2024 RBC Canadian Open Top First Rounder Leaders Picks & Predictions

RBC Canadian Open First-Round Leader Predictions

The 2024 RBC Canadian Open, one of the most continually hosted events on the PGA Tour, will go off this weekend at the Hamilton Golf and Country Club in Ancaster, Ontario. First held in 1904, it is the third-oldest running tournament on the PGA Tour, following only the Open Championship and the U.S. Open. Known for its resounding history and demanding courses, the Canadian Open attracts top players from around the world, competing for millions of dollars and critical FedEx Cup points.

Playing host this week is the Hamilton Golf and Country Club, originally designed by Harry Colt as a par 70. Recent renovations from golf architect Martin Erbert have pushed it slightly past 7,000 yards as he’s lengthed a few holes, with the Bentgrass mixed with Poa annua surfaces remaining. The thick rough has been a mainstay at HG&CC, however, coming in at just under four inches. With bigger than average greens, some more than 6,000 square feet, players should have no problem finding them, but capitalizing will certainly be a challenge

Leading the way on the oddsboard is Rory McIlroy (+360), who will look to drum up the magic of 2019 when he won this event by seven strokes, followed closely by Tommy Fleetwood (+1600), Sahith Theegala (+1800), and Shane Lowry (+2200).  Canadian Corey Conners (+2000), aiming to become the first Canadian winner since 1954, will also be in the field, as he looks to rebound from a few months of mediocre golf. 

Let’s take a closer look at three guys I think can go low starting on Thursday in Canada. 

RBC Canadian Open Picks

Rory McIlroy +1400 CLICK HERE TO SEE WHICH SPORTSBOOK HAS THE BEST ODDS

With little to no star power in this field beyond McIlroy, I think this should be even shorter on the 2019 winner. Playing with a renewed focus that has culminated in back-to-back wins in recent months, McIlroy finished T12 last week at the PGA Championship. I see no reason he doesn’t come out of the gates firing on all cylinders again here.

Shane Lowry +3500 CLICK HERE TO SEE WHICH SPORTSBOOK HAS THE BEST ODDS

Lowry, along with McIlroy on his team, won the Zurich Classic a few weeks ago and despite Rory carrying him for stretches, showed glimpses of his old self. Coming into this week with a T6 last week at Valhalla, Lowry’s confidence appears back and this is a course that fits his game well. Finishing runner-up the year Rory won (2019), look for Lowry to start hot this week in Canada. 

Tom Kim +5000 CLICK HERE TO SEE WHICH SPORTSBOOK HAS THE BEST ODDS

Though he’s been relatively quiet as of late in terms of finishes, Tom Kim is one of the hottest young players in this field. Still searching for that first top 10 of 2024, this is a field Kim can do it against and a hot start would certainly help his cause. 

RBC Canadian Open Predictions

Summary of my first-round leader picks for the RBC Canadian Open.

• Rory McIlroy +1400 Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds
• Shane Lowry +3500 Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds
• Tom Kim +5000 Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds

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