Ernie Els has a decision to make—who are his captain’s picks for the International Team in the Presidents Cup. Clearly Canadians Adam Hadwin and Corey Conners are in the running to become two of Els’ four picks for the event, which pits an International Team against the biggest stars from the U.S, led by team captain Tiger Woods.
The case for Hadwin
Two near misses in the last two events—that’s basically the best case Hadwin, from Abbotsford, BC, could make for being a captain’s pick. Hadwin finished runner-up to Cameron Champ at the Safeway recently, putting a lot of pressure on the big-hitting golfer by making three birdies coming down the stretch and finishing at 67 to conclude a shot behind the winner. He followed that up with a Sunday 63 at the Shriners to vault himself into fourth. Hadwin stands fifth on the FedExCup, has played in a Presidents Cup, shot 59 in one event and recorded a win on the PGA Tour. He would seem like a natural fit for the Presidents Cup, especially if team assistant captain Mike Weir puts in a good word for him. Hadwin recently jumped back into the Top 50 of the World Golf Rankings at No. 45.
The case for Conners
One of the best ballstrikers on tour, Conners had a breakthrough season, with four Top 10s and a win at the Valero. Starting the year with status that meant he had to Monday qualify for most events, Conners stunned the golf world by shooting 66 twice over the weekend at the Valero, taking the title. His ability to hit pure irons is without peer on the PGA Tour—Conners led in greens in regulation last season—and though he can be a bit shaky with his putter, he’d be a great partner for many of the bigger hitters on the International Team. He’s currently the second-highest ranked Canadian in the World Golf Rankings at 69.
Who would you pick?
Does Hadwin’s recent strong play and experience make him an obvious pick for the Presidents Cup team? Or does Conners’ great iron play make him a terrific fit for the International Team? Should Ernie Els use two of his picks on Canadians?
Give us your perspective.
my choice would be # 1 Hadwin and # 2 Conners but, preferable both would be perfect!
take ’em both!!
They both are deserving picks, and I believe both should be on the team.
It would be nice to see both of them on the team, but if there can only be one take Hadwin.
Adam all the way. Putting is critical, maybe in match play more than stroke play, and Adam is by far the better putter.
Hadwin !
Conners should be the pick based on his recent play versus Hadwin.