In professional golf, a shoulder injury is not ideal, particularly for a player who views their driver as their most valuable weapon.
For almost two years, Taylor Pendrith has been stuck in such a situation. However, he’s improving at a good moment as the Canadian looks to qualify for the Presidents Cup in his native nation later this year.
Pendrith shot a 7-under 64 to start THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson, one shot behind the lead after Thursday’s morning wave at TPC Craig Ranch. With 7 birdies on a bogey-free morning, the 32-year-old found the rainy conditions to his taste. This was his lowest opening round on the TOUR since the 2022 Rocket Mortgage Classic (when he finished T2).
In addition, the native of Toronto improved his stroke-gained off the tee by almost 1.5, which is significant context given the shoulder injury that hindered his clubhead speed and diminished his long-term competitive advantage (he was ranked No. 12 in 2022, No. 40 in 2023, and No. 151 in 2024).
Pendrith reported on Thursday that the results are consistent with his recent improvement in health. Riding the wave of consecutive T11 results (at the Corales Puntacana Championship and last week’s Zurich Classic of New Orleans with Corey Conners), he made his way to the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. He will have a difficult time regaining his spot on the International Team (he is presently ranked No. 26) after making his Presidents Cup debut at Quail Hollow in 2022. However, recent events indicate that he could rise in the standings during the summer.
“Definitely been mentally challenging. My entire game, in my opinion, is centred around driving the golf ball, and over the past year, I’ve lost a lot of speed. I guess I can completely commit to my driver swing and hit it hard again now that I’m getting it back; previously, I would flinch or ease off. It’s been hard mentally. It’s nice to be playing golf again in a way that I enjoy and to be able to swing strongly on shots.” Pendrith said on Thursday.
Think of the first round as encouraging news for Pendrith’s favourite team, the Toronto Maple Leafs, who will be eliminated on Thursday in the NHL Playoffs (toronto is trailing Boston, three games to two, in the best-of-seven series). Pendrith had a 7 under; maybe the Leafs will force a 7th game.
Pendrith spent Tuesday night at a dinner hosted by team captain Mike Weir, who, in 2003, setup a ceremonial face-off while wearing his Masters green jacket. Weir is also a contender for the Presidents Cup International Team.
Pendrith is aware that Presidents Cups are rare in his own country the last one occurred in 2007 but he still plans to seize the opportunity.
He’s getting the cooperation his shoulder deserves for the first time in a long time.
