Who is Leading the RBC Canadian Open?

Synopsis
In an exciting start to the RBC Canadian Open, Denmark's Thorbjorn Olesen and Chile's Cristobal Del Solar lead the pack with impressive performances. The tournament promises intense competition with top players vying for the championship title. Don't miss the action as these golfers battle it out on the course!
Key Takeaways
- Thorbjorn Olesen and Cristobal Del Solar lead the RBC Canadian Open.
- The TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley North Course is hosting the tournament for the first time.
- The event features a total prize purse of $9.8 million.
- Rory McIlroy, a two-time winner in Canada, aims to improve his score.
- Weather conditions affected gameplay, especially for local favorite Taylor Pendrith.
Ontario, June 6 (NationPress) Denmark's Thorbjorn Olesen and Chile's Cristobal Del Solar established an impressive lead at the RBC Canadian Open, each finishing the first round with a remarkable nine-under-par 61. They currently share a one-stroke advantage in this prestigious national championship hosted in Ontario.
Cameron Champ from the United States follows closely in third place with a score of 62, while his compatriot Jake Knapp sits just behind with 63. This tournament, part of the $9.8 million PGA Tour, is taking place at the TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley North Course, which is hosting the championship for the first time.
In joint fifth place, we find Rasmus Hojgaard from Denmark, American Trey Mullinax, and Shane Lowry, the 2019 British Open champion, all at 64. Defending champion Robert MacIntyre is five shots behind at 65, alongside Taylor Pendrith, the top Canadian, and Danny Willett, the 2016 Masters winner.
The only Chinese competitor, Cao Yi, posted an even-par 70. Meanwhile, world No. 2 Rory McIlroy, a two-time champion in Canada, finished with a score of 71, as reported by Xinhua.
Del Solar took the lead at 10-under after making a birdie at the challenging 16th hole. However, he did drop a shot at the 17th hole before closing on a par at the final hole.
“I think that, once you play the course, it’s a fairly straightforward strategy. I just executed well today, and had fun with my caddie,” remarked the Chilean, who is a rookie on the PGA Tour at the age of 31.
Olesen, who secured a spot in next week's US Open at Oakmont, showcased a strong performance with a career-low round, including an eagle on the 573-yard 18th hole, eight birdies, and one bogey after starting from the 10th hole.
“My putting was exceptional today, and I holed some long ones. It was great to see everything go in,” said the eight-time European Tour winner.
Champ, a three-time PGA Tour winner, achieved four birdies within his initial six holes, concluding his bogey-free round with three more strokes on the back nine.
Pendrith, ranked No. 36 in the world, ignited hope among Canadian fans with four birdies on his back nine, despite challenging wet conditions.
“The greens were soft, so controlling spin with wedges was essential,” he explained.
McIlroy, starting on the back nine, managed to reach one-under after 12 holes but struggled with bogeys on his final two holes.
“It was my first outing with a new driver, and I felt good about it. Overall, I’m happy with how I played and know I need to lower my score to remain competitive,” stated the Northern Irishman, who recently won the Masters.