2022 RBC Canadian Open: Top 10 Power Rankings at St. George’s

It was another good payday for Rory McIlroy last week at the Memorial Tournament, but the quest continues for his first win of 2022.

The Northern Irishman opened with 70-69 to get into contention at Muirfield Village before 73-74 dropped him to T-18th. He at least posted a bogey-free 33 on the back nine Sunday to salvage some momentum before heading north.

McIlroy was close to his usual self off the tee in strokes gained (3.034 total) ranking ninth. He was also right at his season ranking in SG putting (52nd, -1.089).

The 33-year-old is making his debut at St. George’s.

At long last, he finally gets to defend his 2019 RBC Canadian Open title.

The win was at Hamilton Golf and Country Club.

He’s here not only as the reigning champ, but as a guy who has recently favored playing the week before a major. I’m sure he’s also happy to lend some star power to the PGA Tour as it competes this week with LIV Golf’s debut event in London.

McIlroy won’t be able to flex his prowess with the driver on this short, par-70 course, but he can still hit his fairway woods as well as anyone to attack the par-5s and set up good approaches.

The course also expects to play soft if the weather forecast holds up. That plays into McIlroy’s hands.

With no horses for courses to worry about, he and other top talents are likely to rise to the top.

Rory’s finish in Ohio was his fourth straight made cut. It did end a streak of three top-10s highlighted by runner-up honors at the Masters. McIlroy has missed one cut since July.

This season on the PGA Tour, McIlroy is third in SG off the tee (.894) and second in SG tee to green (1.666). He’s not even at peak potential off the tee as it’s not unreasonable to think he can climb up from 100th in driving accuracy (60.71%).

McIlroy winning this week would be the perfect bait for golf media and fans alike to talk themselves into Rory doubling up at The Country Club next week. Let’s make it happen.