The 2024 RBC Canadian Open kicked off with a surprising start as Sean O’Hair, the last man to enter the field, posted an impressive 7-under 63 in the opening round despite facing travel difficulties. O’Hair had to drive five hours to catch a flight and didn’t get a chance to practice on the course before the tournament. Despite this, he made five birdies and an eagle to trail the first-round leader by one stroke. O’Hair, a former champion of the Canadian Open, described himself as someone who likes to be prepared, but his last-minute entry forced him to adapt to the situation.
David Skinns took the lead after shooting a career-low 62 in the opening round, showcasing his skills with eight birdies. The Englishman missed the cut in the previous week but felt confident in his game leading up to the tournament. Skinns has previous experience playing in Canada and is seeking his maiden Tour title after regaining his status on the Korn Ferry Tour. He expressed his excitement at being in contention and his desire to secure a victory after years of hard work.
Sam Burns matched O’Hair with a 63 in the opening round, despite recent struggles in his game. Burns, ranked 27th in the world, entered the tournament in a lull but found inspiration in becoming a father to his son Bear. He showcased impressive stats in Strokes Gained categories and displayed a well-rounded performance on the course. Burns expressed gratitude for the support of his family and his desire to perform well in the tournament.
Ryan Palmer bounced back from recent struggles with a swing adjustment that led to a bogey-free 5-under 65 in the first round. Palmer made changes to his setup, which improved his ball-striking and putting performance on the course. He credited his preparation and mindset for his strong performance and expressed satisfaction in putting together a solid round amidst challenging times. Palmer’s rejuvenated game gives him confidence moving forward in the tournament.
Canadian players, including Mike Weir and Nick Taylor, had mixed results in the opening round of the Canadian Open. Weir, making his 31st appearance in the championship, shot a 2-under 68, showcasing his belief in his ability to compete at a high level. Taylor, the defending champion, faced challenges on the course but remained optimistic about his performance. Despite a subpar start, Taylor emphasized the importance of finishing strong in the tournament. Other Canadian players like Corey Conners and Taylor Pendrith also showed potential in their opening rounds.
Adam Hadwin, known for his celebratory tackle with a security guard after Nick Taylor’s victory in the previous year, has remained out of the spotlight. The PGA Tour winner spoke anonymously with a Canadian TV network, showcasing a humorous side to his previous encounter. Hadwin’s unique celebration moment has been a memorable highlight from the Canadian Open, adding a lighthearted touch to the competitive atmosphere of the event. As the tournament progresses, Hadwin and other players will continue to showcase their skills and determination on the course.
