Adam Hadwin hadn’t heard from Ernie Els before the South African golf legend called to say he’d picked the Canadian for the International Team at the Presidents Cup. Certainly, Hadwin, who played in the last Presidents Cup, knew he was in the mix. But there’s no certainty that he’d be one of four picks Els had for the team. Having received the news he’s on the team and   heading to Australia, Hadwin reflects on what he’s learned from his last appearance, and the attention Tiger Woods, who is playing captain for the American Team, brings to the event.

Golf Town: You’ve spent a lot of time in Asia recently and now you’re returning to that part of the world for the Presidents Cup. Ready for it?

Hadwin: Absolutely. I’d fly around the world a few times to get there if I need to.

Golf Town: Did you know you were being picked?

Hadwin: I didn’t hear from Team Captain Ernie Els until I was selected. Getting off to a good start this fall, I would have assumed I was part of the conversation. But I also know there are a lot of very strong players playing some great golf in recent weeks. I would have liked to have performed a little better in Asia. It would have put my mind a little bit more at ease, but I thought I had a decent chance to make the team.Nothing is for certain in this world and he could have gone a different way and looked like a genius for doing so. But I hope I can perform to the level I expect and make him look like a genius while I’m down there.

Golf Town: How do you benefit from the experience of playing the last Presidents Cup?

Hadwin: Each opportunity brings a new experience, new golf course, new teammates and a different atmosphere. We’re playing at home this time. And I bring the experience of what goes on. I bring a lot of exuberance and excitement to the event, but also knowing what I need to do to win there.

Golf Town:  Why do you think the International Team has struggled in the Presidents Cup?

Hadwin: Obviously, one of the things working against us is geography. We are representing so many areas and so many cultures, and we do have language barriers on our team. It is what it is. But, the same time, I played with Hideki and we got along great and had a great rapport. I think we were the only half point in the session when we played together. It can be overcome. And Ernie has done a tremendous job of getting the team together, getting us to know each other and getting us playing together and talking, so when we do go there we aren’t 12 strangers. We’ll be friends and we’ll get into it. As a team, by the end of the week we’re all quite close—but it is a question of how we do that earlier in the week. If we can do that, use that to our advantage and the hometown fans to our advantage, perhaps we can flip the switch.

Golf Town:  What do you think Tiger’s presence brings to the event?

Hadwin: His presence at any event, as a captain or playing captain, will elevate everything. Tiger is the greatest golfer of my generation by far. It is exciting and it’ll be a neat opportunity to play against a team he’s a part of. Hopefully we can take it to them.