The upcoming RBC Canadian Open, taking place at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley from June 11, has witnessed a recent wave of field changes just one week before the next big test of golf, the U.S. Open.

Four top professionals have decided to withdraw from the entry list of this event. PGA TOUR Communications updated fans on social media about multiple roster drops for the event, which features a highly competitive $9.8 million prize pool.

"Friday, June 5 K.H. Lee WD / Justin Lower IN

Saturday, June 6 Michael Kim WD / Lanto Griffin IN

Sunday, June 7 Camilo Villegas IN (sponsor exemption) Brandt Snedeker WD / Hayden Springer IN Open Qualifiers IN: Vince Covello, Laurent Desmarchais, Jeevan Sihota, Eric Zhao (a)

Monday, June 8 J.T. Poston WD / Ben Martin IN Field expands from 145 to 147 to round out threesomes: Paul Peterson IN David Skinns IN"

A chain of withdrawals began with K.H. Lee withdrawing on June 5, thereby allowing Justin Lower to be an alternate entry for this tournament.

The second withdrawal came through Michael Kim on June 6th, resulting in immediate replacement by Lanto Griffin, who is set to play the tournament in Ontario.

While Brandt Snedeker exited on Sunday, J.T. Poston opted out on Monday, calling up Ben Martin to fill the vacancy and finalize the roster subtractions before the competition.

This isn't the first time such withdrawals have occurred this year. After winning the PGA Championship in May, Aaron Rai skipped the CJ Cup. Following his example, Michael Kim, Nicholai Hojgaard, Marco Penge, and Aldrich Potgieter also decided not to participate.

Even the Texas Children’s Houston Open field saw a change in March when Scottie Scheffler pulled out of play, followed by Colombian golfer Marcelo Rozo.

RBC Canadian Open Field Changes Highlight Pre-Major Schedule Strain

The withdrawals made before the RBC Canadian Open were indicative of an ongoing problem. Mostly, players choose to withdraw from the tournament to rest and ensure that their energy levels are well sustained ahead of the rigorous major championship weeks.

Golfing veteran Brandt Snedeker pulled out on Sunday after having a mediocre outing at Muirfield Village, where he finished with a final score of 4-over par, tied for 36th position.

Snedeker, who has won more than $43 million over his professional career and will act as a captain of the American team in the Presidents Cup, was quickly substituted by a promising tour alternate, Hayden Springer.

Similarly, J.T. Poston withdrew on Monday morning after hoisting the Memorial Tournament trophy, taking a strategic break since his major qualification spots are secured.

Poston is skipping the trip north because he has already earned his coveted entry spots into the next two upcoming major championships, the U.S. Open and British Open, reducing his immediate need to play.

Despite the mentioned withdrawals, prominent golfers like Matt Fitzpatrick, Tommy Fleetwood, Collin Morikawa, Justin Rose, and Shane Lowry will still appear at the tournament fairway, starting this Thursday.

What do you think of the golfers withdrawing from competition due to schedule strains? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Abhishek Sharma

Edited by

Surjo Ray