CALEDON, Ontario — Rory McIlroy, the two-time Masters champion, faced a tough day at the RBC Canadian Open, finishing with an 8-over 78. This marked his most challenging round in nearly a year, and it’s a concern for the golfer as he heads into the U.S. Open next week.
McIlroy struggled significantly on the fifth hole, where he recorded a quadruple-bogey 8. With multiple bogeys and just two birdies, he found himself at 9 over, sitting well behind leader Cameron Champ, who finished the day at 12 under par after shooting a solid 68.
“It’s definitely a concern for me,” McIlroy stated regarding his performance. “I pulled out a new driver, hoping it would solve some issues off the tee, but it didn’t quite work out.”
Looking ahead to the next tournament at Oakmont, McIlroy noted the importance of hitting fairways. “I’m still searching for that missing piece with my tee shots,” he added.
Champ had a strong performance with four birdies and completed his first two rounds without a single bogey, demonstrating impressive play throughout the event. He expressed surprise at securing a spot in the tournament after being the eighth alternate.
Andrew Putnam also had a remarkable day, achieving a bogey-free 62, placing him in second. He credited solid driving and an excellent putting performance for his success.
Danish golfer Thorbjorn Olesen, who initially led the tournament, fell back after a round of 70, while several other competitors, including Canadians Richard Lee and Nick Taylor, also made strong showings.
Overall, the RBC Canadian Open has set the stage for an exciting weekend as golfers prepare to take on the challenges ahead, with McIlroy hoping to rebound before the U.S. Open.
