Tour pro becomes first player since 2008 to do THIS at RBC Canadian Open

Corey Conners added his name to an impressive list after Thursday's first round of the RBC Canadian Open.

This week, the national tournament is being held at Oakdale Golf and Country Club in Toronto, Ontario.

Over 20 Canadians are playing in the tournament this year, which returned after a two-year pandemic-related break last season.

And while any of the players in the field this week would like to win the PGA Tour event, there's a bit more on the line for the Canadian contingent.

On Wednesday, Dundas, Ontario's Mackenzie Hughes said a Canadian player winning this tournament would make them a "hero" in the country.

"I picture coming down those last few holes and the way the crowd to be loud and the energy behind me would be incredible. So I have let myself get to that point and think about those things. Like I said, it would be amazing," Hughes told reporters. "I know everyone of the guys in the field this week feels the same way. That they want to be that guy. So, yeah, if it's not me I hope it's one of them. But I'll be trying to be that guy. "

The last time a Canadian won the national tournament was nearly 70 years ago in 1954. That year it was won by Pat Fletcher.

Additionally, no Canadian-born golfer has won the tournament in over 100 years, since 1914.

Since then, Brooke Henderson has accomplished the feat over at the LPGA Tour's CP Women's Open, when the Canadian star won it in 2018.

On Wednesday, in his own press conference, Conners said the tournament "feels like a major" to he and his fellow countrymen in the field.

Conners is the top-ranked player of that contingent this week, currently sitting at No. 29 in the world.

And while there's still 54 holes left, on Thursday, Conners moved one-step closer to hoisting the trophy.

The Listowel, Ontario product shot an opening-round 5-under 67 to take a share of the 18-hole lead with three others.

The ultimate homecoming



Swings from every Canadian in the field @RBCCanadianOpen. pic.twitter.com/5HLoP6f2Gb

— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) June 9, 2023

As a result, he became the first Canadian to hold either the 18-hole lead or co-lead at the RBC Canadian Open since Mike Weir in 2008.

It's also the first time a Canadian has held a co-lead or lead after any round since David Hearn held the 54-hole lead in 2015.

Conners will tee off for Friday's second round at 1:10 p.m. EDT.

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