Corey Conners eager for another chance at Presidents Cup after 2022 loss to U.S.

A combination of intangibles and data-driven analysis has Corey Conners thinking the International team is due at this year's Presidents Cup.

Conners, from Listowel, Ont., is one of three Canadians donning the black and gold of the International team for this week's Presidents Cup at Royal Montreal Golf Club. The United States has historically dominated the best-on-best tournament that sees 12 Americans face 12 players from around the world, excluding Europe, in match play.

"I think everybody on our team knows we've been trending in the right direction. We've got a good plan in place," said Conners after a practice round on Tuesday. "We can definitely do it.

"They've had our number in the Presidents Cup, but I think everyone on the team, the captains, are instilling a lot of belief in us."

The 32-year-old Conners also played in 2022 when the Internationals lost to the Americans 17 1/2 to 12 1/2 at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, N.C. It was the U.S.'s ninth straight win, and 10th out of 12 Presidents Cups. The Internationals earned a decisive victory in 1998 and the tournament ended in a draw in 2003.

Conners and Taylor Pendrith of Richmond Hill, Ont., were two of eight rookies on the International team two years ago, but this year's group only has Mackenzie Hughes of Dundas, Ont., and Australia's Min Woo Lee as first-timers. Conners said that having one Presidents Cup under his belt has taught him what to expect.

"It's a demanding week," said Conners, who did not earn a single point in 2022. "The crowds in the last Presidents Cup were pretty crazy.

"I'm excited to feel the hometown support here this time, but definitely learned some things and excited to get another crack at it."

But the Internationals won't just be