WATCH: Rob Leth and Robert Thompson recap the second day of the 2015 RBC Canadian Open.
OAKVILLE, Ont.— The RBC Canadian Open celebrated red and white day during the tournament’s second round, and two Canadians, veteran David Hearn, and teen Austin Connelly, flew up the leaderboard after impressive rounds.
In the bright sun of the early morning, and without a hint of wind, Hearn poured in eight birdies to close with an 8-under 64, finishing the day in a tie for third, two shots behind leader Chad Campbell, who shot a stellar 63.
“I gave myself a lot of chances today,” Hearn said, following his round. “I hit a lot more greens and my putter definitely got hot.”
READ MORE: National pride on display at the RBC Canadian Open
In the past two decades only two Canadians—Mike Weir who lost in a playoff in 2004, and Adam Hadwin, who was in the final group in 2011—had a legitimate chance at winning the Canadian Open. The last Canadian to win the tournament was Pat Fletcher in 1954.
One Canadian who won’t have a shot is Weyburn, Sask.’s Graham DeLaet, who withdrew from the tournament after four holes saying he’d injured his thumb.
“I guess when it all came down to it, I felt if I could compete and still hit the ball well, I probably would have kept going,” he said. “But I just didn’t have any kind of golf game out there today.”
DeLaet flew to his home in Arizona to try to have his injury diagnosed.
Hearn said he wasn’t trying to let his mind wander to the possibilities of what Sunday might hold. Instead he said he’s focused on playing as well as possible in Saturday’s third round. With large crowds out in the beautiful weather at Glen Abbey Golf Club, undoubtedly there will be a significant focus on Hearn and an increase in the large galleries that have already been following him.
“I know the Canadian fans are incredibly supportive,” Hearn said.
“I’m sure I’ll be nervous tomorrow, without a doubt. It’s definitely going to be a lot of attention. Everyone wants a Canadian to do well here.”
And other Canadians have done just that. Connelly, an 18-year old amateur from Dallas, Texas, who has dual citizenship and plays for the Canadian national golf team, played a big round for someone of such diminutive size. Connelly, who is 5-foot-6 and weighs no more than 120 pounds, rebounded from a lackluster opening round to shoot 7-under 65 and move 88 spots up the leaderboard. Playing so fast his caddie struggled to keep pace, Connelly said his intent isn’t just to hang around the leaderboard, but to contend.
“I just want to play clean, solid golf,” he said. “I feel like if I do that, I can have a chance to slide into contention.”
Other Canadians also made the cut, including amateur Blair Hamilton, who stands at 5-under par, and Adam Hadwin, who was 6-under through 12 holes, but had to settle for a 5-under 65. Other Canadians playing the weekend include Adam Svensson, and PGA Tour winner Nick Taylor, who both made the cut at 2-under par.
There were fireworks from the biggest names in the field, including Bubba Watson, who played his last six holes in 6-under par to sit in a tie for sixth, and Australian Jason Day, who carded a 6-under 66 to take fifth-place.
READ MORE: Graham DeLaet drops out of RBC Canadian Open
The round of the day belonged to a resurgent Campbell, who has struggled in recent years despite having near-misses at both the Masters and the PGA Championship in his career. Campbell said he couldn’t isolate what has caused the turnaround in his game, despite rolling a put by on the final hole that would have matched the course record.
“I kept the ball in the fairway for the most part,” Campbell said, struggling to identify what has led to his strong play. “Made a few putts, which is always nice. I’ve always liked the golf course. I’ve always enjoyed it. I just feel comfortable on it.”
As for the top Canadian, he’s clearly comfortable on the course, and looking forward to the third round.
“I’m excited about the weekend,” Hearn said. “I feel good about my game.”
As well he should. It has been more than 60 years since a Canadian won the country’s national open. Hearn has a long climb ahead of him over 36 holes at Glen Abbey this weekend, but he’s put himself in the discussion.
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