Matthieu Pavon Records a 12 on Par-4 Amid Rory McIlroy’s Ongoing Post-Masters Challenges

Masters champion Rory McIlroy experienced a disappointing exit from the Canadian Open, posting his worst round in almost a year. Meanwhile, Cameron Champ heads into the weekend with a two-stroke advantage in this final event before the US Open.

McIlroy recorded an 8-over 78, notably struggling on the fifth hole where he carded a quadruple-bogey 8 — his highest score since also shooting 78 in the opening round of last year’s British Open. His scorecard featured a double bogey on the 11th, alongside four bogeys and just two birdies.

After remaining tight-lipped since reports emerged regarding his non-conforming driver ahead of the PGA Championship at Quail Hollow, McIlroy chose to speak out, expressing concern about his form following his emotional victory at Augusta.

“I certainly don’t want to be posting high scores like today,” he admitted.

“I thought coming here with a new driver would be beneficial and help resolve some of my driving issues, but that wasn’t the case.”

Despite his struggles, the two-time Canadian Open champion found himself 21 strokes adrift of Champ, who was leading at 9-under at the rain-softened North Course at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley.

“As I head to Oakmont next week, it’s crucial to hit fairways,” McIlroy noted.

“I’m still hunting for that missing piece off the tee.”

McIlroy’s quadruple-bogey 8 wasn’t even the highest score registered on a single hole that day; that dubious honour went to French golfer Matthieu Pavon.

After an even-par 70 in the opening round, Pavon’s second round began disastrously with a 12 at the par-4 10th.

His tee shot veered into the trees on the left, and he required two tries to escape the trouble. He then hit three balls into the water guarding the green before managing to land on the putting surface with his 10th stroke. He finally two-putted for an 8-over 12.

At the front of the field, Champ managed four birdies during a 68 on Friday morning, following up on his impressive opening round of 62. He leads the tournament at 12 under and has played the first two rounds without a single bogey.

“It has firmed up a bit, but it’s fairly similar to what it was in the first round,” said Champ.

“The fairways seem to be firming a touch, and while the greens are slightly different, they’re pretty close to how they were yesterday.”

Having entered the tournament as the eighth alternate, Champ was fortunate to secure one of the last spots in the field.

“I genuinely didn’t expect to get in,” Champ admitted.