Pendrith ready to break out at Presidents Cup

TSN Senior Reporter

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CHARLOTTE, N.C. – By his own admission, Taylor Pendrith is more than a little shocked to be playing for the International Team at this Presidents Cup. After all, he is a PGA Tour rookie and one who missed four months of the season with a broken rib.

He has the lowest ranking of any golfer in the competition, the only player outside the top 100 in the Official World Golf Ranking. Yet he also seems to be surrounded by the most curiosity, with fans, media and players anxious to see just how talented he is.

“I mean, it was amazing,” he said of getting the call from team captain Trevor Immelman to include him on the team, “but I was kind of surprised. Not surprised, but shocked, I guess. I mean, I know I've had a really good last two months after coming back from injury. But obviously, to be a part of this team is, like I said, an honour, and I was super excited.”

Outside of Canada, Pendrith is not yet widely known. He’s had some television time while vying for titles in Bermuda and Detroit, but other than that hasn’t yet cracked the mainstream.

There’s a sense that could change this week. In a big way. Pendrith’s immense talent is set to be put on the world stage. His prodigious length has been his calling card so far but his game is well-rounded with some silky hands around the green and a putter that continues to improve. His calm demeanour and disarming personality are qualities that shine through beyond his golf. He’s likeable almost from the moment you first meet him.

At a media availability ahead of Thursday’s opening matches, Pendrith was getting the most attention of any player on his side. Media surrounded him and he calmly answered question after question. He was even quizzed