Taylor Pendrith of Richmond Hill, Ont., had a breakthrough year in 2024, and he’s keeping the momentum going into the 2025 PGA Tour season. The 33-year-old has already recorded four top-10 finishes, with the most recent coming at the PGA Championship.
At the second major of the season in Charlotte, N.C., the former Canadian national team member finished in a tie for fifth and earned US$694,700 for his efforts.
Pendrith enjoyed his biggest triumph in early May 2024, when he captured the CJ Cup Byron Nelson. In doing so, he became the first Canadian to win the tournament since its inception in 1944.
“I’m not a big history guy, but Byron Nelson is a special name and for my name to be on that trophy is super special,” he said following the win.
While consistency is often cited as the biggest key to success in golf, it’s also one of the hardest things to achieve. But it appears Pendrith has figured it out in his early 30s.
Former LPGA pro Rebecca Lee-Bentham, who went to high school with Pendrith, says his rise is nothing short of inspiring.
“Taylor picked up golf later than most kids, and from what I recall, he would shoot in the high 70s to mid-80s while the other top juniors were going under par in tournaments,” she said.
“If you told me a kid like him would be a winner on the PGA Tour, I wouldn’t believe you. But honestly, it’s one of the most inspiring things to witness. It’s a true testament to his talent, hard work and love for the game.”
Another standout from Richmond Hill, amateur Monet Chun, says Pendrith’s journey motivates her as well.
“I’ve played at Summit Golf and Country Club and know Taylor has played there too. It’s inspiring to see the success he’s having as a professional on the PGA Tour,” she said.
Now 34, Pendrith believes his best golf is still ahead of him. His key to continued success? Keeping the support system around him strong and steady.
“I’ve pretty much had the same team for a long time now. Derek Ingram is my golf coach — he’s been with me since I was part of the amateur national team, so that’s, I don’t know, 13 or 14 years now. He’s great. He knows my game, I’m comfortable with him, and he’s a great guy to hang around with,” said Pendrith.
“I started working with a physio out here a couple of years ago who’s helped with my body and preparation from week to week. I’ve also recently reconnected with a mental coach from the national team who I’ve known for 13 years.
“My family and my wife are a huge part of it. They’re a big part of the team and a huge reason for my success.”
Pendrith also draws motivation from his former teammates on the Canadian national team and at Kent State University — Corey Conners and Mackenzie Hughes.
“They were on the PGA Tour well before me. I was there to see Mackenzie’s first PGA win in Charleston — that was such a cool moment. And a couple of years later, Corey won,” he said.
“We were all teammates at Kent State and on the Golf Canada national team. It’s a lot of motivation and inspiration for me, having played so much golf with Corey and Mackenzie and knowing my game could compete with theirs.
“It was a huge goal of mine to join them on the PGA Tour, and to now join them in the winner’s circle is pretty cool.”
Now, Pendrith is looking forward to performing in front of a home crowd at the RBC Canadian Open, which will be held this year at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley — a course he knows well.
“I’m hoping to have a great week and put myself in contention on Sunday. It’s something all of us Canadian players dream about,” said Pendrith.
“I’m especially excited for this one. I’ve spent a lot of time at TPC Toronto — played a couple of Mackenzie Tour events there. I’ve practised there a lot and played with family and friends. It’s a beautiful venue and I can’t wait to get back.”
The post Pendrith hoping to continue success on home soil first appeared on Golf Canada.
Article Link: https://www.golfcanada.ca/articles/pendrith-hoping-to-continue-success-on-home-soil/