Rory shoots final-round 62 to defend title at Canadian Open

Rory McIlroy shot an 8-under 62 during Sunday's final round of the Canadian Open to successfully defend his title north of the border.

McIlroy won the tournament in 2019 - the last time it was held - at Hamilton Golf and Country Club. After a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, he returned to reclaim his crown.

Tony Finau birdied the final hole to finish two shots back, while Justin Thomas placed third.

The win marks the 21st TOUR victory of McIlroy's career, moving him into a tie for 31st on the all-time TOUR wins list.

Entering Sunday as the co-leader with Finau, McIlroy started quickly by making five birdies en route to a 29 on the front nine. He kept that momentum as he began the back nine, recording three straight birdies. The 33-year-old got to 8-under through just 12 holes.

McIlroy's hot streak ended after posting two bogeys on Nos. 13 and 16, throwing him into a tie for the lead with Thomas.

However, the co-lead was short-lived as Thomas finished with back-to-back bogeys, while McIlroy scored birdies on his final two holes to grab the victory.

Corey Conners shot the lowest round among Canadians with a final-round 62 to jump into sixth place at 12-under. It's the best Canadian Open finish of his career.

Justin Rose put on a show in the earlier hours of Sunday's final round, going eagle-birdie to start his day. He followed that up with two more birdies and a bogey for an opening-nine score of 30.

The Englishman had an even better start to the back nine, going birdie-eagle-birdie before following it up with another birdie-eagle stretch. He arrived at the final hole with a chance to tie the lowest round in TOUR history with a birdie for a score of 58.

Instead, Rose flew his approach past the green and bogeyed for a 10-under 60.

He finished the tournament at 14-under in a tie for fourth with Sam Burns, who had a final-round 65 on Sunday.

Keith Mitchell and Wyndham Clark both qualified for The Open at St. Andrews later this year thanks to their finish at the Canadian Open.