Two of Canada’s top golfers are hoping that playing in front of their fellow Canadians this week will invigorate their PGA Tour seasons.
Nick Taylor of Abbotsford, B.C., and Corey Conners of Listowel, Ont., are arguably the two highest-profile Canadians on the top men’s tour and, therefore, two of the biggest attractions at this week’s RBC Canadian Open at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley.
Taylor, who won the event in 2023 to end a 69-year drought for Canadians at the national men’s championship, said it’s always a treat to play north of the border.
“We’re kind of stars for the week, which is abnormal for us. So it’s a lot of fun,” said Taylor on Wednesday, noting that he was in a group with Mackenzie Hughes of Dundas, Ont., and Taylor Pendrith of Richmond Hill, Ont. “The support was amazing, the crowds were great, so I’m hoping for the same the next couple days and hopefully turn that into some good play and play well on the weekend.”
Taylor is 52nd on the PGA Tour’s points list and Conners is 83rd as the circuit approaches the midway point of the season. Taylor said the season’s been “mostly positive.”
“A lot of good stuff, a lot of pretty decent results, a lot of consistent play,” said Taylor at a news conference. “There’s been a lot of tournaments I feel like I’ve left disappointed, not really finishing off with the result that I wanted.
“I’ve been in contention a handful of times, I saw things there, I feel like I’m building towards a good stretch for the end of the season.”
Conners, renowned for his ball-striking ability, said he’s also searching for more steady play this year.
“My game’s been unusually inconsistent,” said Conners. “I’ve had some good stretches, some not so good stretches. Some weeks have I’ve found it for a couple of the days and then lost it for the others.
“Just trying to focus on playing pretty free, not trying to overthink things.”
The Canadian Open has been in the Greater Toronto-Hamilton Area since 2015, rotating between five courses. It appears the event has found a somewhat permanent home at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley as it hosted the championship last year, this year, and will again in 2027.
“We’ve gotten to play some great golf courses in the RBC Canadian Open, but I think this is feeling like home for the event now,” said Conners. “I’m excited about that.
“It’s what typically we’re used to week-in and week-out on the PGA Tour and they have done a wonderful job. This is a really impressive facility. It’s got everything that we want.”
The 34-year-old Conners and 38-year-old Taylor are two of the most experienced golfers among the 21-player Canadian contingent at the national championship. They have played in the Canadian Open 14 and 15 times respectively.
“I think it can be an intimidating feeling playing in your national open, playing in a PGA Tour event for the young guys,” said Conners. “I think my advice to them is really trust their game. They’re here for a reason.
“Don’t try and overdo things, just try and be free and trust what got them here and enjoy the experience, have fun. The fans are going to be cheering them on, it will be a great experience for them regardless of how they play.”
Hughes, Adam Hadwin of Abbotsford and Mike Weir of Brights Grove, Ont., will be playing in an all-Canadian group on Thursday and Friday. Weir is playing in his 33rd Canadian Open, second on the all-time list behind Toronto’s George Cumming (39).
Sudarshan Yellamaraju of Mississauga, Ont., the top-ranked Canadian on the PGA Tour, is also in the field. He’s 48th in the FedEx Cup standings.
“I played a few practice holes and been paired with Sudarshan and he’s really impressive,” said Conners. “I love how he goes about his business. He’s really focused in on each shot. He hits the ball far, hits it straight, a great putter.
“There’s really no holes in his game, and I think you’ve seen that.”
PGA Tour regulars Pendrith, A.J. Ewart of Coquitlam, B.C., Adam Svensson of Surrey, B.C., and Roger Sloan of Merritt, B.C., will all tee it up Thursday morning.
Drew Nesbitt of Horseshoe Valley, Ont., Victoria’s Jeevan Sihota, Matthew Anderson of Mississauga, Ont., Ben Silverman of Thornhill, Ont., Laurent Desmarchais of Cowansville, Que., Joey Savoie of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Que., Yohann Benson of Pincourt, Que., and Ashton McCulloch of Kingston, Ont., round out the pro contingent.
Amateurs Justin Matthews of Little Britain, Ont., Dawson Lew and Eric Zhao, both from Toronto, will also be playing.
“I feel like managing the expectations of the week is probably one of the most important things,” said Taylor. “The first few times I was an amateur, obviously you’re very excited and you want to do well. Just embracing the week is important.”