Canadian Open Shake-Up: Rory McIlroy Under Pressure as New Faces Dominate Leaderboard
Rory McIlroy fights to avoid missing the cut at the RBC Canadian Open as fresh contenders light up the 2025 leaderboard.
- Projected Cut: McIlroy at +1, on the bubble for Round 3 qualification
- Top Odds to Win: Thorbjørn Olesen leads at +400 (BetMGM)
- TV Coverage: Golf Channel, Friday 3-6 p.m. ET
- Start Time: First tee at 6:45 a.m. ET for Round 2
The drama is already sky-high at the 2025 RBC Canadian Open as golf’s brightest (and boldest) faces battle for supremacy. Day 2 in Caledon, Ontario, teed off under crisp conditions—but the spotlight fixates on Rory McIlroy, the reigning Masters champ, who finds himself scrambling to keep his title hopes alive.
The world’s #2 arrived at Canada’s classic but sits a tenuous one-over-par through the first round, flirting with an early exit unless he brings out his best. McIlroy’s sharpest rivals—including Thorbjørn Olesen, Cristobal Del Solar, and Jake Knapp—have snatched attention, firing low numbers and turning the traditional leaderboard upside down.
Meanwhile, golf fans everywhere are glued to the unfolding leaderboard chaos, wondering: Will McIlroy storm back—and who are the sleepers ready to shatter expectations?
Q: What’s at Stake for Rory McIlroy at the Canadian Open?
After a Masters win for the ages, all eyes locked onto McIlroy to see if his hot streak would continue. Instead, the superstar’s game stumbled on Thursday. He sits at +1, in danger of missing Friday’s cut. For someone aiming to fine-tune his game for next week’s U.S. Open, missing out on weekend play would be a huge setback—and a big disappointment for fans hoping for some magic on Canadian soil.
How Have the New Contenders Surprised at the 2025 Canadian Open?
While icons like McIlroy fight for survival, a surge of rising talent electrifies the tournament. Thorbjørn Olesen roared to pole position with relentless precision, seizing bookmaker top spot at +400 odds (PGA Tour). Canadian Taylor Pendrith and Shane Lowry aren’t far behind, capitalizing on home crowd momentum and crisp Ontario conditions.
Cristobal Del Solar, Jake Knapp, and others are making headlines for aggressive drives and fearless putting, instantly winning fans and reshuffling odds.
Q: Who Are the Must-Watch Groups and When Should I Tune In?
Friday’s second round action demands attention—from the first tee at 6:45 a.m. ET, with veteran names and new blood paired up for drama:
– Rory McIlroy, Ludvig Åberg, and Luke Clanton tee off at 12:55 p.m.
– Jake Knapp starts at 7:29 a.m.
– Shane Lowry, Robert MacIntyre, and Corey Conners make for a powerhouse group at 7:40 a.m.
Get live coverage nationally via Golf Channel (3-6 p.m. ET) or stream featured holes with ESPN+ starting at 6:45 a.m. Try streaming free with Fubo.
How’s the Weather for Round 2? Will It Impact Play?
AccuWeather points to a mix of sun and clouds, high of 74°F, and moderate winds from the east at 5-10 mph. But there’s a twist—a 40% chance of rain and a small thunderstorm risk could shake up afternoon scores and challenge even the steadiest hands.
Q: Who’s Favored to Win as Round 2 Unfolds?
BetMGM odds after Round 1:
- Thorbjørn Olesen: +400 – Danish star is the man to beat
- Shane Lowry: +1000 – The Irish maestro rides strong momentum
- Robert MacIntyre, Cameron Champ, Jake Knapp, Taylor Pendrith: +1200 to +1400 – All surging and ready to pounce
Eyes also turn to Canadian standouts Taylor Pendrith and Nick Taylor as potential homegrown heroes.
How to Follow the Action and Scores All Weekend
– Check the latest leaderboard at PGA Tour
– Watch live on ESPN+ and Golf Channel
– Try a free streaming trial via Fubo
– Track updates and highlights on Golf Digest and Sportsnet
Don’t miss a minute as golf’s biggest names battle for Canadian Open supremacy—will McIlroy rise or will the new generation steal the show?
Your RBC Canadian Open Watchlist & To-Do:
- Follow leaderboard shifts at PGA Tour’s official site
- Mark tee times for your favorite stars
- Stream live on TV or ESPN+/Fubo for wall-to-wall coverage
- Watch the forecast—weather could shake up the field
- Check post-round odds and insights for betting tips
Gear up for an unmissable Friday—McIlroy’s fate and new star power await at the Canadian Open!
