Rory McIlroy Trending Worldwide: Inside the Highlights, Records & What’s Driving the Buzz

TORONTO—Rory McIlroy arrives at Oakdale for this week’s RBC Canadian Open determined to shift the narrative of his 2025 season after a turbulent month that saw his driver ruled non-conforming at the PGA Championship and triggered an uncharacteristic media blackout. The four-time major champion finally broke his silence Wednesday, admitting he was “a little pissed off” that news of the failed equipment test leaked mid-tournament, a distraction he believes contributed to his T-47 finish at Valhalla. McIlroy insisted the club was legal when originally approved and blamed a manufacturing variance for the infraction, adding that he has already switched to a fresh version of the same model. “People assume I was hiding,” he said of his refusal to address the media at Valhalla. “I just didn’t want to pour gasoline on a fire that shouldn’t have been lit in the first place.” McIlroy now turns his focus to capturing a record-tying third Canadian Open title after wins in 2019 and 2022. He will headline Thursday’s marquee group alongside rising Florida State sophomore Luke Clanton, whom McIlroy called “the future of the TOUR” during Wednesday’s pro-am. Key storylines heading into Canada: • Driver drama resolved: McIlroy’s fresh 9-degree Paradym AI Smoke head passed pre-tournament testing in Toronto, ending speculation that he might experiment with a backup model. • FedExCup climb: Currently 14th in the standings, the Northern Irishman can vault inside the top 10 with a finish of solo fourth or better, critical positioning before next month’s Scottish Open and Open Championship swing. • Statistical surge: Despite Valhalla, McIlroy still ranks first on TOUR in Strokes Gained: Off-the-Tee (+1.04) and ninth in birdie average (4.46), numbers that traditionally translate at the soft, receptive Oakdale layout. • Mental reset: Coach Michael Bannon flew into Toronto early this week for extra range sessions aimed at realigning McIlroy’s takeaway, which the pair felt became “across the line” under PGA pressure. Fan interest is already spiking; Wednesday’s ticket allotment sold out by noon as Canadian galleries aim to witness McIlroy chase Sam Snead’s record for victories north of the border. Tournament director Bryan Crawford confirmed demand is “tracking 30 percent ahead of last year,” crediting both McIlroy’s star power and curiosity surrounding the driver saga. For McIlroy, however, the week is less about headlines and more about momentum. “The Open at Royal Portrush is circled in red ink on my calendar,” he said. “Winning here would be the perfect springboard.” With a resolved equipment controversy, a supportive Toronto crowd, and familiar fairways that favor his power-fade, Rory McIlroy looks poised to rewrite the 2025 storyline—this time on his own terms.