Rory McIlroy lauds Canadian golf fans, says it’s "really important" for him to play at RBC Canadian Open

Rory McIlroy is gearing up to compete at the 2024 Canadian Open. The World No. 3 recently lauded Canadian golf fans and attributed them as one of the major factors for his participation at the tournament.

The Canadian Open is scheduled from Thursday, May 30, to Sunday, June 2, at the Hamilton Golf and Country Club in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. In the pre-tournament press conference, McIlroy was asked how important it was for him to keep coming back to that tournament.

He highlighted the significance of national opens in the world of golf and said (via Ten Golf):

"It's really important. I think I've made it well known... I guess what I think of national opens, I think they're the oldest championships in our game and I think they're very important. And I'm very proud of the fact that I've won quite a few of them. So it's important to keep coming back." (1:11-1:42)

Rory McIlroy has won the RBC Canadian Open twice in 2019 and 2022. He won the Genesis Scottish Open last year and has also won the U.S. Open in 2011.

McIlroy added that playing in front of crowds at the RBC Canadian Open is amazing. He was further asked the reasons why he was playing at the tournament and said (via Ten Golf):

"I think first and foremost I love playing here. I love playing in Canada, I love playing in front of the fans."

He further said that he was supporting the Royal Bank of Canada, the title sponsor of the event.

"I also think to support RBC and what they've done for the PGA tour and the game of golf and I think that's a really important part of it as well. RBC title sponsors two events - one signature event, one National Open," Rory McIlroy said. (5:10-5:24)

McIlroy also highlighted the RBC's role in growing the game in Canada and supporting amateur golf and players on the Tour.

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A look at Rory McIlroy's performance in 2024

Rory McIlroy has been in great form this season, recording 11 top-25 finishes in 13 starts.

He comes to the 2024 RBC Canadian Open after winning the last two of the three tournaments. He emerged victorious at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans with Shane Lowry and Wells Fargo Championship. Earlier this year, he also won the Hero Dubai Desert Classic on the DP World Tour.

Let's take a look at Rory McIlroy's performance in 2024:

• Dubai Invitational: T2 (DP World Tour)
• Hero Dubai Desert Classic: 1st (DP World Tour)
• AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am: T66 (PGA Tour)
• The Genesis Invitational: T24 (PGA Tour)
• Cognizant Classic: T21 (PGA Tour)
• Arnold Palmer Invitational pres. by Mastercard: T21 (PGA Tour)
• THE PLAYERS Championship: T19 (PGA Tour)
• Valero Texas Open: 3rd (PGA Tour)
• Masters Tournament: T22 (PGA Tour)
• RBC Heritage: T33 (PGA Tour)
• Zurich Classic of New Orleans: 1st (PGA Tour)
• Wells Fargo Championship: 1st (PGA Tour)
• PGA Championship: T12

Rory Mcllroy will tee off at 7:40 AM ET on Thursday with Taylor Pendrith and Nick Taylor at the 2024 RBC Canadian Open.