Most golfers talk about managing negative thoughts, but Haotong Li has a more direct approach. The 30-year-old recognizes when that version of himself takes over and tells it exactly where to go.

The Chinese professional golfer carded a 6-under 64 to move to 9-under for the tournament and into a tie for second place. Li spoke after his second round at the RBC Canadian Open on Friday, June 12, at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley in Caledon, Ontario.

"Once that bad Haotong comes in, you just tell him to go away. Which is what I did today, even on the back nine, that guy's there." Li said. "I literally just tell that guy, f*** off, leave me alone. I'm sorry about my language, but that's what it is."

The bluntness that Li spoke with during the media interaction post his round had a backstory.

Li said he had been struggling for two months, missing the cut for five out of his last eight tournaments. He consulted his psychologist, who gave him the framework. When the negative voice shows up, do not try to reason with it. Dismiss it.

"I've been struggling for two months," Li said. "I missed like one or two cuts in a row for like probably eight events already. And I felt like I played quite decent."

The method worked at TPC Toronto.

Li circled eight birdies in the second round. His best shot came at the 11th hole, a 5-iron into the wind that finished pin high right. He called it "quite incredible."

The round was made more difficult as his regular caddie could not travel to Canada due to visa issues. Fill-in caddie Geno Bonnalie stepped in.

"There's definitely three or four shots that he saved," Li said. "He talked me into changing to the other one, and it actually worked out very well."

Li ranked 90th in the Official World Golf Ranking heading into the week. His run at TPC Toronto arrives after one of the more difficult stretches of his career.

Canadian Open Run Gives Haotong Li a Boost After a Difficult Year

2026 was Li's first full season as a PGA Tour player. He has said moving to a new country has added pressure on him, affecting his game.

He moved to Jupiter, Florida, before the season started. Li sees himself as a role model for young golfers in China. He has said that he tries not to let the expectations affect him too much.

"I didn't even realize they quite like me," Li said, per the PGA Tour. "Right now, I am slowly getting used to the love from the fans. I truly appreciate that support and want to play good golf to give them something back."

Earlier this season, he finished in the top 10 at The American Express. However, he is still looking for his first PGA Tour victory.

So, do you think Haotong Li can hold his nerve and win the RBC Canadian Open? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Sneha Abraham

Edited by

Surjo Ray