CALEDON, Ont.- It hasn’t always been easy but after two days at the RBC Canadian Open and the outright lead, American Cameron Champ is certainly making it look that way. 

After firing a 62 on day one and following that up with a 66 on day two, Champ has put himself firmly in position to strike and run down his fourth career PGA tournament victory and first since the 2021 3M Open. 

His game has had its ups and downs the past few years with off course issues taking a stranglehold on his playing ability, forcing him in 2021-2022 to step away from golf to reset. 

“The last couple years for me it’s mostly been off course stuff, it’s been a little rough for me to even be out here,” said Champ, to reporters, after completing his second round at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley.

“For me, it’s just a refresher to kind of be free in a sense to feel somewhat of a freedom.”

On Tuesday, Champ did not think he would be playing this weekend as the field was full and he was listed as the 8th alternate when commitments closed last Friday. 

“I definitely didn’t think I was getting in, especially being at eight.” 

Plans can change quickly in this business as a late Tuesday call after an opening gave Champ a shot at joining the talented field in Canada.

“Not knowing this week and getting a call last minute, rushing here, we got in at two or three Wednesday morning,” said the California native. 

“For me it’s just kind of embracing the situation I’m in and I just try to take advantage of every opportunity I can.”

Champ took extra precautions at making sure if his name was called he wouldn’t waste an opportunity to play even if it meant some added packing.  

“Luckily I brought my passport.”