Rory McIlroy has shared the reason behind his love of the Canadian Open and why he believes it’s important to participate each year.
The Northern Irishman is back at Hamilton Golf and Country Club for the first time since 2019, where he landed his first Canadian Open title.
McIlroy finished on 22-under-par, seven shots clear of his close friend Shane Lowry.
A nine-under 61 in the final round quite literally blew the field away in what was a vintage performance from the four-time major winner.
Rory McIlroy loves what part of the Canadian Open
After picking up the 2022 title at St George’s Golf Course, McIlroy is eyeing a hat-trick of Canadian Open victories this week.
Speaking in his press conference on Thursday, the 35-year-old revealed what keeps him coming back to the Great White North.
McIlroy explained: “It was my first Canadian Open [in 2019], and I was blown away by the enthusiasm of the fans, and it was such a great atmosphere to play in. Obviously, the year after, the world shut down, but glad that’s behind us.”
The Northern Irishman went on to highlight the importance of national opens in the modern game as being a key reason behind his participation.
He added: “I’ve made it well known what I think of national opens. They’re the oldest championships in our game, and I think they’re very important. I am very proud that I’ve won quite a few of them. It’s really important to keep coming back and playing in front of crowds like this. It’s amazing, and it’s always a pleasure to come up here.”
Rory McIlroy the overwhelming favourite at Hamilton Golf and Country Club
McIlroy has history in the Canadian Open and specifically at this week’s venue.
As we saw at Quail Hollow before the PGA Championship, the Northern Irishman performs exceptionally well at specific venues, and this week could be no different.
The Northern Irishman is the standout name in this week’s field, with Sahith Theegala arguably his closet competitor.
As preparation for the U.S. Open at Pinehurst No.2 ramps up, securing a third win of the 2024 season would be the ideal build-up for the Northern Irishman as he targets his first major victory in ten years.
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