Canadian Open 2025 Stunned: McIlroy Nears Cut Line While Olesen and Rising Stars Set Pace
Rory McIlroy faces a nail-biting battle to survive at the RBC Canadian Open 2025 as fresh talent surges to the top of the leaderboard.
Rory McIlroy, fresh from his Masters triumph, now faces unexpected adversity at the RBC Canadian Open 2025. Teetering at one over par, McIlroy finds himself on the brink of missing the cut in Toronto’s pressure-cooker atmosphere. His potential early departure could shift momentum toward a slate of hungry contenders lighting up the Caledon course.
Meanwhile, Thorbjørn Olesen commands attention atop the leaderboard after Thursday’s opening round, trailed closely by Cristobal Del Solar, Jake Knapp, local favorite Taylor Pendrith, and the resurgent Shane Lowry. As Canadians crave a homegrown winner, all eyes turn to the leaderboard drama and weather twists lurking on Friday.
As competition intensifies, golf fans worldwide are glued to their screens, streaming on ESPN+, or checking fast-paced updates on the official PGA Tour site.
Q: Can McIlroy Bounce Back in Round 2?
McIlroy entered the Canadian Open as a Masters champion but finds himself battling a relentless course and a fired-up field. With only a thin margin separating him from the cut line, he’ll need a classic comeback to avoid an early exit and keep hopes alive for a tour double-header.
Q: Who Are the Canadian Open’s Surprising Contenders?
Olesen, currently the betting favorite at +400, surprised bookies and fans with ice-cold precision Thursday. Rising stars like Jake Knapp and Cristobal Del Solar have also lit up the fairways, threatening to steal the spotlight from more established names. Canadian Taylor Pendrith is keeping local hopes alive with a poised, powerful performance, and Shane Lowry lurks within striking distance.
How to Watch Canadian Open 2025: Schedule, TV, and Streaming
Catch every twist live as drama unfolds:
- Tee times: Round 2 begins at 6:45 a.m. ET (Kevin Kisner, Eric Cole, David Lipsky lead off)
- Featured groups & holes: Streaming on ESPN+ starting at 6:45 a.m. ET
- Main broadcast: 3-6 p.m. ET on Golf Channel
- Live TV streaming: Fubo offers a free trial for viewers seeking flexible access
Stay current on all scores and stories by tracking the official PGA Tour leaderboard.
What Does the Weather Hold for Friday’s Action?
The forecast predicts a high of 74°F in Caledon, Ontario, with sun-and-cloud mix and 5-10 mph east winds. Players must watch for a 40% chance of rain — and a 10% threat of thunderstorms, which could inject even more unpredictability into an already explosive round.
Betting Odds: Who Could Win It All?
Favorites as of Friday morning:
| Player | Odds to Win |
|---|---|
| Thorbjørn Olesen | +400 |
| Shane Lowry | +1000 |
| Robert MacIntyre | +1200 |
| Jake Knapp | +1400 |
| Taylor Pendrith | +1400 |
Olesen is the bookmakers’ darling after Round 1, but surprise runs are a Canadian Open tradition. Don’t count out Lowry, Pendrith, or a surging underdog.
How the Rest of Round 2 Could Unfold
With veteran heavyweights and tenacious newcomers vying for supremacy, expect fireworks as the projected cut line hovers. Tournament history hints at drama — from weather delays to jaw-dropping comebacks.
Don’t miss your chance to catch every clutch putt and leaderboard swing! Tune in, follow live updates, and join the excitement as the 2025 Canadian Open’s second round tees off today!
Canadian Open 2025 Round 2 Quick Checklist:
- Set your alarm: First tee at 6:45 a.m. ET on Friday
- Stream key groups live on ESPN+ from the start
- Catch TV coverage 3-6 p.m. ET on Golf Channel
- Monitor weather — storms could shake up the round
- Track scores and odds on the PGA Tour site
- Watch for a McIlroy rally — or a game-changing upset
Stay tuned—Canada’s biggest golf showdown is just getting started!
