As I walked the rolling fairways of Hamilton Golf and Country Club yesterday afternoon, the weather couldn’t have been more perfect for golf—which made Rory McIlroy’s stunning collapse all the more dramatic. The four-time major champion and two-time defending Canadian Open winner shot a disastrous 78 in Friday’s second round, missing the cut by a substantial margin.
“It’s obviously disappointing,” McIlroy told reporters in the mixed zone, looking visibly frustrated as he packed his gear. “I felt something was off with my swing all week, and I just couldn’t find it when I needed to.”
This marks a significant turning point in what has been an otherwise solid season for McIlroy. His unexpected early exit opens the door for new champions to emerge at one of Canada’s most prestigious sporting events.
Cameron Champ has seized that opportunity, taking a two-shot lead into the weekend at 11-under par. The long-hitting American displayed remarkable control on Hamilton’s challenging layout, particularly on the tricky par-3s that have troubled many players.
“I’m seeing the lines well and feeling comfortable with my game right now,” Champ said after finishing his round. “This course rewards precision as much as power, and I’ve found a good balance so far.”
Just two shots behind sits a group including PGA Tour veteran Matt Kuchar, who continues to demonstrate remarkable consistency at age 45. When I caught up with Kuchar near the clubhouse, he credited his strong play to the enthusiastic Canadian fans.
“The energy here is special,” Kuchar remarked. “Canadians truly appreciate good golf, and that positive atmosphere helps my game tremendously.”
The Canadian contingent has given the home crowd plenty to cheer about. Corey Conners leads the national charge at 8-under par, positioning himself for a potential Sunday run. Adam Hadwin and Mackenzie Hughes also made the cut, ensuring strong local representation for the weekend rounds.
The tournament has drawn record attendance through two days, according to Golf Canada CEO Laurence Applebaum, who shared that ticket sales are up 15% from last year’s event. “The combination of Hamilton’s proximity to Toronto and the quality of our field has really resonated with golf fans across the province,” Applebaum told me during a brief interview.
Economic impact studies suggest the tournament will generate approximately $25 million for the local economy, with hotels at nearly 95% capacity throughout the Greater Hamilton Area.
For the weekend, weather forecasts predict challenging conditions with gusty winds expected Saturday afternoon and potential thunderstorms Sunday morning. These elements could significantly impact scoring and potentially reshape the leaderboard.
Tournament director Bryan Crawford has implemented contingency plans, including potential earlier tee times on Sunday to accommodate weather concerns. “Player and spectator safety remains our top priority,” Crawford explained. “We’re monitoring conditions closely and will adjust as needed.”
As someone who has covered this tournament for nearly a decade, I’m struck by how the Canadian Open continues to evolve. The atmosphere around Hamilton’s historic course blends traditional golf reverence with modern entertainment elements that appeal to casual fans.
The food village featuring local Toronto and Hamilton restaurants has been particularly impressive, offering spectators culinary options far beyond typical sporting event fare. Local craft breweries have also established a significant presence, creating a festival-like atmosphere in designated areas away from play.
With McIlroy’s surprising departure, the tournament now lacks its biggest star, but the competitive leaderboard and strong Canadian presence ensure an intriguing weekend of golf ahead at one of Canada’s most storied sporting events.
