Del Solar, Olesen Tie for Lead at RBC Canadian Open with 61s

CALEDON, Ontario — Chilean golfer Cristobal Del Solar and Denmark’s Thorbjorn Olesen both fired impressive 9-under 61s to share the lead after the first round of the RBC Canadian Open on Thursday.

Del Solar, known as ‘Mr. 57’ for posting the lowest score in a PGA Tour event last year, started strong with birdies on the first and fifth holes, then surged through a stretch of seven birdies across eight holes. The 31-year-old rookie was on track for history, reaching 10-under before a bogey at the 17th hole halted his momentum. He parred the 18th, finishing the round just shy of a record score.

“I was just trying to hit good shots,” Del Solar said. “I was just trying to stay in the present and have fun.” He took full advantage of soft greens following overnight rain at TPC Toronto‘s Osprey Valley course.

Olesen, a 35-year-old veteran, matched Del Solar’s score, benefiting from a flawless putting performance. “I played great, but my putting was exceptional today,” Olesen said, highlighting a 34-foot birdie putt he sunk on the 10th hole.

In addition to Del Solar and Olesen, American Cameron Champ shot a 62, while Jake Knapp followed with a 63. The leaderboard remained competitive as players sought to capitalize on favorable conditions.

Defending champion Robert MacIntyre recorded a bogey-free 65, keeping him within striking distance ahead of the next rounds. Rory McIlroy, the 2019 champion, struggled with an even-par 71 after bogeying the last two holes, creating questions about his form ahead of next week’s U.S. Open.

As anticipation builds for the upcoming rounds, golf fans are eager to see if Del Solar and Olesen can maintain their lead and continue to showcase their skills amidst a highly competitive field.