At Hamilton Golf and Country Club on Thursday, David Skinns fired an 8-under 62 to lead the RBC Canadian Open after making six birdies in a seven-hole run.
Playing in the afternoon, when the greens were still generally soft from earlier in the week’s rain, Skins took the lead with a 47-foot birdie putt on the par-3 eighth hole, his 17th hole. The Englishman, 41, was one stroke ahead of Sean O’Hair and Sam Burns, the early openers.
“I drove it rather nicely. I made a lot of smart decisions for myself. Giving oneself birdie looks seems to be half the fight around here. I made several attacks on pins that I would not have been able to make if I wasn’t in such a favorable position.” said Skinns who is seeking his first win on the PGA Tour.
In the afternoon, Scotland’s Robert MacIntyre shot 64. With a 65 to start, Ryan Palmer was well ahead of two-time RBC Canadian Open winner Rory McIlroy, who was followed by Ryan Fox, Andrew Novak, Nick Hardy, Erik van Rooyen, and Trace Crowe.
Playing with fellow Canadian Taylor Pendrith and McIlroy, defending champion Nick Taylor fired a 72. Taylor became the first Canadian to win the tournament since 1954 last year at Oakdale in Toronto, when he hit an 80-foot eagle putt in a playoff.
“Usually, I don’t see many individuals on my Thursday morning rounds. The high level of energy was fantastic since it stimulates the adrenaline, which is exciting when it’s early in the morning and helps you stay focused on your tasks. Though things didn’t go my way, I must say that the crowds have been incredible.”Taylor said.
The last time the RBC Canadian Open was held in Hamilton was in 2019, then McIlroy won it again at St. George’s in Toronto in 2022.
“That vibe is one of the key reasons I enjoy returning here. Today, playing with two Canadians was just what I had anticipated.”McIlroy said.
Pendrith got off to a 72 start.
We enjoyed ourselves. Rory did a great job playing and scoring. Having fun playing was great.
We had a good time. Rory played and scored with great skill. It was enjoyable to play with.
“Up here, I enjoyed a couple of fantastic years. It’s one of my favorite places to travel to. I kind of enjoyed every aspect of it when I saw it from the West Coast to the East Coast.” Skinns said.
Skinns started his major run on the 17th par-5, when he birdied the 12th par-4 hole with a wedge shot from 104 yards to 4 feet. On the 18th par-4, he followed with a 189-yard shot to 2 1/2 feet, then on the first par-4, he made a 14-footer. On the third par-4, he made a 35-footer, then on the fourth par-5 and sixth par-4, he made birdies.
This is some really fantastic golf. This golf course is among the best-looking ones I’ve seen because of the bentgrass and overall design. Undoubtedly happy to be back.
Burns birdied the 17th and 4th par-5 holes.
Considering how much rain we got earlier in the week, I believe the greens are still rather receptive. On par-5s, having a long iron or wood going in there to be able to halt the ball fairly quickly makes a tremendous difference.
With a 67, David Hearn was the lowest Canadian.
“Hey, how about that? Perhaps there is still value in experience.” 44 year old Hearn said.
Mike Weir, who is 54 years old, shot 68.
