Hiram Moreno
After the Covid-19 pandemic hit the world, the Canadian Open went two years without being played, but the tournament was held again in 2022 and Rory McIlroy made an appearance to successfully defend his crown.
Emerging as champion in 2019, the Northern Irishman successfully defended the title after going -8 to 62 during the final round of the Canadian Open on Sunday at Hamilton Golf and Country Club. Tony Finau finished second, just two shots behind Rory McIlroy, while American and current PGA Championship champion Justin Thomas finished third.
Rory McIlroy now has 21 tournament victories on the PGA Tour, putting him in 31st place all-time.
However, he did not have an easy time winning, as he started Sunday tied for first with Tony Finau. McIlroy got off to a good start by making five birdies en route to 29 through the first nine holes, and kept that momentum going through the back nine, posting three consecutive birdies.
However, two bogeys on holes 13 and 16 allowed Justin Thomas to tie him for the lead, but two consecutive bogeys by the American ended up burying him, while the two birdies on the last two holes were enough for Rory McIlroy to keep his title.
What’s next for Rory McIlroy?
The Northern Irishman doesn’t have much time to celebrate his victory as he now has to start the long journey south of the border to play the third major of the golf season, the 2022 US Open,. The golfer has high expectations placed upon him.
McIlroy last won the US Open title more than 10 years ago in 2011, and he will start as one of the main favorites to win the trophy, although surely the road to his 22nd title will not be easy either.
