24 - The Oakville Beaver, Wednesday September 6, 2006 www.oakvillebeaver.com Open has provided exciting moments since 1904 More than 100 years later, there's still nothing like being there. Since its inception in 1904, the Canadian Open has played host to the world's best golfers and produced countless memorable moments. Sports fans across the country and around the world have been entertained by legends including former champions Byron Nelson, Arnold Palmer, Tiger Woods and Vijay Singh. The list of legends also includes Sam Snead and Lee Trevino , who each won the Canadian Open three times. Greg Norman, Tom Weiskopf, Curtis Strange and Nick Price all won twice. Jack Nicklaus, considered by many to be the greatest golfer ever, was the runner-up seven times. Today, the Canadian Open remains one of the premier events on the PGA Tour. It is the thirdoldest national open championship in the world. Alongside the British and U.S. Opens, the Canadian Open constitutes the Triple Crown of open championships. Its rich history gives it a cachet and tradition that make it one of Canada `s premier sporting events. The first Canadian Open was 36 holes long and lasted only one day. The winner, John H. Oke, shot 156 and pocketed $60 as his reward. Obviously the intervening years have seen major changes in professional golf. But just like the timeless satisfaction of hitting a perfect drive, the excitement of Open competition has stayed constant. From legendary names to overnight sensations, golfers of all backgrounds have battled for the championship and thrilled the crowds. Seventeen championships have needed playoff holes to decide the winner, including the last time it was held at Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville -- 2004, when Singh edged Canada's Mike Weir on the third playoff hole. OAKVILLE BEAVER FILE PHOTO Vijay Singh lifts his putter high to acknowledge the crowd at Glen Abbey Golf Club during the final round of the 2004 Bell Canadian Open, when the Fiji native edged Canadian fan favorite Mike Weir in a playoff to win the tournament. Lexus of Oakville - Expect more 2006 Lexus IS 250 I $ At some point, everyone chooses the good life. Y are ready for Lexus luxury and perou formance. Call or visit Lexus of Oakville. Simply follow the road to perfection · 6-speed manual transmission (optional automatic) · Sport-tuned Front double wishbone and rear multi-link suspension · Keyless Smart Access with push button start · Premium 13-speaker audio with MP3 input · 10 multi-positioned airbags · Available Adaptive Front Lighting System S WELL EQUIPPED FROM 36,500 * THE PURSUIT OF PERFECTION. 2475 Wyecroft Road, Oakville(QEW andBronte) 905-847-8400 www.lexusofoakville.ca Freight/PDL, taxes license, registration and insurance are extra. Lexus Dealers are free to set their own prices. Please see Lexus of Oakville for complete details.