Moments After His Monumental Display of Golf at Oak Hill, Corey Conners Credits a Canadian Legend as His Inspiration to Become a Pro

The golf world has been dominated by American players, and so are majors. There have been just a handful of golfers of other nationalities who have been able to leave a mark at PGA Tour’s major tournaments. There has just been one golfer from America’s neighboring country who lifted a trophy at Augusta almost 2 decades ago. But this week, it all might just change, and Corey Conners might be the one to change it.

In his recent interview on the third day of the championship, Conners share about a very special and inspiring childhood moment, and what his victory would mean for the Canadian sport.

Corey Conners remembers a special childhood moment 

Conners is performing exceptionally well at the 105th PGA Championship. He is currently tied at 2nd position alongside Viktor Hovland with a score of 5 under. He scored an even 70 on Saturday. 

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In his post-round interview on 20th May, an interviewer asked him what his victory would mean to the Canadian sport.

Canadian Conners quickly thought of Mike Weir’s 2003 Masters victory, and said that winning at Oak Hill would mean so much to everyone in his country and to him as well. He said that along with playing a tough game, he will also try to have fun at the course, “I will be playing hard tomorrow, but I’m trying to have some fun out there.”

He was also questioned about how the 2003 Masters winner inspired him, to which he said that Weir has been one of the biggest inspirations of his career. Mike Weir has impacted his career “incredibly.” Watching him win as an 11-year-old was a life-altering moment for Conners. “I was 11 years old when he won the Masters, just getting into competitive golf. I think he really definitely inspired me to want to make it as a pro.”

Mike Weir defeated Len Mattiace in 2003 at Augusta to become the first Canadian to win in a major. As mentioned on Masters’ wesbite, he achieved the distinction of being the inaugural left-handed major champion since New Zealand’s Bob Charles emerged victorious at The Open in 1963.

Later in November, the 52-year-old individual was appointed as the captain of the International Presidents Cup team for the 2024 event taking place at the Royal Montreal Golf Club in Canada. He is considered to be a legend in golf; all thanks to his stellar career records.

Winning at the Oak Hill will make Conners the only second Canadian golfer in history to lift a trophy at a men’s major golf tournament. Along with creating history, he will also get to take home a whopping $3.15 million. 

Conners’ game during the third round at Oak Hill Country Club

The Canadian golfer had a smooth start on Saturday. He was neck to neck with Hovland the entire day. Until the 15th hole, he had hit 2 birdies. With just three holes left, the 31-year-old golfer was having a bogey-free round. But at the 16th hole, he hit a double bogey that pushed him to the second position. 

It will surely be interesting to see if after being inspired by his fellow countryman, Conners would be able to lift the major trophy. After all, he still has a fair chance to take it all home! 

What do you think will happen on Sunday at Oak Hill? Who will be the one to take the Wanamaker trophy home? Let us know your pick in the comments down below.

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