Wednesday, Jul 28, 2021. 11:26 AM
When Mackenzie Hughes and Corey Conners were chosen to represent Canada for the men’s golf event at the Tokyo Olympics, they did not become teammates; these two good friends have worked together for years.
In fact, they’ve formed a tandem at all levels of golf, and have even acted as pseudo-teammates on the PGA Tour, practicing together in the company of fellow countrymen every week.
According to Conners, the familiarity that exists between him and Hughes is an asset in their favor in anticipation of the Olympic tournament.
“We know each other’s playstyles really well, we’re comfortable together,” said Conners.
“I think it will be really helpful. You know, even though golf is an individual sport, we encourage each other. “
Hughes and Conners first met when they were still teenagers, at a field tournament where Conners was playing in Listowel, Ont. They were teammates on Golf Canada’s young pro roster in 2015 and 2016 before playing together at Kent State University.
“I’m sure neither of us, at this moment when we first played against each other, would have thought that we would be Olympians or, again, winners on the PGA Tour. and that we would continue to be great friends, ”Conners noted of his first meeting with Hughes when they were 12 and 13, respectively.
“Our respective journeys have been quite remarkable, and it has been pleasant to share several stages with ‘Mac’. “
Conners and Hughes could find success at the Kasumigaseki Country Club, which hosts the men’s and women’s Olympic tournaments, after strong performances at the British Open.
After finishing tied for 15th at the British Open on July 18, Conners moved up to 36th place to 36th in the world rankings. Hughes ranks 53rd in the world on the eve of the start of the Olympic tournament, after he finished the British Open tied for sixth.
Due to the Olympic qualifying format, many of the best golfers in the world are not part of the 60-player squad in Tokyo. This is particularly the case of the American Dustin Johnson, number two, and the Briton Tyrrell Hatton (12th).
Only the United States has delegated the maximum of four players allowed for the men’s component. The other countries sent one or two players.
As a result, Conners and Hughes are two of the highest ranked players on the men’s tour to make the trip to Tokyo.
