Rory McIlroy waited three years to attempt his RBC Canadian Open title defense. Amidst a boisterous crowd Sunday afternoon in Toronto, he delivered.
McIlroy carded a final-round, 8-under 62 at St. George’s G&CC, punctuated by back-to-back closing birdies, to finish at 19-under total, two strokes clear of Tony Finau at one of Canada’s most historic layouts. Sunday’s final threesome featured McIlroy, Finau (64) and Justin Thomas (64), and the trio combined for 24 birdies, the crowd buzz continuing to grow as the afternoon progressed.
Fireworks were abundant throughout the final round; earlier in the day, Justin Rose was 11-under through 15 holes before “settling” for a 10-under 60. Thomas captured a share of the lead with two holes to play, but McIlroy hit approach shots inside 5 feet on Nos. 17 and 18 for deciding birdies.
McIlroy, 33, captured his second PGA TOUR title of the season (THE CJ CUP @ SUMMIT) and 21st TOUR victory overall. He ascends to No. 4 in the FedExCup standings, 500 points accrued, as he heads to Boston for next week’s U.S.
Open in chase of his fifth major championship title. “Sort of rededicated myself to the game a little bit,” said McIlroy of his recent uptick in form. “Sort of realized what made me happy, and this makes me happy.”
As he acknowledged chants of “Rory! Rory!” on No. 18 green Sunday, that happiness was crystal clear.
