Two 59s, One Historic Comeback at the Commissionaires Ottawa Open
- ClubLink
- Aug 5
- 4 min read
Updated: Aug 6
Dunrobin, Ontario – For the third year in a row, Eagle Creek Golf Club hosted the Commissionaires Ottawa Open presented by Lépine Apartments. What unfolded over four days was nothing short of historic: two rounds of 59, to a historic comeback, to heartfelt moments shared by staff, members, and families, it was a tournament that embodied everything great about golf.
On Saturday, Philip Barbaree Jr. lit up the leaderboard with a jaw-dropping 13-under 59—the second 59 in PGA TOUR Americas history. The score not only set a new Eagle Creek course record by two shots, but also earned a place on TSN’s national highlights.
White Goes Even Lower and Makes History
On Sunday, Brett White stunned the field with another 59—tying the course record just one day after it was set.
White started the final round seven shots back, but a perfect round (13 birdies, zero bogeys, and a 63-foot eagle putt on the signature 18th hole) vaulted him into the lead. His performance marked the largest comeback in PGA TOUR Americas history, and secured his first PGA TOUR-sanctioned victory.
“About two or three feet out of the hole, I knew it was going in,” White said. “To make a 63-footer to break 60, personal best, all that good stuff, and cap it off with a win—it was a crazy day. A special day.”
The win also launched White up the Fortinet Cup standings, moving him from No. 14 to No. 3 and strengthening his bid to return to the Korn Ferry Tour.
Family, Friendships, and a Homegrown Connection
White’s win resonated even more deeply at Eagle Creek. Not only was his wife Natalie and their four-month-old daughter Nellie present for the win, but White had also stayed the previous two years with Dany Lacombe, Regional Director of Operations for ClubLink, who billets players during the tournament.
“Seeing Brett win this year after staying with us the last two years—it was really special,” Lacombe said. “He feels like part of the Eagle Creek family.”
It was a weekend full of personal connections—including one from Eagle Creek’s own Ryan Little, Director of Operations:
“I’ve been with ClubLink since 1993, and this was by far one of my favourite experiences. Hosting Shubham Jaglan from India with my family and having the chance to caddy in a professional event—this was a highlight of my golf career. We now have a relationship for life and have already been texting back and forth since his last event in Toronto.”
Inside the Ropes: How the Turf Crew Built a Stage for History
Inside the Ropes: The 4:30 a.m. Crew That Made History Possible
Behind the historic scores was a team that never took a swing—but played a massive role in the tournament's success. Led by Golf Course Superintendent Kim Best, the turf crew delivered championship conditions that had pros raving all week.
What went into it?
Rolling patterns: Greens were double-rolled in alternating directions to boost speed while maintaining consistency
Precision mowing: Fairways, tees, and approaches were mowed each morning to tournament height, with cross-cutting used to tighten play surfaces
Hydration and firmness: With daily highs of 32°C, the team performed moisture checks and hand-watered hot spots to keep the greens firm, smooth, and fair
Start to finish: Days began as early as 4:30 a.m. with crew members prepping bunkers, cutting pins, clearing dew, and ended late after ensuring surfaces were ready for the next round
“The crew’s work was unbelievable,” said Kim Best. “To hear players call these the best greens they’ve played on in a long time—it made every early morning and late night worth it. TJ from the PGA TOUR personally pulled me aside and said he was so impressed with how friendly and engaged our entire operation was—not just this year, but consistently over the past three years. He said Eagle Creek might be one of their best stops on the Tour from both a hospitality and course conditions perspective.
While the course conditions were nothing short of world-class, the entire Eagle Creek operation stood out. From front-of-house hospitality, to food and beverage, to volunteer coordination, the event ran smoothly from start to finish thanks to a deeply committed team.
Beyond the Scorecard
The tournament also continued its support of Soldier On, a program of the Canadian Armed Forces that empowers ill and injured CAF members and veterans through sport, recreation, and creative activities.
Additional highlights included:
A.J. Ewart finishing as the low Canadian at T10 (-20)
Hole No. 7 (500-yard par 5) playing as the easiest hole on Sunday
Hole No. 5 (408-yard par 4) playing as the most difficult
A Weekend to Remember in Ottawa
Two course-record 59s. A historic comeback. Moments captured on TSN. Turf perfection. And personal stories that elevated this tournament far beyond just golf.
The 2025 Commissionaires Ottawa Open was a celebration of talent, community, and dedication—a weekend that reminded everyone at Eagle Creek what makes this game so unforgettable.
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