CALEDON — After every shot Sudarshan Yellamaraju heard the same things. “‘Sauga City!” “We’re behind you!” and more than anything else “One of us!”
Yellamaraju, from nearby Mississauga, Ont., shot a 5-under 65 on Saturday to finish the third round of the RBC Canadian Open tied for seventh at 10 under, three shots back of leader Jackson Suber. It also made him the low Canadian heading into the national men’s golf championship’s final round.
The 24-year-old said he heard the cheers but didn’t want to react to them too much as he focused on gaining ground on a packed leaderboard.
“I’ve been just trying to do the best that I can,” said Yellamaraju, who is in his first season on the PGA Tour. “I think this year I’ve learned that when I’m doing well, I am inspiring others, so it is kind of cool to see.
“But like I said, I’m just trying to play the best I can, if I’m able to inspire others, then that’s awesome.”
Yellamaraju has had a rock solid start to his PGA Tour career, making the cut in 14 of 17 starts. That includes two top 10 finishes: a tie for fifth at the Players Championship on March 12 and a tie for sixth at the Texas Children’s Houston Open on March 26.
That’s put him 48th in the FedEx Cup standings, with his current position at the Canadian Open projecting him to move four spots up when the rankings are updated Monday.
“I’ve always thought I could be in contention in tournaments, for sure,” said Yellamaraju. “That’s what I’ve been working for, that’s what I’ve been dreaming of doing, but it’s just a matter of doing it, of course.
“I’ve been in this position before, maybe not on the PGA Tour, but in this position before, so it wasn’t unusual.”
Matthew Anderson (69) of Mississauga, Ont., was tied for 19th at 8 under.
Local favourite Taylor Pendrith (70) of Richmond Hill, Ont., Adam Hadwin (66) of Abbotsford, B.C., and amateur Justin Matthews (66) of Little Britain, Ont., were in a group tied for 23rd at 7 under.
Pendrith delayed his post-round media appearances by a few minutes to sign autographs for children along the 18th green. He said it’s a “huge part” of his job as a pro golfer.
“Those kids look up to all of us out here and it doesn’t take much, took five minutes out of my day to make their day,” said Pendrith. “Especially here in Canada, a lot of them know my name, so it’s always nice to stop.”
A.J. Ewart (69) of Coquitlam, B.C., and Ben Silverman (69) of Thornhill, Ont., had identical rounds to sit in a tie for 49th at 4 under.
Adam Svensson (71) of Surrey, B.C., was tied for 59th at 2 under, Joey Savoie (72) of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Que., was grouped at 66th and Nick Taylor (78) of Abbotsford, B.C., was 75th at 6 over.
The 10 Canadians to make the cut at this year’s national championship are the most since 1969.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 13, 2026.
John Chidley-Hill, The Canadian Press
