This year’s fields in Australian golf’s two “majors” have received a boost with the inclusion of Canadian star and two-time Presidents Cup player Corey Conners.
Fresh off finishing in a tie for 14th at The Open Championship at Royal Birkdale, Conners has committed to playing in the November 26-29.Australian PGA at The Lakes in Sydney and the December 3-6 Australian Open at Melbourne’s Kingston Heath.
“I’m really excited to head back to Australia later this year,” 34-year-old Conners said.
“I played a couple of big amateur events there just over a decade ago now, loved my time in Australia and always wanted to return at some point.
“I’ve heard great reports on the big professional events down there from the Australian guys and the other PGA Tour players who have played in them, and I’ve seen plenty of highlights as well.
“The two courses look awesome, we’re out of the northern hemisphere winter and I know Australians love their golf, so all the ingredients are there to create great golf tournaments.
“It should be two weeks to remember, and hopefully I’ll get to have some success as well.”
Currently on target to represent the Internationals at this year’s Presidents Cup at the Medinah Country Club in Illinois, Conners also has an eye on the team event’s 2028 edition, which will be played at Kingston Heath.
“With the Presidents Cup coming up in Australia in just a couple of years. I’d love to be part of the Internationals squad when that comes around,” the world’s 48th-ranked player said.
Golf Australia chief executive James Sutherland said Conners would be a “great addition” to the Australian Open field.
“Having a player of Corey’s calibre join Rory McIlroy and Cameron Smith in the field for Kingston Heath further strengthens the international appeal of the Australian Open,” Sutherland said.
“We’re continuing to build significant momentum towards what promises to be one of the strongest Australian Opens in recent memory.”
PGA of Australia chief executive Gavin Kirkman said Conners was “exactly the type of competitor” wanted to take part in the Australian PGA Championship.
“He is a proven winner and a consistent competitor at the very highest level,” Kirkman said of the two-time winner of the PGA Tour’s Texas Open.
“His commitment to coming to Sydney underlines the established prestige of the event, and we anticipate further high-profile announcements for the tournament in the near future.”
Originally published as Two-time PGA Tour winner Corey Conners set for Australian golf double-header