Masterful McIlroy learns on the fly and surges into contention in Toronto

Defending Canadian Open champion delights giddy Friday galleries at Oakdale with blemish-free 67 to sit three back of halfway lead

ALL SMILES: Rory McIlroy laughs with caddie Harry Diamond during his second round at the Canadian Open in Toronto. Pic: Nathan Denette/CP via AP

Rory McIlroy is learning on the fly and perfectly fine doing it. Playing Oakdale Golf and Country Club from from 1 through 18 for the first time in his life, McIlroy shot a sparkling 67 to put himself firmly in contention for a third RBC Canadian Open victory in a row.

McIlroy did a little bit of everything and all of it well on Friday afternoon in Toronto, firing five birdies with four of them coming after the turn. He also kept the card blemish-free to sit three back from a surprise leader in the shape of world No.164 Carl Yuan from China.