Rory McIlroy is eyeing his third RBC Canadian Open title at the newly refurbished Hamilton Country Club in Ontario. The atmosphere, however, matters as much with the recent loss of Grayson Murray reducing crowd exuberance. McIlroy commented that such incidents bring life into perspective, diminishing the significance of golf. He spoke about his ongoing struggle with preventing the game from dominating his existence. In the wake of the tragic event last week, one becomes acutely aware of priorities.
The magnitude of the loss is extreme, reminding everyone that, despite their unusual careers, they remain human, with the same frailties and susceptibility as everyone else. It is a stark reminder to exercise more compassion towards each other.
Following his tied-12th place at the US PGA Championship, which came after successive wins at the Zurich Classic(in collaboration with Shane Lowry) and the Wells Fargo, McIlroy is returning to competitive golf. He spent the off period attending a friend’s wedding in Italy and spending time with his daughter Poppy and the rest of his family. He estimated that he only practiced about 150 balls throughout the previous week.
McIlroy, a two-time Canadian Open champion, won in 2019 at Hamilton and in 2022 at St George’s. Now, he returns to a venue that has undergone substantial renovations by Martin Ebert on the Harry Colt design in the five years since his victory. McIlroy finished with a score of 61 in his final round during his last win, eyeing a potential 59 before scoring a bogey on the last hole.
McIlroy recollected his remarkable start that continued until he almost hit a score of 59 on the back nine. Recounting his eagle at the 17th, he recognised his mishit on the final green that led to a bogey, yet he reminded himself of the joy of his tournament win. He noted the current state of the golf course that made it less probable for anyone to achieve a score of 59 this week. The course had become more challenging with steeper greens, and more run-offs from green complexes. According to him, even the large greens seemed to play smaller than they actually were, with penalties more stringent for a missed shot.
He spoke about the exceptionally tough rough around the bunkers and the danger of slippery areas where the ball could roll 20 to 30 yards off the green. McIlroy emphasised that more precision was needed with the recent redesign of the course.
As he is headed for a packed schedule of tournaments which include next week’s Memorial- a premier event on the PGA Tour, then the US Open at Pinehurst, which will be followed by a stint at a prestigious $20 million event, The Travelers.
Past runner up, Shane Lowry, (who was second to McIlroy in 2019), and Séamus Power will also participate in Ontario and are on a similar run of events as McIlroy.
In women’s golf, Nelly Korda, who has been exceptional, winning six out of her seven LPGA Tour events this year, is preparing for the US Women’s Open. This includes her win at The Chevron, the first of the five women’s Majors of the year.
According to anticipations, the USGA-planned course at the Lancaster Country Club in Pennsylvania is likely to provide a formidable examination of players’ skills. As Korda expressed, the upcoming Major championship will be a strict test of both physical golfing capabilities and mental fortitude. It’s all too easy to lose oneself in the moment and let the game slip away amidst minor errors. Korda, aged 25, pursuing her third Major title added The Chevron to her range of wins at the 2021 US Women’s PGA.
Leona Maguire doesn’t qualify at The Chevron recently, however, she aims for a strong comeback in this tournament. She is one of three Irish representatives, others being Stephanie Meadow, who achieved a tied-30th position at Chevron, and amateur player, Áine Donegan.
In other news, the RBC Canadian Open offers an €8.7 million prize fund, with the winner taking home €1.6 million. Set in Hamilton Country Club in Canada, the course has witnessed certain reforms under the supervision of Martin Ebert, a favourite choice for the R&A at Open venues. Despite slight add-ons in length, significant changes are made in the bunkering and greens sections. The spotlight of the tournament is shared by Rory Mcilroy, world number three, Sahith Theegala, ranking at number 12, and Tommy Fleetwood, standing at number 13. It also includes a larger number of Canadian participants (25), with champion Nick Taylor returning to defend his title. There’s an additional incentive with the top three players not already exempt receiving invites to the 152nd Open at Royal Troon.
Tommy Fleetwood recently shared his thoughts on who is superior between Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler. Despite believing McIlroy to be the finest player of their era, he cautioned about underestimating Scheffler, especially due to his recent form.
