TORONTO — Four-time major champion Rory McIlroy’s hopes for another Canadian Open title came to a screeching halt Friday after a stunning second-round score of 78 (+8), eliminating him from the tournament.
McIlroy, a two-time Canadian Open champion (2019, 2022), couldn’t recover from a brutal start and carded five bogeys, two double-bogeys, and only one birdie during a round that left fans shocked and disappointed. It’s a rare early exit for the Northern Irishman, who had been considered one of the favorites heading into the week.
While McIlroy faltered, American Cameron Champ surged ahead with a solid round to grab a two-shot lead at the halfway mark. Champ’s consistent play and power off the tee have positioned him as the player to beat heading into the weekend.
The leaderboard remains tight, with several contenders still in the hunt, but the spotlight now shifts from McIlroy’s misstep to whether Champ can hold on and claim the title