Erratic day off the tee drives McIlroy back into chasing pack in Canada

Rory McIlroy fell back into the pack on a frustrating Friday at the RBC Canadian Open, while Ryder Cup teammate Bob MacIntyre soared to the top of the leaderboard, inspired by his father’s advice. McIlroy, who opened with a solid 66 at Hamilton Golf and Country Club on Thursday, struggled during his Friday afternoon round. Playing in a marquee group with Canadian partners Nick Taylor and Taylor Pendrith, McIlroy shot a two-over 72, dropping to two-under overall and eight shots behind MacIntyre, the halfway leader.

McIlroy’s round was a disappointment, but not as much as Taylor’s 71, which left the reigning champion at three-over and missing the cut. Shane Lowry, battling with his putter, managed a 68, securing his place for the weekend.

Five years ago, McIlroy won his first Canadian Open title at this same course, with Lowry finishing as runner-up. To replicate their past success, both players need to find more consistency. Lowry was seen practicing on the putting greens long after his round, while McIlroy skipped media duties to head to the driving range.

McIlroy’s Thursday round was blemish-free, starting with nine straight pars. Friday began similarly until he bogeyed the seventh after an errant drive. Additional bogeys at the 10th and 13th holes, coupled with a single birdie at the 12th, reflected his struggles, particularly off the tee. McIlroy has yet to birdie a par five after 36 holes on a course conducive to scoring. Lowry, despite erratic play, managed five birdies and three bogeys, making the cut by a slim margin. It was his 11th cut made in 12 events this year, and he hopes to channel his strong Saturday performance from Valhalla earlier this month.

MacIntyre excelled on Friday, seeking his first PGA Tour victory in his rookie season. His father, Dougie, flew out from Scotland to be on his bag, a decision that has proven beneficial. “We’re trying to have as much fun as we can,” MacIntyre said. “This is an experience for both of us. It’s taken my mind off the game. I’ve only been home for three weeks since January, so it’s great to spend extra time with my dad. He jumped at the chance to come here.”

Waterford native Seamus Power looked set to make the cut until a disastrous triple bogey on the short par-four fifth, his 14th hole of the day, left him finishing with a 71, sitting at three-over.