RBC Canadian Open Round 2 Tee Times: Rose, Morikawa Headline

There's something about a Friday afternoon at a Canadian Open that feels different from the rest of the PGA Tour calendar. Maybe it's the way the northern light stretches long across the fairways, or the particular hush of galleries who understand they're witnessing something special. As Round 2 of the 2026 RBC Canadian Open unfolds at TPC Toronto, I find myself drawn to one pairing in particular—and I suspect I won't be alone.

The Feature Group That Demands Your Attention

At 12:48 p.m. ET, Justin Rose will stride to the first tee alongside Collin Morikawa and Aaron Rai. If you're looking for a reason to clear your Friday afternoon schedule, consider this your invitation.

Rose, at 45 years old, is playing with the freedom and precision of a man who has nothing left to prove—yet clearly still has plenty left to win. His Farmers Insurance Open victory in January marked his 13th PGA Tour title, and the way he's been building form through the major championship season is unmistakable. A tied-third finish at the Masters. Tenth at the PGA Championship. Twelfth at last week's Memorial Tournament. The former U.S. Open champion isn't just showing up; he's positioning himself for something.

And next week? Pinehurst awaits. This Canadian Open suddenly feels less like a standalone event and more like the final dress rehearsal before the year's third major.

The Afternoon Wave Carries the Drama

Rose switches from Thursday's early start to Friday's afternoon draw, which tells you everything about how he likely played in Round 1. The afternoon wave at TPC Toronto often catches the best of the conditions—the greens have settled, the wind tends to soften, and the course reveals its true character.

Following the Rose group at 12:59 p.m., you'll find Tommy Fleetwood, Sahith Theegala, and Canadian hopeful Corey Conners. At 1:10 p.m., Matt Fitzpatrick and Viktor Hovland take center stage. The star power is concentrated, and the atmosphere around these tee times will be electric.

Morning Storylines Worth Following

Don't dismiss the early starters, though. Tom Kim goes out at 8:17 a.m. with Austin Eckroat and Jordan Smith—a young gun showcase that could produce fireworks. Max Homa starts his day at 7:44 a.m. alongside Jhonattan Vegas and Steven Fisk.

For the completists and the early risers, PGA Tour Live on ESPN+ begins streaming at 7 a.m. ET, capturing those first-tee nerves and morning birdies before Golf Channel's broadcast window opens from 3-6 p.m. ET.

What Rose's Equipment Change Tells Us

Here's a detail that fascinates me: Rose switched to all-new McLaren Golf irons mid-season. Equipment changes at this level are rarely casual decisions—they represent a player's belief that something better is possible, that improvement remains within reach. For a 45-year-old major champion to make such a switch, and then continue climbing leaderboards, speaks to both confidence and adaptability.

It also suggests Rose is thinking long-term. You don't overhaul your bag unless you believe you'll need those clubs for victories yet to come.

Takeaway

Friday's second round at TPC Toronto offers that perfect midpoint tension—cut lines looming, positions jockeying, and the weekend's pressure beginning to build. The 12:48 p.m. grouping of Rose, Morikawa, and Rai deserves your attention, but so does the entire afternoon wave that follows. Golf in June, in Canada, with a U.S. Open on the horizon—this is why we follow the game.