Corey Conners Aims to End Canadian Drought at RBC Canadian Open
Canadian golfer Corey Conners is looking to break a seven-decade drought and become the first Canadian to win the RBC Canadian Open since Pat Fletcher won in 1954. The RBC Canadian Open is one of the oldest tournaments in professional golf, dating back to 1904. This year’s event is being held at the St. George’s Golf and Country Club in Toronto, with the final round set for June 13.
Conners, who hails from Listowel, Ontario, is no stranger to the RBC Canadian Open. He has played in the tournament every year since 2014, with his best finish coming in 2018 when he tied for 12th place. He is currently ranked 38th in the world and has two career PGA Tour wins, including the 2019 Valero Texas Open.
In an interview with the PGA Tour, Conners spoke about the excitement of playing in his home country and the pressure that comes with trying to end a long drought. “It’s always a lot of fun playing in front of Canadian fans, and definitely a lot of extra motivation to play well and try to win this tournament,” he said. “I think the key for me is just staying patient and not trying to do too much, not getting too ahead of myself, and just trusting my game.”
One of Conners’ biggest challenges this week will come from defending champion Rory McIlroy. The world No. 9, who won the tournament in 2019, is making his return after missing last year’s event due to COVID-19 restrictions. Other top players in the field include Xander Schauffele, who is ranked fifth in the world, and 2013 Masters champion Adam Scott.
Despite the tough competition, Conners is confident in his game and is focused on making history. “I’m definitely excited for the week and embracing the challenge,” he said. “I’ve been playing well, and hopefully I can keep that going and bring my best stuff this week.”
The RBC Canadian Open has a long history of producing memorable moments and dramatic finishes. In addition to Fletcher’s win in 1954, the event has also seen notable victories by Arnold Palmer, Tiger Woods, and Jim Furyk, who set the course record for the tournament with a round of 58 in 2016.
This year’s event will be held without spectators due to COVID-19 restrictions, but it promises to be an exciting week of golf nonetheless. Golf fans can follow the action on the PGA Tour’s website, as well as on Golf Channel and other sports networks. With Conners and McIlroy among the favorites, the tournament is sure to be an unforgettable one.
