Canada’s Order of Merit, a ranking determined by performances over the past three years in national championships and select zone events.
In the past 11 events he has played, Heffernan has finished no worse than third place and picked up wins at the 2022 PGA of Alberta Assistants’ Championship and PGA Championship of Canada, 2023 PGA of Alberta Zone and Assistants’ Championship, and, most recently, the 2024 PGA Assistants’ Championship of Canada presented by Callaway Golf, where he fired a back-nine 29 during the final round to win.
Heffernan is no stranger to the North course at TPC Toronto, winning the 2019 PGA Assistants’ Championship of Canada at the venue.
While the green complexes remain similar, since 2019, the North course has been renovated and lengthened anticipating PGA TOUR play.
“It will be interesting to see the changes that Ian Andrew made,” said Heffernan. “I played well there six years ago now - which seems crazy that it was six years ago – so it will be good to have some familiarity with the course.”
Heffernan last competed in the RBC Canadian Open at St. George’s in 2022, where he carded rounds of 74-72.
“This year I’d like to come and just hit it solid and hopefully putt a little bit better (than I did in 2022) and just play well,” said Heffernan. “I don't have any expectations that I'm going to contend or not, I haven't been playing enough golf this year yet. So, to me, it's more to just enjoy the experience.”
Despite playing in the event seven times, this will be the first time his wife Shannon has had the opportunity to witness him play a Canadian Open in person.
“I had to withdraw two years ago because my wife was sick,” said Heffernan. “But she is coming with me this year. So, just to be back after having that happen, it's going to be exciting to experience it again with her.”
The only other time Shannon watched him play against the world’s best was at the 2011 U.S. Open, and, maybe she is the secret to success, because Heffernan made the cut after shooting 71-75 at Congressional Country Club.
Heffernan is scheduled to tee off alongside Kevin Velo and Braden Thornberry at 8:24 a.m. Thursday and 1:24 p.m. Friday.
We will be on-site tracking Heffernan throughout the event, stay tuned to our Instagram page to follow the action.