Nick Taylor has won the Canadian Open, and the idea that a Canadian might one day be locked out of it hit differently than most Tour policy debates.

The 2023 RBC Canadian Open champion addressed the PGA Tour's proposed two-track system at his pre-tournament press conference on June 10 at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley in Caledon, Ontario. It was his 15th start at his national open, and a reporter's question about Canadian players potentially being excluded from it landed squarely.

"Yeah, that would certainly suck," Taylor said. "I talked to a lot of guys that are on the PAC, a lot of people with the Tour. I think the goal in mind is to have the best product possible."

Taylor also added that he has already raised the scenario directly with Tour contacts.

"That's the scenario that I've asked and questioned, what happens in that case," Taylor said. "I think it would probably obviously lose the Open name of it because nobody can essentially earn their way into it or play into it. So it's unique for us, being a National Open. If you can't play in it, that's going to be a big bummer."

He was clear about where he stands personally. "I wouldn't love that certainly," Taylor said. "But again, I don't think anything's finalized."

The PGA Tour is considering a new two-level system that could start in 2028. Under the plan, the top level, called Track One, would include about 15 to 18 events along with the four major championships and The Players Championship.

The top 90 players in the season standings would earn a place on Track One. All other players would compete on Track Two and try to earn promotion to the top level. 

He also spoke about how his season has gone so far and what goals he wants to achieve before the end of the year.

Nick Taylor Opens Up About the Presidents Cup and His Season So Far

Away from the policy debate, Taylor reflected on where his game stands heading into the second half of 2026.

"It's been mostly positive," Taylor said. "A lot of consistent play. There's been a lot of tournaments, I feel like I've left disappointed, not really finishing off with the result that I wanted. But I've been in contention a handful of times."

The Presidents Cup is also on his radar. Taylor said missing the last team was a lesson he has taken seriously.

"I hope to be on there, but I think I've learned from that," Taylor said. "If it happens, it's because of a result of good play, and I'm more focused on that."

This is Taylor's second consecutive year at TPC Toronto. He said familiarity with the venue helps, and that staying in the fairway will again be the priority this week.

Do you think Canadian PGA Tour members should always be guaranteed a spot in the RBC Canadian Open, regardless of which track it falls on?

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Written by

Sneha Abraham

Edited by

Ankita Yadav