Disaster Strikes for McIlroy at TPC Toronto
Rory McIlroy, the world No. 3 and two-time RBC Canadian Open champion, faced a stunning setback at this year's tournament held at TPC Toronto. On Friday, June 6, McIlroy carded a score of 78, marking his second-highest score to par in any PGA Tour round of his career. This disastrous performance, which included a triple-bogey 8 on his fifth hole, led to him missing the cut by a staggering 12 shots.
The Northern Irish golfer, who was confirmed to compete in the 114th playing of Canada's National Open Championship earlier this year, expressed significant frustration with his game. 'My driver just isn't clicking,' McIlroy admitted after the round, highlighting ongoing struggles with a new piece of equipment. This poor showing has left him with little momentum heading into the upcoming U.S. Open at Oakmont.
Cameron Champ Seizes Unexpected Lead
While McIlroy faltered, Cameron Champ emerged as the surprise leader at the RBC Canadian Open. Entering as an alternate, Champ capitalized on his last-gasp entry to take a two-stroke lead into the weekend. His performance has been a bright spot in a field where low scores were achievable, as seen at TPC Toronto during the early rounds.
Champ's journey to the top of the leaderboard has not been without personal challenges. Battling mental health struggles alongside inconsistencies in his game, he admitted to being surprised by his competitive standing. 'I didn't expect to be here leading,' Champ shared, reflecting on his unexpected success in the final event before the U.S. Open.
Implications for McIlroy and the Road Ahead
McIlroy's early exit from the Canadian Open raises serious questions about his form heading into one of golf's major championships. With just days to regroup before the U.S. Open, the golfer known for his resilience will need to address the issues with his driver and overall game. 'I'm worried about my bid at Oakmont,' McIlroy confessed, acknowledging the timing of this slump couldn't be worse.
The RBC Canadian Open, the second-oldest non-major on the PGA Tour schedule, has historically been a strong event for McIlroy, making this missed cut even more jarring. As other contenders like Matteo Manassero and Ryan Fox sit atop the leaderboard entering Sunday's final round, alongside Canadian hopeful Mackenzie Hughes just two shots back, McIlroy must now shift focus to salvaging his season at the upcoming major.