TORONTO — After a slow start, Rory McIlroy is on the move at the Canadian Open. As the author of a map of 67 (-5), he addressed the lead group en route from Oakdale.
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The two-time defending champion aims to become the first golfer to win the tournament three times in a row since Steve Stricker in 2011. Sticker had dominated the John Deere Classic from 2009 to 2011.
In the history of the PGA Tour, which dates back to 1968, only Tiger Woods has won the same title four times in a row. He’d made it to the Buick Invitation (his sponsor!) from 2005-2008 and the Bay Hill Invitation from 2000-2003.
With an overall record of -6 (71-67), the Northern Irishman is three shots behind China’s Carl Yuan. This performs a 21e Career start this week when he withstood the ax an 8e Time. Once, the one from the Korn Ferry circuit managed to break into the top 25.
On the hunt
In the midst of chasing 36 holes to play, McIlroy believes in his chances of climbing further up and taking the lead in the final laps, especially as the rain has softened the course and the weather forecast is favourable.
“I’m very happy with my performance in those first two rounds,” said the man, distracted and very busy with the news that rocked the golfing world on Tuesday.
“I feel comfortable in my position on the board. I finished that back nine strong, underlining the one who played 32 (-4) on the return. My iron game is better than in the opening round, my game is short too. And from the tee shots I managed to keep the ball in play. It was a solid lap.
Conners knows
It’s been eight years since a Canadian excelled early in the first two rounds of the Canadian Open. In 2015, David Hearn was in his third season at the start of the weekend. He had eventually attained the same rank.
With a score of -8, Corey Conners is tied for second place with England’s Aaran Rai and Tyrrell Hatton and Taiwan’s CT Pan.
The 31-year-old Ontario native is back on track after a poor showing at Muirfield Village during last week’s Memorial tournament.
Three weeks ago, Conners excelled at the PGA Championship of America in Oak Hill. However, in a similar position he had not fulfilled this task.
“This experience taught me a lot. I’m much calmer this week. my game is good I can swing with freedom and confidence. “You have to know how to have fun,” said the author of a second card of 69 (-3).
Étienne Papineau, the only representative from Quebec in the contingent of 21 Canadian golfers, couldn’t resist the ax with rounds of 73 and 72. With his record of +1, he missed her by two strokes.
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