Caledon, Ont. — Barend Botha’s dream debut on the PGA Tour deteriorated on the back nine Thursday at the RBC Canadian Open.

The former University of Toledo golfer had four birdies and a par to turn in 3 under par, but he was undone by three bogeys on the back nine, including a three-putt on the par-5 18th hole to shoot an even-par 70, one shot better than Masters champion Rory McIlroy.

Botha is tied for 96th. The low 65 and ties make the 36-hole cut.

Thorbjorn Olesen and Cristobal Del Solar are tied for the lead at 9 under.

Botha qualified for the event after winning twice on the PGA Tour Canada last year. He currently has fully exempt status on the developmental Korn Ferry Tour, which awards PGA Tour playing privileges to the top 20 on the season-long points list. The South Africa

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