Tim Wigmore
Updated on: October 11, 2024 12:42 am GMT
As the 2024 Procore Championship unfolds at Silverado Resort in Napa, California, international players Min Woo Lee, Mackenzie Hughes, and Corey Conners are making headlines with their strong performances. All three golfers, who will represent the international team at the upcoming Presidents Cup, are vying for a top position in this pivotal event of the PGA Tour’s “FedEx Cup Fall” series.
Strong Starts by Team International
Min Woo Lee and Mackenzie Hughes have both posted impressive scores in the early rounds of the Procore Championship, finishing the second round at 7 under par. Their performances, alongside Corey Conners’ stellar play, have positioned them among the leaders as they head into the weekend. Hughes and Conners shared their experiences about the first two rounds and their camaraderie both on and off the course.
Conners’ remarkable round, featuring eight birdies and a score of 64, has propelled him from outside the cutline to within striking distance of the championship. Conners led the field in strokes gained tee to green and was able to connect on 16 of 18 greens in regulation, showing a consistent and powerful game.
“Definitely happy with the round today but want to keep my foot on the gas for the weekend, trying to get myself in contention and have a chance to win,” Conners stated, reflecting on the importance of this tournament for his confidence and standings.
Hughes and Lee Shine
Hughes, who carded a solid 67, highlighted his impressive iron play and shared moments of humor with Conners during their rounds. Known for his scrappy approach to the game, Hughes has shown marked improvement in his ball striking, especially after a notable eagle on the par-4 fourth hole.
Min Woo Lee, despite being the youngest and perhaps the most naturally gifted of the trio, has made an impact as well, recording 11 birdies during the tournament. His performance suggests a bright future, especially as he prepares for his Presidents Cup debut. “He swings the club great, hits it really solid and really, really far,” Conners noted, highlighting the young Australian’s capabilities.
Positioning for the Future
The stakes are particularly high during the FedEx Cup Fall, as players are fighting for positions that will secure their status for the 2025 PGA Tour season. The top 125 players will maintain their Tour cards, while finishing between 126-150 grants conditional status. In this context, every stroke counts.
While Conners is already sure of his spot in the significant events next year, both Lee and Hughes have their sights set on qualifying through their performances in these fall tournaments. Hughes expressed the sentiment of solidarity, yet competition, saying, “We had a good time out there… it was kind of nice to buoy off [Conners’] energy out there.”
Other Notable Performances
David Lipsky emerged as the first-round leader, finishing at 7 under par after an impressive run on the back nine with four birdies. Other players to watch include Martin Laird and Patton Kizzire, who are closely trailing Lipsky. The competition remains tight, with several players vying for top positions, including Mark Hubbard and Kevin Dougherty.
Hubbard’s journey to the tournament was also remarkable; despite forgetting to register, he secured his spot through Monday qualifying and then delivered a memorable performance in the tournament with nine birdies, though marred by a triple bogey on the 17th hole.
As the Procore Championship goes on, players are not just trying to win awards for themselves. They are also getting ready for the big international event at the Presidents Cup. The teamwork and friendly competition between Lee, Hughes, and Conners show what professional golf is all about. They are working hard for their own goals while also feeling proud to represent their team.
