Nick Taylor and Adam Hadwin both missed out on being chosen by Captain Mike Weir for the International Presidents Cup team, despite their previous successes. Weir instead selected Corey Conners, Taylor Pendrith, and Mackenzie Hughes from Canada, along with players from South Africa, South Korea, and Australia. Leaving out Taylor, who had notable wins in the past, was a surprise, but Weir had tough decisions to make. The Presidents Cup is set to take place at The Royal Montreal Golf Club in September 2024, and here’s a closer look at the six players chosen by Weir.
Corey Conners, a two-time Tour winner, is making his second appearance in the Presidents Cup. Known for his ball-striking abilities, Conners had a tough time in 2022, finishing 0-4 in his matches. However, he finished seventh in the point standings and showed potential with three top-10 finishes in the season. Captain Weir praised Conners’ skills and expressed excitement about him competing in front of his fellow Canadians.
Christiaan Bezuidenhout, from South Africa, is back for his second team appearance after going 1-0-1 in 2022. Despite not having won a PGA Tour title yet, Bezuidenhout had a successful season with 12 top-25 finishes, including three top-10s. Weir highlighted Bezuidenhout’s steady gameplay and his potential to work well with any partner on the International Team.
Mackenzie Hughes, a Canadian golfer, had a solid season with three top-10 finishes in 2024. Although he missed the top 50 in the FedEx Cup standings, Hughes is known for his putting skills and his ability to thrive in team competitions. Weir acknowledged Hughes’ calm under pressure and noted that his putting prowess would be an asset to the team.
Si Woo Kim from South Korea will be making his third appearance in the Presidents Cup. Despite not having a standout season, Kim has shown his ability to perform under pressure, especially in match play. Weir praised Kim’s experience and record in the Presidents Cup and believes he will be a valuable asset to the team in Montreal.
Min Woo Lee, representing Australia, is making his debut at the Presidents Cup. The 26-year-old is known for his energetic gameplay and has shown potential with multiple top finishes on the PGA Tour. Weir expressed excitement about Lee’s addition to the team and believes his driving skills will be advantageous in match play competitions.
Taylor Pendrith, another Canadian golfer, has played exceptional golf in recent months, securing his first PGA Tour victory at the CJ Cup. Despite a previous 0-4 record in the Presidents Cup, Pendrith has shown improvements and developed into a more complete player. Weir praised Pendrith’s length and noted that it will be an advantage in match play at Royal Montreal.
