McIlroy captures Canadian Open with career-tying 61

OTTAWA: Rory McIlroy blitzed the field at the Canadian Open on Sunday, firing a scintillating 61 to run away with the title by a massive seven strokes less than a week before the US Open.

McIlroy, who flirted with a 59, put on a golf clinic rolling in nine birdies, one eagle and one bogey for a 22-under 258 total and a dominating victory over runner-ups Shane Lowry, Ireland, and American Webb Simpson.

The four-time major championship winner tied his career best when he shot a 61 in the third round of the Wells Fargo Championship in 2015.

McIlroy, of Northern Ireland, began the day with a share of the lead with Simpson and Matt Kuchar at 13-under at the Hamilton Golf and Country Club in Hamilton, Ontario.

He was making his Canadian Open debut and improved with each round, shooting 67, 66, 64, before opening the birdie floodgates on Sunday.

Lowry, who shot closing round of 67, and Simpson, who shot a 68, finished at 15-under 265, two shots ahead of fourth place finishers Brandt Snedeker (69) and Matt Kuchar (70).

The four-time major winner McIlroy is part of a strong field at the Canadian Open which this year serves as the final tune up before the major championship US Open.