CHAMP'S CANADIAN SHOCKER, RORY'S ROUTINE WOES - JUNE 7, 2025

On Saturday, June 7th, 2025, alternate Cameron Champ stunningly leads the RBC Canadian Open where Rory McIlroy missed the cut, while Martin Kaymer and Bryson DeChambeau co-lead Liv Golf DC.RBC CANADIAN OPEN: CHAMP'S ASCENT, RORY'S DESCENTAlternate Cameron Champ, who "definitely did not think I was getting in," remarkably leads at -12, bogey-free through two rounds, attributing his success to mental freedom and a luckily packed passport."It all worked out nicely," Champ said of his last-minute dash to the event after initially not expecting to play.Major shocker: Rory McIlroy missed the -3 cut by 12 strokes (+9) after a 78, citing continued fairway issues with a new 44-inch driver and now focusing on intensive U.S. Open prep.CANADIAN CONTINGENT & COURSE CHALLENGENick Taylor (T3, -9) lauded "phenomenal" fan support at "The Rink Hole," while Richard Lee (T3, -9) made his first PGA TOUR cut with family present, calling the Tour "aspirational."Andrew Putnam's blistering 62 placed him solo second (-10) as TPC Toronto firmed up, with Champ expecting a "completely different golf course" for the weekend.Eight Canadians made the cut, including Taylor Pendrith (-7) and Mackenzie Hughes (-6), who noted the course was "beginning to play as it was designed."LIV GOLF DC: CO-LEADERS & CHASERSMartin Kaymer and Bryson DeChambeau, whose 12th hole drive prompted "Light the candle!" cheers, share the Round 1 lead at -5 (66) at a "demanding" Robert Trent Jones GC softened by rain.A formidable chase pack at -4 includes Jon Rahm (showcasing "Rahmbo doing Rahmbo things"), Matthew Wolff, and Phil Mickelson.Peter Uihlein delivered a "spectacular chip-in," while the team of Darren Clarke and Thomas Bjørn discussed a potential "scramble format" after an "opening fifty-nine."Quick HitsTPC Toronto greens "sped up" (Adam Hadwin) • PGA TOUR debutants Clanton, Ford & Sargent make Canadian Open cut • McIlroy "still searching for a solution to his tee shot problems." Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.