Del Solar, Olesen lead Canadian Open round

Ontario

Cristobal Del Solar from Chile and Denmark’s Thorbjorn Olesen both shot nine-under-par 61 to lead the RBC Canadian Open after the first round in Ontario. They are one stroke ahead of American Cameron Champ, who finished with a score of 62. Jake Knapp followed with a 63 in the $9.8 million PGA Tour event at TPC Toronto’s Osprey Valley North Course.

This is the first time the course is hosting Canada’s national golf championship. Del Solar had a chance to lead outright but dropped a shot at the 17th hole after making a birdie at the 16th. The 31-year-old rookie called it a day of fun and good execution.

Olesen, who qualified for next week's US Open, credited his putting for his strong round. He made an eagle, eight birdies, and one bogey, saying everything seemed to go right.

Champ played a clean, bogey-free round and said he focused on staying calm and sticking to the plan. He added that having no expectations helped him play well.

Irish golfer Shane Lowry, American Trey Mullinax, and Denmark’s Rasmus Hojgaard are tied in fifth place with a score of 64. Defending champion Robert MacIntyre finished with 65, along with nine other players including Canadian Taylor Pendrith.

World No. 2 Rory McIlroy, a two-time winner in Canada, ended with a 71 after bogeys on his final two holes. He said he was happy with his new driver but needs to score lower in the next rounds to stay in contention.