Richard Green of Australia tees off during the PGA Tour Champions golf event in Calgary on Aug. 21, 2026.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh

By The Canadian Press

Green and Labritz share the lead after first round at Rogers Charity Classic

Aug 21, 2026 | 5:58 PM

CALGARY — Rob Labritz wasn’t even aware that his 12-foot birdie putt on his final hole pulled him into a tie for top spot on the opening day of the Rogers Charity Classic.

“I didn’t know, didn’t care,” said Labritz, who matched defending champion Richard Green’s low round of 7-under 63 on Friday. “I’m just trying to play the best shots that I can and if I do that every day, I can do some damage.”

Starting on the 10th hole of the 7,086-yard course at Canyon Meadows Golf and Country Club, Labritz had four birdies on the back nine before rolling in three more on the front.

“To be honest with you, I probably can’t recall any of the shots,” Labritz said. “I’m one of those guys who just plays one shot at a time and then I forget about it. I know I didn’t make any bogeys and I made seven birdies.”

It’s the fifth straight year that the 55-year-old American has played at the PGA Tour Champions event in Calgary.

DILUENT RECOVERY AND INJECTION FACILITY

Cenovus Energy outlines proposed DilSAP expansion at Spruce Lake

6h ago

That's not a fish

VIDEO: 'What even is that?' bullsnake filmed swimming on Lake Diefenbaker

8h ago

Riderville

Ask Not for Whom the Ed Hervey Tampering Window Opens!

10h ago

His best previous showing was a tie for 35th place in 2024.

“I love this place, because you have some drivers off the tee (and) reachable par fives,” he said.

A few minutes before Labritz finished his round, Green eagled the 18th hole to move into the lead.

Green’s second shot on the par-5 finishing hole bounced off the grandstand and onto the green before he sunk a lengthy putt. He also had five birdies during his bogey-free opening round.

Miguel Angel Jimenez was one shot back at 6 under. Michael Allen, Jason Caron, Thongchai Jaidee, Ryan Amour, Jerry Kelly and Michael Block were next at 5 under.

Mike Weir of Bright’s Grove, Ont., was the top Canadian at 3 under.

After 10 straight pars, Weir finished strong with three birdies, including one on the 18th hole.

“I’m happy with today,” said Weir. “The front nine was a bit of a struggle and I kind of held it together there with a couple nice par putts on seven and eight.

“Then I kind of settled down and hit some good shots and gave myself chances and made a couple. And nice to finish with one on the last.”

Fellow Canadian Golf Hall of Famer Stephen Ames shot an even-par 70 while Calgary’s Wes Martin opened at 2 over.

Competition continues through Sunday.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 21, 2026.

Laurence Heinen, The Canadian Press

by The Canadian Press

Green and Labritz share the lead after first round at Rogers Charity Classic

What's Trending