Champ takes 2-shot lead, Canada’s Taylor and Lee tied for 3rd heading into weekend at Canadian Open [Video]

Cameron Champ wasn’t even supposed to be here today.

Champ shot a 4-under 66 to climb atop the leaderboard on Friday at 12-under overall at the RBC Canadian Open for a two-stroke lead over fellow American Andrew Putnam. A week ago, Champ was the eighth alternate for the only PGA Tour event in Canada, but enough golfers withdrew from the tournament that he made the field.

“I definitely didn’t think I was getting in, especially as eighth,” Champ told media after leaving the scorers’ room at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley. “I know the deadline, some guys will withdraw over the weekend but as eighth, I was like, ‘yeah, probably not getting in.’

“Luckily, I actually brought my passport. I don’t know why I brought it. I was like ‘I’m just going to bring it in case’ for whatever reason, not even thinking about the tournament. So it all worked out nicely.”

It’s been five years since Champ last …