David Skinns soars to RBC Canadian Open lead with impressive eight-birdie haul

The 42-year-old did not drop a shot on Thursday at Hamilton Golf and Country Club as his 62 put him one stroke ahead of Americans Sean O'Hair and Sam Burns.

Speaking after his round, Skinns said: "Drove it pretty well. I left myself in a lot of good spots.

"Around here, it seems like that's half the battle, to give yourself birdie looks.

"I was able to attack some pins that maybe if I wasn't in such a good spot, I wouldn't have been able to."

Scotland's Robert Macintyre is also in the hunt early after he picked up six birdies to close out his day in third place on six under.

Rory McIlroy made a decent early charge as he seeks his third RBC Canadian Open title.

The Northern Irishman sunk four birdies on the back nine to head into Friday's second round tied for sixth place on four under.

McIlroy was playing alongside two local favourites: defending champion Nick Taylor and Taylor Pendrith.

"One of the main reasons I love coming back here is because of that atmosphere," McIlroy said. "Playing with two Canadians today, it was exactly what I expected."