Champ takes 2-shot lead, Canada’s Taylor and Lee tied for 3rd heading into weekend at Canadian Open

Cameron Champ’s unexpected rise to the top of the leaderboard at the RBC Canadian Open has captured the attention of golf fans around the world. Champ, who was initially the eighth alternate for the tournament, shot a stellar 4-under 66 to take a two-stroke lead over Andrew Putnam.

In a post-round interview, Champ expressed his surprise at even making it into the tournament. “I definitely didn’t think I was getting in, especially as eighth,” he said. “I know the deadline, some guys will withdraw over the weekend but as eighth, I was like, ‘yeah, probably not getting in.’ Luckily, I actually brought my passport. I don’t know why I brought it. I was like ‘I’m just going to bring it in case’ for whatever reason, not even thinking about the tournament. So it all worked out nicely.”

It has been five years since Champ’s last PGA Tour win, and he has been navigating between the PGA Tour and the Korn Ferry Tour this season. Despite the challenges, Champ remains focused on making the most of every opportunity that comes his way.

Putnam put on a stunning performance with an 8-under 62, the best round of the day, to secure second place at 10-under overall. Vancouver’s Richard T. Lee, Nick Taylor of Abbotsford, B.C., Denmark’s Thorbjorn Olesen, and Italy’s Victor Perez were tied for third at 9 under.

Canadian fans were treated to an exciting day of golf as Taylor, Lee, and Mackenzie Hughes thrilled the crowds with their impressive play. The all-Canadian trio received thunderous applause at every hole, making for an electrifying atmosphere on the course.

However, not everyone had a good day on the course. Two-time Canadian Open champion Rory McIlroy struggled, posting an 8-over round to miss the cut at 9 over. McIlroy expressed his disappointment with his performance, especially with the upcoming U.S. Open on the horizon.

Despite the challenges, Lee and Taylor were among the eight Canadians who made the cut at the tournament, matching a record set in previous years. The event was also affected by a special air quality advisory due to wildfires in Manitoba and parts of Ontario, with the Greater Toronto Area recording an Air Quality Index of 164, considered unhealthy.

Overall, the RBC Canadian Open has provided plenty of excitement and drama on the course, setting the stage for an exhilarating weekend of golf action. Stay tuned as the tournament unfolds and the battle for the title heats up.