Famous American golfer Bobby Jones once said, “Competitive golf is played mainly on a five-and-a-half-inch course, the space between your ears.”
Anyone who has played the sport competitively knows the importance of being in the right state of mind when it comes to finding success on the golf course.
Canadian golfer Taylor Pendrith certainly knows all about that. The 29-year-old – who is known for his impressive driving distance on the golf course – is playing some of the best golf of his career, and says much of his recent success comes from having more confidence in his game.
Taylor Pendrith Playing With Confidence and Enjoying a Breakthrough Season
Strong Showing at the Recent US Open
Taylor Pendrith currently sits in the top five of the Korn Ferry Tour rankings – the developmental tour for the PGA Tour. As a result of being ranked inside the top five, he earned a spot to compete at the recent US Open in Mamaroneck, New York.
Pendrith made the most of his opportunity at the US Open by finishing in a tie for 23rd spot, earning just over $100,000 in the process. In the final round, Pendrith shot the second-best score – behind only tournament champion, Bryson DeChambeau. The 27-year-old American won the tournament and took home a check for over $2 million.
While the young Canadian felt a bit of nerve at the start of the tournament, Pendrith said he was able to settle down nicely after that.
“The first day I was very nervous, and then there was no spectators, so there wasn’t really anything to be nervous about, it was just kind of was in my head that I’m here at a Major. Was definitely nervous on that first tee shot. But after that I felt really comfortable,” said Pendrith about his first experience at the US Open.
The talented Canadian golfer acknowledges that his strong results so far this season on the Korn Ferry Tour put him in the right mindset in the lead up to the recent PGA Major.
“Honestly, this year I’ve been playing some really nice golf, and I have tons of confidence. Just kind of came into this week trying not to get caught up in everything, and I earned my way here, and there’s no reason why I couldn’t play well,” said Pendrith after completing his final round at the recent US Open.
“Just to make the cut was awesome. Just overall awesome experience for my first major, and couldn’t be happier,” he added.
Focusing on Golf
In high school, the former Bayview Secondary School student was an all-around athlete, playing a number of sports besides golf.
“Taylor was always such an athlete in high school and I remember he played pretty much every sport – mainly baseball and hockey,” recalled former LPGA pro and high school teammate, Rebecca Lee-Bentham.
“To be honest, I thought golf was just a hobby for him and didn’t realize he would pursue it the way he has, but it’s awesome to see the success he’s had so far.”
The multi-sport athlete decided to focus on golf and would earn a scholarship to Kent State University in Ohio, where he played on a star-studded men’s golf team under Hall of Fame coach, Herb Page. Two of Pendrith’s good friends and former Kent State teammates – Corey Conners and Mackenzie Hughes – are currently playing on the PGA Tour.
Taylor Pendrith Playing Up to His Potential
After graduating from Kent State University and turning pro in 2014, Pendrith has had some inconsistency in his golf game. But as he reflects on his journey, he credits his victories on the Mackenzie Tour last year for igniting his current run.
“I’d say the last three years probably has been tough for me, you know, not being able to play up to what I know I can do. But I think winning on the Mackenzie Tour last year really helped my confidence and getting a second win and kind of learning how to win. It’s a great Tour, super competitive now, so to beat those guys twice, and get two victories really helped my confidence,” Pendrith noted.
“Then having some good finishes on the Korn Ferry TOUR this year obviously helps…..Just looking forward to playing well and hopefully get that (PGA) Tour card for 2021.”
Over the weekend at the Wichita Open, Pendrith recorded an impressive second-place finish. And with only two tournaments remaining on the Korn Ferry Tour schedule this season, Pendrith appears to be a lock to finish up in the top 25 of the standings, and thus, earn his PGA Tour Card for 2021.
“It’s always very motivating to see your friends and people you grew up with have big breakthroughs and success because it shows you that anything is possible when you’re passionate about something and put your mind to it,” noted Lee-Bentham about her former high school teammate.
“Everyone has their own unique success story and that’s what makes life so great and exciting.”
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