Canada’s Pendrith and Conners make history depsite loss
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Corey Conners and Taylor Pendrith made Canadian history twice at the Presidents Cup and, although they’re disappointed in the result, they’re ready for more.
It was the first time two Canadians had ever played at the prestigious best-on-best tournament that sees 12 Americans take on 12 players from around the world, excluding Europe. When the longtime friends were partnered on Friday they became the firstever Canadians to play together at the storied tournament.
But Conners, from Listowel, Ont., lost to Xander Schauffel in Sunday’s seventh match to clinch the American victory.
Pendrith, from Richmond Hill, Ont., also
lost his match in the event’s final round when he dropped a decision to Tony Finau.
Ultimately, the United States beat the international team 17.5 to 12.5 for its 12th Presidents Cup title.
The Canadians were the only members of the international team not to earn a point over the four-day, five-session tournament. Conners said he was disappointed to not maintain the international team’s momentum in the final round.
“All the guys were ready to go today,” said Conners by the 18th green. “Some of the guys got some points early to keep us in it.
“I’m really disappointed not to be able to add to our total, but it was a fun week.”
The biennial event alternates between courses in the U.S. and international locations.
The next edition will be at Royal Montreal Golf Club, which last hosted in 2007 when Mike Weir of Brights Grove, Ont., had a legendary showdown with Tiger Woods in the final round. and cheer them on to victory.”
The atmosphere at the Presidents Cup has changed in the 15 years since Canada last hosted the event. Organizers said that 40,000 spectators attended the Presidents Cup every day, a massive gathering for golf that was amplified because those crowds were concentrated around just four or five groups the first three days of the tournament.
Pendrith said that it was the most people he had ever played in front of but he feels like he rose to the occasion.
“Obviously, the stakes were really high. Lots of pressure,” said Pendrith. “But the first day, I feel like I handled it pretty well.
“Really, all week, it was a lot of fun, and it will be a good experience to move forward.”