The Canadian contingent at this year’s Olympics features Golf Town Athlete Brooke Henderson alongside Alena Sharp, plus Corey Conners and Mackenzie Hughes.

And it’s a fearsome foursome that could surprise the golf world with their medal chances in Tokyo.

For Conners and Hughes, this marks their Olympic debut. Conners had, for the most part through 2019 and into 2020, been the top Canadian in the world golf rankings. Hughes, meanwhile, leapt into the second position after some solid play through the ladder portion of the 2020 season which saw him get into the Tour Championship, the final event of the FedExCup playoffs.

The Canadian duo are heading to Tokyo with some solid momentum as well after great finishes at The Open Championship – their final event prior to teeing it up for Canada.

Hughes finished tied for 6th – the best result by a Canadian-born golfer in the history of the tournament – while Conners finished tied for 15th. Conners was in the mix at three of the four majors this season (he finished tied for 8th at the Masters and tied for 17th at the PGA Championship after holding the first-round lead to go along with this tie for 15th at The Open).

Hughes backed up his tie for 15th at the U.S. Open (he was in the final group on Sunday) with another great major-championship start and now he turns his eyes to Tokyo.

“Start thinking about Tokyo soon, get myself ready for that, and in the right frame of mind to go win a medal,” said Hughes Sunday at The Open.

Both Hughes and Conners are taking this week off from the PGA Tour.

“I’ll go home this week and be a full-time dad for a few days,” said Hughes with a smile, “and then I’ll get a few days of prep in before I head to Tokyo.

Conners said going to the Olympics is something he’s been forward to for a while.

“I’m really excited to represent Canada at the Olympics,” he said. “Excited to get to Tokyo. It will be fun. Obviously, playing with my good friend Mac. He’s had a nice week as well. I think we’re both going to pretty excited, and will be fun in Tokyo.”

Golf Town Athlete Brooke Henderson along with Alena Sharp will be playing for Canada in their second straight Olympic games. The pair represented Canada in 2016 in Rio as well with Brooke finishing just outside a medal position (she finished tied for 7th).

“I am honoured to be part of Team Canada this summer,” said Brooke. “I love representing my country and feeling all the support of family, friends, and Canadian golf fans back home.”

Brooke captured her 10th title on the LPGA Tour earlier this summer and is ranked inside the top-10 in the world. She’ll certainly be a medal favourite in a few weeks’ time.

Sharp, at 40 years old, is eager to return to one of the biggest stages in the sport.

“One of the greatest thrills for an athlete is to represent our country at the Olympics and I am extremely proud to now officially be a two-time Olympian,” said Sharp. “I am excited to get to Tokyo to represent Team Canada and challenge my game against the world’s best.”

Derek Ingram will be the coach of the men’s team, while Brett Saunders will be the coach of the women’s team.

“I like our chances,” said Hughes. “Four great golfers going over there. You never know over four days of golf and what kind of game you’re going to bring over there but I like our chances. I think we’re all in a pretty good place as far as our games go.”

The men’s competition goes July 29-August 1, while the women play the week after, August 5-8.