Listowel's Corey Conners is among 26 Canadians playing in the RBC Canadian Open at the Hamilton Golf and Country Club starting today.
Conners told a media conference yesterday that he is excited to play in the event.
"This golf course is amazing. I had the chance to play it a few weeks ago and map out the course a bit. Get my plan in place. Yeah, really great venue. Very excited to be here and looking forward to a really fun week."
When asked if there will be anyone left in Listowel this week, Conners said he expects to have a more than a few friends and family cheering him on.
"A lot of members will be making the trip, a lot of family members who all live in the Listowel area will be coming to watch. It's reasonably close by. It's exciting for them to come and watch me and I'm looking forward to that. I'm looking forward to playing well and putting on a show for the friends and family."
Conners is having an amazing year on the PGA Tour including his first victory, the Texas Valero Open back in April. Conners says he's getting more attention from fans since that win.
"Definitely. But it's awesome. It feels great. I think a lot of the Canadian golf fans know who I am now, as opposed to years in the past, but a pretty awesome feeling. It's been really cool. I enjoy interacting with the fans and yeah, it feels great."
As for the course this week, Conners and other Canadians have the advantage of being familiar with it. Conners even had a chance to play a practice round a few weeks ago. He says that will give him an edge over the competition.
"There's an added comfort level, just knowing the course and knowing what to expect. I think for the most part, it's pretty straightforward, and guys are used to going to new places and figuring it out pretty quickly. The goal's the same every week, trying to get the ball in the hole as fast as you can. I think it definitely helps. I'm really happy that I got the chance to play a few weeks ago. Like I said, kind of get a plan together and be familiar with the terrain, know what to expect and just definitely an added comfort level for the Canadians and I'm excited about that."
Conners tees off at 7:50 a.m. He is 23rd on the FedEx Cup rankings.
In all 156 of the world's best golfers will compete in the 110th playing of Canada's Men's National Open.
*Quotes courtesy of transcripts provided by Golf Canada*
