Hadwin returning to Presidents Cup
Adam Hadwin had one major goal for the fall golf season: Get back to the Presidents Cup.
The 32-year-old can now check it off his list after International captain Ernie Els named him one of four captain’s picks on Wednesday night. Hadwin will make the trip to Royal Melbourne in Australia next month to play in the biennial event.
Hadwin said that when he got the call from Els and saw the captain’s name on his phone, he actually got a sinking feeling before the good news was delivered.
“I honestly had no idea which way he was going to go,” Hadwin said. “There was a lot of really good talent this year and I know his decision was extremely difficult.”
Turns out the Canadian had nothing to worry about and is headed to his second Presidents Cup.
“I just love his game, I’ve played with him numerous times,” Els said. “He’s very solid all around, there aren’t many weaknesses there. He drives it consistently well, he’s a good iron player, good thinker and a very good putter.”
Els also named former world No. 1 Jason Day to the team. The Australian hasn’t played his best golf in recent months, but was considered a lock to play in his home country. South Korean star Sungjae Im, 21, and Chile’s Joaquin Niemann, 20, round out what will be the youngest team in Cup history.
The four captain’s picks will join automatic qualifiers Marc Leishman, Hideki Matsuyama, Louis Oosthuizen, Adam Scott and rookies Abraham Ancer, Haotong Li, C.T. Pan and Cameron Smith.
Hadwin played in New Jersey two years ago when the International team was soundly defeated, but is determined to make his second appearance more successful.
“It was an experience I will never forget, but we left a lot to be desired on the golf course,” he said. “With this Presidents Cup approaching and me starting to play some good golf again, I’m just hungry for a second chance.”
Els said that Hadwin wasn’t the only Canadian on his radar.
“Between him and Corey Conners, it was a very, very tight race,” the captain said.