A final round of 62 allowed Rory McIlroy to defend his title and win the RBC Canadian Open, ahead of Tony Finau (-17) and Justin Thomas (-15), thanks to a cumulative -19 at the Royal St. George’s Golf Club in Toronto.
McIlroy had triumphed in 2019, during the last edition of the tournament. He thus signs his 21e victory on the circuit, a second title this year after winning the CJ Cup.
“It’s incredible. Playing with Tony and JT, two of the best players in the world too. This is a day I will remember for a long time.
My 21e victory on the circuit, one more than anyone else… it gives me extra motivation,” McIlroy said, referring to Greg Norman’s 20 wins, promoter of the new LIV Series.
After a flawless first nine of 29, his best in his career, the Northern Irishman took control of the tournament.
With two bogeys between the 13th and 16th holes, McIlroy had an empty passage for the rest of the round.
Thomas and McIlroy were neck and neck with two holes to play, both at minus-17. McIlroy scored a birdie on the 17th hole, and he took advantage of a bogey from Thomas to forge a two-shot lead and race to victory.
Finau managed a long birdie run on the 72nd hole of the tournament to take second place alone at minus-17.
Moments later, McIlroy made a short roll to confirm his victory and ignite a visibly energetic crowd, a scene that did not go unnoticed by McIlroy.
“I think after COVID-19, I needed a reset. I reinvested more in my game. I realized what makes me happy… that’s what makes me happy,” McIlroy said, pointing to the crowd cheering him behind him.
McIlroy and Finau had started the final round in the lead at minus-11, and Thomas completed their playgroup.
Justin Rose had a phenomenal round with a score of 60 to climb the rankings. Rose missed the opportunity to break the 60 mark as he missed an 18-foot roll for par on the 18th hole.
Moreover, Rose rested at minus-11 after 15 holes, author of three eagles. However, he committed two bogeys on the last three holes, escaping a round under 60. He still equals the best round of his career.
“I’ve never played 59 before, so it would have ended the week on a high note,” said Rose, who committed a bogey on the 18th hole.
With a score of 62 in the final round, Canada’s Corey Conners finished the tournament in 6th place, seven shots from the head.
Adam Svensson (-6) was 21st, Mackenzie Hughes (-4) and Nick Taylor (-4) was 28th, Adam Hadwin (-3) was 35th, and Aaron Cockerill was 48th (N).
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