Golf Ontario proudly recognizes the outstanding group of athletes with provincial ties who have earned exemptions into the 2026 RBC Canadian Open at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley. This year’s list reflects the strength of Ontario’s player development pathway, with several past Team Ontario members and Golf Ontario Men’s Amateur champions earning their place in Canada’s national open.
2026 Exemptions
Among the 13 players receiving exemptions, nine are Canadian, including several with deep roots in Golf Ontario programming:
- Dawson Lew: Past Team Ontario athlete (2024-2025), Team Canada NextGen member (2026), and 2025 Ontario Junior Spring Classic champion.
- Ashton McCulloch: Former Team Ontario standout and one of Canada’s top emerging professionals.
- Justin Matthews: Another graduate of the Team Ontario system, continuing his rise through the professional ranks.
- Sudarshan Yellamaraju: Former Ontario Men’s Amateur Champion (2017)
- Corey Conners: A past Golf Ontario Men’s Amateur champion and two‑time PGA tour winner.
- Mike Weir: 2003 Masters champion and former Golf Ontario Men’s Amateur champion (1990, 1992).
These players represent the success of Ontario’s development pathway, from junior golf to the professional stage.
Ontario’s depth of talent was even on display at the final qualifier, where Toronto native Eric Zhao (2007), the 2025 Ontario Men’s Amateur Champion, tied for first with a 4‑under‑par 67 to earn his place in the field.
Spotlight: Dawson Lew’s Continued Rise
While the 2026 exemption list is filled with Ontario success stories, Golf Ontario is especially proud to highlight the progress of Dawson Lew, born April 9, 2009, and a dedicated member of Coppinwood Golf Club.
Lew’s development through the Ontario system has been one of the most impressive:
- 2025 Ontario Junior (U19) Boys Spring Classic Champion: Fired an impressive 11‑under‑par at Wooden Sticks to secure the title.
- Willingdon Cup Victory: Played a key role in helping Team Ontario capture the prestigious national team championship at the Canadian Men’s Amateur.
- Junior Inter‑Provincial Team Championship (Silver Cup): Contributed to Team Ontario’s win, securing a second national team trophy in the same season.
- Ontario Men’s Amateur Championship Runner‑Up: Finished 7‑under (281) through 72 holes at Deerhurst Highlands.
Golf Ontario is thrilled to acknowledge Lew’s latest milestone. This prestigious opportunity places Lew alongside PGA tour professionals and highlights the steady progress of Ontario’s player development pathway. His invitation recognizes his strong performances, work ethic, and the support of the coaches, teammates, and programs that have shaped his journey.
Golf Ontario congratulates Dawson on this achievement and looks forward to supporting him as he continues to represent our province and country on the national stage.