Three Irish golfers – Séamus Power, Rory McIlroy, and Shane Lowry, are all participating in the forthcoming event. Power, last seen at Wells Fargo finishing joint 16th, is paired with KH Lee and Keith Mitchell. McIlroy is paired with defending champion Nick Taylor and CJ Cup Byron Nelson winner, Taylor Pendrith. Lowry, who is in great shape, will play alongside Canadian pair Mackenzie Hughes and Adam Hadwin.
It’s hardly shocking that McIlroy, who won in 2019 prior to the course overhaul, is tipped as the clear favourite with odds of 10-3 directly followed by Fleetwood, last year’s playoff loser to Nick Taylor, priced at 14-1. Sahith Theegala is valued at 18-1. Lowry, the runner-up to McIlroy five years ago, is thought to perform well given his connection with Royal Portrush, is priced at 20-1. Mackenzie Hughes is pegged at 33s each-way.
Sky Sports Golf will broadcast the event live from 5pm and later at 8pm. Meanwhile, the US Women’s Open will provide a €11 million purse, with the victor receiving €1.9 million. The event shall take place in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA.
Lancaster Country Club, a 6,583 yards par 70 course, is renowned for its architectural design by esteemed American William Flynn. This iconic course last hosted the US Open in 2015, where it saw In Gee Chun – now an honorary member of the club – emerge victorious. This course, known for its exceptional condition, provides a stern test for players both from the tee and the approach to the heavily fortified greens, especially the eminent 18th hole played from an elevated tee.
This year, in the women’s season’s second major golf tournament, the high-profile player’s list is led by the formidable Nelly Korda, who ranks number one globally. Korda boasts an impressive record, winning six of her recent LPGA Tour tournaments. The event features nine of the top-10 ranked players and eight former champions. The title is currently held by Allisen Corpuz.
Speaking about her experiences, Nelly Korda remarked, “My participation in the US Open as a 14-year-old made me realise my passion for this sport, and now, the opportunity to test my skills against the world’s best players at top golf courses for such significant prize money is unmatched.”
There are three Irish participants: Áine Donegan, a Lahinch Golf Club amateur who successfully pre-qualified for the second consecutive year; Leona Maguire, and Stephanie Meadow. The players’ respective pairs and their tee-off times (Irish time) have been scheduled.
With respect to betting, given Nelly Korda’s continued dominance, she’s the favourite to win with shortened odds of 10-3. Following her is her US Solheim Cup teammate Rose Zhang with a bet of 18-1, while Hannah Green is an appealing option at 25-1. Leona Maguire also offers good value at 50s.
The event will be broadcasted live on Sky Sports Main Event commencing at 5pm and resuming at 10.30pm.
The European Open, taking place at Hamburg’s Green Eagle Golf Club, offers a purse of €2.3 million, with the winner receiving €395,000. Known as the “Green Monster”, the par 73 course spans 7,455 yards, and is one of the DP World Tour’s lengthiest locations. This ambitious club, harbouring dreams of hosting the Ryder Cup, features six Par 5s, with the 9th and the 16th reaching over 600 yards.
The current line-up includes the recent victor of the Soudal Open in Belgium, Nacho Elvira, along with seven others who have achieved victories in this season’s DP World Tour. One significant competitor to watch is the current champion, Tom McKibbin.
Soren Kjeldsen, who has participated in 700 European Tour tournaments, expressed his enduring pride and love for the Tour. He joins David Howell, Miguel Angel Jimenez, and Sam Torrance in the select group of players who have reached this milestone.
Irish golfer, Tom McKibbin, is the only Irish participant and is preparing to defend his title. Additionally, he has secured a place in the forthcoming US Open at Pinehurst and will participate in the European Open alongside Rasmus Hojgaard and Yannick Paul.
Betting odds suggest a tight race with Tom McKibbin leading at 16-1, trailed by Jordan Smith and Rasmus Hojgaard at 20-1 each. Guido Migliozzi, with odds of 40-1, is an each-way consideration.
Sky Sports Golf will televise the European Open live from 12pm.