Rory McIlroy played the first round of RBC Canadian Open with Nick Taylor and Taylor Pendrith. This group started their round at the 10th hole and a poor iron shot from 99 yards resulted in an opening par for McIlroy. McIlroy’s tee shot at par five 17th hit off the hospitality area resulting in a disappointing par to remain level. The Northern Irishman was unsuccessful with his birdie effort at 18 and had to settle for a frustrating front nine of even par.
McIlroy’s birdie drought finally came to an end at his 10th hole due to achieving an up and down from 57 yards to reach -1. Two-time RBC Canadian Open winner only had 196 yards for his second shot at par five fourth hole but ended up with a disappointing three putt par. McIlroy’s 14th hole was a 324 yard reachable par four and managed to achieve a birdie to reach -2. The Northern Irishman advanced to -3 due to holing a six foot birdie putt at his 16th hole. A short-range birdie putt at the eight hole was good enough for McIlroy to reach -4.