Rory McIlroy defends title in Canada, relishes one more than Norman

Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland hoists the trophy after winning the RBC Canadian Open at St. George’s Golf and Country Club on June 12, 2022 in Etobicoke, Ontario - Reuters

REUTERS: Defending champion Rory McIlroy birdied his final two holes and shot an 8-under-par 62 Sunday to stave off a number of fellow stars and win the RBC Canadian Open at St. George’s Golf and Country Club in Toronto.

McIlroy’s 19-under 261 was two shots better than Tony Finau and four ahead of Justin Thomas. McIlroy played in the final threesome of the day with Finau and Thomas, who kept it tight up until the final two holes.

The four-time major champion from Northern Ireland earned his 21st career PGA Tour win. He won the Canadian Open in 2019 at a different site, Hamilton Golf and Country Club and in the two years since the tournament has been on hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. An outspoken critic of the LIV Golf Invitational Series financed by Saudi money and spearheaded by CEO Greg Norman; McIlroy took time to relish his first PGA Tour victory of the calendar year. In fact, McIlroy surpassed Norman’s career mark of 20 wins on tour.

When the moderator of his press conference introduced him, saying he’d won for the 21st time, McIlroy interjected: “And one more than Norman.” “I feel like it’s getting tougher and tougher to win on the PGA Tour,” McIlroy said.