US Open warm-up: McIlroy faces skeptical voices in Toronto
A week before the prestigious US Open at Oakmont, the world's golf elite is gathering in Toronto, Canada for the RBC Canadian Open 2025. Rory McIlroy arrives as the main favorite with fresh memories of this year's Masters triumph, but experts are skeptical about his chances. The reason is primarily McIlroy's approach to the tournament as merely preparation for the upcoming major. The Northern Irish golfer, currently world number two, is seeking a hat-trick in the Canadian event after winning the tournament twice before. Bookmakers give him +450 odds for overall victory, making him the clear favorite in a weakened field. Many stars like Scottie Scheffler are taking a rest before the US Open, opening opportunities for less favored players. TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley after major reconstruction will offer players a technical test on a par 70 course measuring 6,766 meters. The $9.8 million purse provides decent motivation, but for McIlroy it will primarily be about findin...