On Saturday at the 2025 RBC Canadian Open, a mix of impressive performances from competitors and difficulties faced by the leaders created a tumultuous leaderboard nearing Sunday’s final round. Matteo Manassero and Ryan Fox surged into the lead at 14 under par.
The duo began the day trailing 36-hole leader Cameron Champ by four shots but now hold a three-shot advantage over him. Champ managed to finish with par on 17 holes, only recording one bogey throughout the day. Following closely behind are three players tied at 13 under, while an impressive 24 others are at 10 under or better, all within four strokes of winning the RBC Canadian Open.
This course has seen many rounds in the mid-60s this week, making it possible for anyone in the leaderboard — even those at 9 under like Ludvig Åberg — to believe they have a shot at the trophy come Sunday evening. The extent of this open competition will hinge largely on whether Fox and Manassero can maintain their lead as the final pairing.
Attention will likely be on Mackenzie Hughes, a two-time PGA Tour champion in pursuit of his first win in three years. As the top Canadian in the standings, Hughes narrowly missed victory in a playoff at the Myrtle Beach Classic earlier this year, where Fox ultimately triumphed.
The final round at TPC Toronto promises an unpredictable contest, highlighted by the lack of substantial winning experience among the leaders. Only Champ and Hughes possess multiple PGA Tour victories in the top 10. This dynamic should lead to a riveting conclusion, filled with high stakes, impressive scores, and over 25 players feeling they have a real chance at victory.
The Leaders
1. Matteo Manassero, Ryan Fox (-14): Both competitors have multiple wins on the DP World Tour, but while Manassero seeks his first breakthrough on the PGA Tour, Fox secured his first win earlier this year in that Myrtle Beach playoff. Their ability to handle the pressure of the final round will greatly influence how chaotic Sunday unfolds. They should prepare for the possibility that several players may eclipse them on the leaderboard before they tee off.
Contenders
T3. Lee Hodges, Kevin Yu, Matt McCarty (-13)
T6. Mackenzie Hughes, Jake Knapp, Andrew Putnam (-12)
T9. Rico Hoey, Byeong Hun An, David Skinns, Cameron Young, Cristobal Del Solar, Victor Perez, Cameron Champ (-11)
T16. Adam Hadwin, Taylor Pendrith, Sam Burns, Shane Lowry, Nick Taylor and four others (-10)
T25. Ludvig Åberg and three others (-9)
This chase group features intriguing names, particularly the three players at 13 under, who all delivered outstanding third rounds of 64 or better. The main challenge will be to replicate those scores on Sunday, as not many players have succeeded in back-to-back low rounds this week. Hughes stands as Canada’s best hope to keep the national championship within its borders, while other Canadians like Adam Hadwin, Taylor Pendrith, and Nick Taylor are positioned at 10 under.
Lastly, Jake Knapp briefly tied for the lead at 13 under before a bogey on No. 17; he’s remained competitive throughout the week. Cameron Young gained momentum this year during U.S. Open qualifying, and his performance at Oakmont indicates he is currently in top form. Champ still has a chance and will face less pressure on Sunday, despite his struggles on Moving Day. Players like Burns, Lowry, and Åberg—established names—aim to post scores that apply pressure on the leaders in the closing holes.
2025 RBC Canadian Open Odds
Odds from BetMGM:
- Ryan Fox (7/2)
- Matteo Manassero (11/2)
- Kevin Yu (8-1)
- Matt McCarty (17/2)
- Lee Hodges (9-1)
- Jake Knapp (12-1)
- Mackenzie Hughes (12-1)
- Andrew Putnam (28-1)
- Cameron Champ (28-1)
- Cameron Young (33-1)
- Shane Lowry (40-1)
- Sam Burns (40-1)
Although a player from the 10 under club might come through to win, it’s likely that someone near the top will shoot a low enough score to secure the victory. Earlier in the week, I identified Fox and Knapp as solid contenders, and their performances have validated that perspective. Hughes also presents an appealing option at 12-1, with expected strong support on Sunday. However, while he may thrive under that encouragement, it could also turn into a burden as the pressure mounts.
