Rory McIlroy Shoots 78, Trails Cameron Champ At Canadian Open

David

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Post on Jun 09, 2025

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Rory McIlroy Stumbles in Round One, Trails Cameron Champ at Canadian Open

Rory McIlroy, the golf superstar known for his power and precision, had a disappointing start to the 2024 Canadian Open, carding a four-over-par 78 in the opening round. This leaves him significantly behind the leader, Cameron Champ, who shot a remarkable six-under-par 66, setting the pace at Oakdale Golf & Country Club in Toronto.

The performance marks a surprising stumble for McIlroy, who was expected to contend for the title. His round was marred by several bogeys and a lack of the consistent brilliance usually associated with his game. The challenging course conditions, including gusty winds, undoubtedly played a role, but McIlroy's struggles were evident throughout his round.

McIlroy's Round Breakdown: A Tale of Two Halves

The Northern Irishman's round was a tale of two halves. While he managed to keep things relatively steady on the front nine, his back nine proved disastrous. A series of costly mistakes, including several missed putts from inside ten feet, derailed his momentum. He finished the day with four bogeys and a double-bogey, highlighting the inconsistencies that plagued his game.

• Front Nine: A relatively respectable one-over-par performance. McIlroy showcased glimpses of his usual prowess, but lacked the killer instinct needed to capitalize on scoring opportunities.
• Back Nine: A complete collapse. Several errant shots led to bogeys, and a disastrous double-bogey on the 16th effectively sealed his fate for the day.

Champ's Stellar Performance: A Masterclass in Consistency

In stark contrast to McIlroy's struggles, Cameron Champ delivered a masterful performance, showcasing his exceptional length off the tee and impressive accuracy on approach shots. His six-under-par round included seven birdies and only one bogey, highlighting his exceptional control and precision. This performance positions him as a strong contender for the Canadian Open title.

The victory would be a significant boost for Champ, who has been searching for a breakthrough win on the PGA Tour. His powerful driving game is well-suited to Oakdale Golf & Country Club, and his performance suggests he could be a serious threat for the rest of the tournament.

What's Next for McIlroy? A Fight Back is Needed

McIlroy faces a significant uphill battle to reclaim his position. He'll need to drastically improve his game in the coming rounds to have any chance of catching Champ and the other contenders. His short game will be under particular scrutiny, as his putting and approach play need significant refinement. The question now is: can McIlroy rediscover his form and mount a remarkable comeback?

This Canadian Open is shaping up to be a thrilling contest. While McIlroy's opening round was disappointing, the tournament is far from over. Fans will be glued to their screens, hoping for a spectacular McIlroy turnaround.

Keywords: Rory McIlroy, Canadian Open, Cameron Champ, Golf, PGA Tour, Oakdale Golf & Country Club, Toronto, Golf News, Sports News, Golf Tournament, Round One, 78, 66

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