The 2025 RBC Canadian Open has certainly delivered excitement as we head into the final round. Saturday proved to be a dramatic day, with low scores from several contenders, causing a shuffle atop the leaderboard. Matteo Manassero and Ryan Fox have emerged as the leaders, each sitting at an impressive 14 under, having mounted a notable comeback from four shots behind.
Cameron Champ, who held the 36-hole lead, had a challenging day. With 17 pars and a single bogey, he fell to the third spot, now three strokes behind the leaders. But the tournament is still wide open — astonishingly, there are 24 players at 10 under or better, all vying for the coveted RBC Canadian Open crown.
The conditions at TPC Toronto have allowed for favorable scoring, and anyone in the field, including those at 9 under like Ludvig Åberg, has a chance to make a thrilling charge on Sunday. The question looms: can Manassero and Fox maintain their form as they enter the final pairing?
A significant focus streamlines to Mackenzie Hughes, a two-time PGA Tour winner who is looking to end a three-year victory drought. As the top Canadian on the leaderboard, expectations from local fans are high. Earlier this year, he faced a heartbreaking playoff defeat against Fox at the Myrtle Beach Classic. Hughes has a unique opportunity to potentially keep the national championship in Canada.
### The Leaders
The final leaderboard has become a battleground of talent. Manassero and Fox have both made solid impacts on the DP World Tour, and now Fox seeks to build upon his recent win while Manassero eyes a personal breakthrough on the PGA Tour. This dynamic is expected to add an intriguing layer to the final round. As they tee off on Sunday, many believe that the leaderboard will shift once more, prompting them to chase rather than just protect their position.
### Major Contenders
Following closely are three players tied at 13 under: Lee Hodges, Kevin Yu, and Matt McCarty. They managed to deliver stellar rounds of 64 or better on Saturday, setting high expectations for themselves. However, replicating such performances can be tough given the pressures of back-to-back days of low scoring.
Mackenzie Hughes, meanwhile, remains Canada’s best hope, flanked by other notable names such as Adam Hadwin, Taylor Pendrith, and Nick Taylor, all at 10 under. Should they hit their stride early on, the energy surrounding TPC Toronto could amplify, pushing the front runners to respond.
Jake Knapp has hovered near the leaderboard as well, briefly tying for the lead before slipping with a bogey on 17. In contrast, Cameron Young is riding a wave of confidence after a notable performance in U.S. Open qualifying, showing promise to contend.
### The Final Stretch
Despite a quieter Saturday, Cameron Champ remains in the hunt, now free from the weight of leading. Players like Sam Burns, Shane Lowry, and Åberg, who have established themselves over the years, will be looking to post worthy scores that could pressure the leaders as they approach the final holes.
As the anticipation builds for Sunday’s finale, the odds have shifted. Ryan Fox leads the betting odds at 7/2, closely followed by Manassero at 11/2. Other notable mentions include Hughes and Knapp at 12/1, both poised for potential movements on the leaderboard.
### The Final Round
The stage is set for an exhilarating final round of the RBC Canadian Open, rich with unpredictability and team spirit. With so many contenders within striking distance of the top, we may witness another remarkable chapter in the storied history of this national championship.
The excitement for Mackenzie Hughes resonates deeply among Canadian fans. His trajectory could either burst forth amid enthusiastic support or weigh down under heavy expectations. Can he harness the energy from the crowd and emerge victorious, or will one of the other contenders make their mark in finding victory in Canada?
As golf fans hold their breath, only time will tell who will rise to the challenge as the RBC Canadian Open concludes. One thing is certain: the spirit of competition remains fierce, and with so many players capable of low rounds, the outcome is anyone’s game.
The RBC Canadian Open continues to deliver exceptional golf, and as we move into the final day, every swing, every putt, and every cheer will echo with the promise of history being made on the green.
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