### Rory McIlroy Faces Early Exit at RBC Canadian Open with Career-High Round

Masters champion Rory McIlroy experienced a significant setback at the RBC Canadian Open on Friday, marking one of the most challenging performances of his career. The golf star recorded his second-highest score to par in any PGA Tour round, shooting 8-over 78, and missed the cut by a substantial 12 strokes.

McIlroy's troubles were highlighted by a disastrous fifth hole, where he carded a quadruple bogey 8. The round also included a double bogey on the 11th hole, along with four bogeys and two birdies. This round at the RBC Canadian Open represents McIlroy's highest score in any non-major PGA Tour event, only eclipsed by an 8-over round shot four times previously, trailing his 10-over 80 in the opening round of the 2018 U.S. Open.

Reflecting on his performance, McIlroy expressed his concerns. "Of course it concerns me," McIlroy said, according to ESPN. "You don't want to shoot high scores like the one I did today. I came here with a new driver thinking that it would solve some problems off the tee, but it didn't."

This marks the fifth occasion McIlroy has endured an 8-over round in his career. At 9-over par, he was a staggering 21 strokes behind leader Cameron Champ, who led the pack at 12-under without a bogey over the first 36 holes.

The reigning Masters champion's early departure from the weekend play in this non-major tour event is a rare occurrence, last happening at the 2023 Players Championship. Looking ahead, McIlroy is focused on the upcoming tournament at Oakmont, emphasizing the importance of accuracy off the tee. "Going to Oakmont next week, what you need to do more than anything else there is hit fairways," he remarked.

McIlroy, who has won the Canadian Open twice before in 2019 and 2022, now faces challenges in regaining his form ahead of the U.S. Open. Meanwhile, Champ continues to dominate, noting minimal changes in course conditions. "It's firmed up a little bit, but fairly similar to yesterday," he said.

Friday's performance serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of golf and the fine margins that separate triumph from disappointment. For McIlroy, the focus will now shift to addressing the issues off the tee and rebounding from this unexpected setback.