Rory McIlroy in Danger: Can the Grand Slam Champion Stage a Friday Comeback at the RBC Canadian Open?
Rory McIlroy enters Friday’s RBC Canadian Open teetering on the cut line—can the two-time champ pull off another stunning weekend run?
- Projected Cut: 2-under (McIlroy currently 1-over)
- PGA Tour Wins in 2025: 3 (McIlroy)
- Canadian Open Record: Never finished outside the top 10 in 4 appearances
- Tee Time Today: 12:55 p.m. ET / 9:55 a.m. PT
Rory McIlroy, golf’s electrifying Grand Slam winner, finds himself in unfamiliar territory Friday at the 2025 RBC Canadian Open. After a turbulent opening round at TPC Toronto’s Osprey Valley, the Northern Irishman will have to summon his trademark magic to keep his streak of weekend appearances alive.
Despite a strong PGA Tour season—boasting three wins and nine straight cuts made—McIlroy’s 1-over performance on Thursday planted him squarely in danger. The legendary shot-maker opened his round with characteristic precision, clawing back with back-to-back birdies just after the turn. But a pair of late bogeys on the final holes derailed momentum, leaving him four shots off the projected cut line of 2-under.
Fans can follow every high-stakes moment as McIlroy tees off alongside Sweden’s rising star Ludvig Aberg and emerging American prospect Luke Clanton at 12:55 p.m. ET. With his reputation for memorable comebacks and his unbroken streak of top-10 finishes at the Canadian Open, the stage is set for a dramatic Friday showdown. For live coverage, visit TSN or stream via the TSN App.
Q: Is Rory McIlroy’s Cut Streak in Jeopardy?
McIlroy hasn’t missed a single cut in the 2025 PGA Tour season, solidifying his standing as one of golf’s most reliable performers. However, the pressure mounts as he trails the cut line by four strokes. Historically, McIlroy thrives when the spotlight burns brightest, but this time, the margin for error is razor-thin.
Q: Who Is McIlroy Paired With—And Why Does It Matter?
Teeing off alongside Ludvig Aberg, already considered a future star, and Luke Clanton, an emerging talent, McIlroy isn’t just battling the course—he’s up against golf’s next generation. Their aggressive play could fuel McIlroy, pushing him to find that extra gear required to vault up the leaderboard.
How Can McIlroy Turn It Around Today?
- Start Fast: Early birdies are crucial to build momentum and confidence.
- Minimize Mistakes: TPC Toronto’s closing stretch is treacherous—avoiding bogeys at Nos. 17 and 18 will be key.
- Capitalize on Par 5s: McIlroy has historically dominated longer holes, and exploiting these opportunities could make all the difference.
- Stay Aggressive: With nothing to lose, expect bold shot-making to excite crowds both on the ground and tuning in worldwide.
For more insights and live stats, check out the PGA Tour and official coverage from Golf Channel.
What’s at Stake for McIlroy?
Missing the cut would not only snap his perfect 2025 record but also mark his first-ever weekend exit from the prestigious Canadian Open. For a player who thrives under pressure, today’s round is a true test of nerve and skill.
Don’t miss a second—tune in LIVE at 12:55 p.m. ET on TSN and stream every shot on the TSN App!
Friday Checklist: Rory’s Keys to Survive and Thrive
- ✅ Bring aggressive energy from the first tee
- ✅ Attack scoring opportunities, especially on par 5s
- ✅ Avoid costly mistakes on final holes
- ✅ Ride the crowd’s momentum and make history
Will Rory McIlroy rewrite the Canadian Open storyline once more? The next few hours will reveal if a comeback is on the cards.
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