East Michigan News

Cam Kellett, a senior from Eastern Michigan University, achieved a significant milestone by setting a new course record at the Tarandowah Golfers Club in Springfield, Ontario. Kellett's six-under-par 64 secured him an exemption into the 2024 RBC Canadian Open and placed him at the top of the leaderboard during the second Ontario Regional Qualifier.

Kellett expressed satisfaction with his performance, saying, "I made clutch par saves on the front side, birdied 11, hit a poor lag putt on 14 but recovered by making the 10-footer, made birdie on 15. I knew 6-under would be tough to beat so was just happy to post that early."

The golfer was pleasantly surprised by his new course record. "That's sweet, I thought I tied it. It's obviously really cool. It's the first course record I've held so very excited about that," he said.

Reflecting on his familiarity with the course, Kellett added, "I took advantage of having the good morning draw and having played it 200 or so times before certainly helped. This was where I grew up playing with my dad so it's special for sure."

Having completed his collegiate career at Eastern Michigan University, Kellett will now compete against top golfers at Hamilton Golf and Country Club in his first appearance at Canada's National Open Championship. He shared insights into his recent form: "I've struggled with self-belief since college, but the last year I've really started playing how I know I can play. I've been more compassionate with myself, but I work hard for the results."

Kellett is eager for what lies ahead: "Just keep trying to get better in any way I can. The patience in last year has paid off. It's been tough to come close and not get wins, so this is special. The PGA TOUR start will be unreal."

Alongside Kellett's exemption win, eighteen players from a field of 137 advanced to the RBC Canadian Open Final Qualifier scheduled for May 27 at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley (North Course) in Caledon.

The regional qualifying series consists of five events across Canada. Winners from fields exceeding 120 players earn direct exemptions into Canada's National Men's Open Championship.

In addition to Ontario's event on Thursday, six players moved forward from Alberta's Regional Qualifier at Sirocco Golf Club in Foothills without direct exemptions due to smaller field size.