7 lowest scores ever at the RBC Canadian Open – history-making rounds you need to see

Archie Starkey 06 Jun 2025

The RBC Canadian Open, one of the oldest national championships in golf, has long held a special place in the sport and Canada’s history.

As Canada’s premier professional golf event, it has drawn legends from every era and provided us with some unforgettable moments of sporting drama along the way.

In 2023, Nick Taylor etched his name in Canadian golfing folklore with a dramatic 72-foot eagle putt to win a playoff against Tommy Fleetwood and become the first Canadian to win the event in 69 years.

His victory reminded local fans of the rich heritage and competitive fire that the RBC Canadian Open consistently provides the PGA Tour.

So, who’s thrived most in Canada’s biggest golfing test?

Let’s take a look at the 7 golfers with the lowest winning scores in RBC Canadian Open history…

7. Nathan Green – 2009 (−18)

Nathan Green’s breakthrough win at Glen Abbey came in a playoff against Retief Goosen after both finished at 18-under-par.

The Australian held his nerve on a rain-affected course with clutch putting to help seal his sole PGA Tour win. While not a household name, his performance that week remains one of the most surprising and hard-fought RBC Canadian Open triumphs.

=5. Rory McIlroy – 2022 (−19)

Rory defended his 2019 title in style following a two-year hiatus due to Covid-19, firing a final-round 62 to finish at 19-under-par in a win that was his second RBC Canadian Open and 21st PGA Tour title.

Fierce competition from an in-form Justin Thomas made going tough, but McIlroy finished in signature style with five birdies in the last seven holes in front of an electric Canadian atmosphere.

=5. Art Wall Jr. – 1960 (−19)

At St George’s Golf & Country Club, Art Wall Jr. put together a fantastic 269 total, finishing 19-under and six strokes clear for the title. It was one of the lowest scores of the era.

Wall, who won the Masters the previous year, used precise iron play to dominate the classic Canadian course layout.

=3. Rory McIlroy – 2019 (−22)

McIlroy delivered one of the most dominant performances in tournament history at Hamilton, with a blistering final-round of 61 to finish at 22-under-par.

He was in full control from start to finish and, energised by the Canadian fans, he restored global attention to the event after its pandemic hiatus.

=3. Tiger Woods – 2000 (−22)

Tiger’s iconic win at Glen Abbey is best remembered for his iron shot from a fairway bunker over imposing water on the very final hole to finish 22-under and claim victory.

Victory earned Woods a prestigious ‘Triple Crown’ with wins in the U.S., British, and Canadian Opens in the same season – and remains one of the most memorable Canadian Open triumphs in modern history.

=1. Arnold Palmer – 1955 (−23)

Palmer’s win at Weston Golf Club was his first PGA Tour title outside of the USA and came in truly dominant fashion at 23-under-par, good for victory by four strokes.

How he went about his business with a combination of power, class and charisma captivated Canadian golf fans and set a scoring benchmark at the event that stood for decades.

=1. Dustin Johnson – 2018 (−23)

Johnson’s victory at Glen Abbey during his period of utter dominance was as clinical as it was ruthless, with four rounds in the 60s helping him finish a record-equalling 23-under.

His booming strokes off the tee, pinpoint approach play, and red-hot putting earned him a mammoth RBC Canadian Open win in front of stunned Canadian fans.

The 7 lowest winning scores at the RBC Canadian Open

7. Nathan Green – 2009 (−18)

=5. Rory McIlroy – 2022 (−19)

=5. Art Wall Jr. – 1960 (−19)

=3. Rory McIlroy – 2019 (−22)

=3. Tiger Woods – 2000 (−22)

=1. Arnold Palmer – 1955 (−23)

=1. Dustin Johnson – 2018 (−23)