AUGUSTA, Ga. — Being a Canadian living or working in the U.S. is more complicated than ever, especially for Canada’s top golfers competing on the PGA Tour.
The relationship between Canada and the U.S. has shifted, largely due to former President Donald Trump’s criticisms and economic actions against Canada. While many Americans apologize for their president’s behavior, Nick Taylor, a five-time PGA Tour winner, says he hasn’t seen much of that kind of support recently.
“Mostly, I hear jokes about being the 51st state,” Taylor shared with the Toronto Sun at Augusta National. “Fans joke about it, but it’s nothing too extreme.”
He has received a few apologies along the way, too.
“Sometimes, an Uber driver will apologize if they find out I’m Canadian. But for the most part, it’s just part of the situation here,” Taylor said. “I’ve been here for a long time, so I’ve learned to ignore it.”
Corey Conners, Canada’s top-ranked golfer, is trying to avoid the issue altogether.
“I just stay in my own bubble,” Conners said. “I appreciate all the Canadian fans supporting us, but I don’t get involved in any political talk.”
When asked about the fan behavior, Taylor explained it isn’t exactly heckling.
“I wouldn’t call it heckling, more like frat-boy humor,” he said.
But for the man whose image is on the RBC Canadian Open logo, those jokes aren’t landing.
“I don’t really find them funny,” Taylor admitted.
