Canadian Rookie Matthew Scobie Shines in PGA Debut, Narrowly Misses Cut at RBC Canadian Open

Matthew Scobie was not expected to compete for a spot on the weekend at the RBC Canadian Open, but heading into the back nine on Friday the 30-year-old Canadian was poised to make the cut. 

Scobie, in his first PGA Tour event, was coming off a dramatic finish to his qualifier finishing with two birdies in his last three holes, riding a high into the tournament. 

“Just wanted to keep the momentum going,” said Scobie in a post-round interview, his first ever interview at a PGA event. “Getting out to your country’s national open and playing against some of the best players in the world, it was a really good test.” 

With a first round of two-under and a strong start to round two Friday, Scobie’s impressive play was on full display. Unfortunately, the heroics just weren’t there down the stretch Friday at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley. 

The Oshawa native struggled, bogeying three of the last four holes with an approach shot on 18 that just missed the green and rolled into the water. Going into the crucial drop shot on the last hole, Scobie was just trying to calm the nerves and finish strong. 

“Just do what I did on 17, I got up and down from about the same distance to save par.”

He wouldn’t quite accomplish the same feat on the 18th green in front of a heavy contingent of Canadian fans. The next few hours were stressful for the Canadian as he awaited word on if he would make the cut or not. With the cut projected at two-under at the conclusion of his round, all Scobie could do was wait to see if he would be playing the weekend.

The PGA rookie joined OverDrive live from the 14th hole after leaving the media area off the 18th green. This was Scobie’s first big stream media interview and he was given the chance to display his incredible personality. 

When I asked Scobie about how he handled the ups and downs of his first PGA event, he was quite honest and reflected on the unique opportunity.

“Still learning as we go. Definitely a little bit of a different environment out there trying to hit shots at the calibre needed at this level while also managing your nerves,” said Scobie in a post-round interview after going even on the day.

“Definitely a good learning experience.”