Rory McIlroy Struggles at RBC Canadian Open: Hits 8, Falls Short of 80, and Misses the Cut

Rory McIlroy faced a tough outing at the RBC Canadian Open, struggling with an 8 on his fifth hole that pushed him down the leaderboard. He finished the day with an 8-over 78, placing him at 9 over par. Only four players scored worse over the first two days in Ontario.

Currently, Cameron Champ leads the tournament at 12 under, with Andrew Putnam just two strokes behind. Notably, Canadian golfers Nick Taylor and Richard Lee are both at 9 under, showcasing strong performances.

This was McIlroy’s last tournament before the U.S. Open next week at Oakmont Country Club. He noted the need for significant practice over the weekend to sharpen his game. McIlroy had switched drivers this week, but it didn’t quite work for him. On Friday, he ranked 151st among 153 players in strokes gained off the tee.

“It’s concerning,” McIlroy admitted, reflecting on his scores. He had hoped a new driver would help improve his game but experienced continued struggles, especially with hitting fairways, which is crucial for success at Oakmont.

His fifth hole was a turning point. After hitting his tee shot into the right rough, he launched his approach far over the green, leading to a challenging sequence of shots. He ultimately ended that hole with a quadruple-bogey.

Despite a tough front nine, he played the last four holes at 1 under, but his 78 was his worst score since last year’s Open Championship. McIlroy commented on the switch to a 44-inch driver, aiming for more control, but he expressed frustration over missing fairways.

This was McIlroy’s first appearance at TPC Toronto, though he has previously won this event at different locations. Overall, fans are eager to see how he rebounds at the U.S. Open, following this rocky performance.

In the world of golf, many experts emphasize the importance of mental resilience. Former golfer and coach Butch Harmon once said, “Golf is a game of bad shots.” McIlroy will need to embody that mindset to rebound effectively next week.

As for social media reactions, many fans expressed disappointment but also support for McIlroy, reminding him that every golfer faces challenges. As he prepares for Oakmont, his focus will likely shift toward refining his skills to compete at the highest level.



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