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.
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
