In the high-stakes world of professional golf, Canadian prodigy Corey Conners has earned a reputation as one of the PGA Tour’s premier talents. At 33, Conners can already boast two victories at the Valero Texas Open in 2019 and 2023, and a resume strewn with top-10 finishes. However, the success story of this golfing maestro isn’t complete without acknowledging the crucial role of his trusted advisor and confidant, his caddie.
In the competitive arena of golf, the bond between a golfer and his caddie is a potent alliance often overlooked. The caddie’s role extends beyond mere bag carrying; they serve as strategic advisors, emotional anchors, and provide critical insights into course management that can spell the difference between victory and defeat.
Enter Danny Sahl, the Canadian caddie who has been the voice of wisdom whispering in Conners’s ear since 2021, succeeding Kyle Peters, Conners’s former caddie and companion during his 2019 Valero Texas Open victory. Sahl’s journey to Conners’s bag is a tale of extensive experience, having previously caddied for golfing luminaries like Vijay Singh and Mike Weir. His wealth of knowledge, accumulated over years of working with champions, has served him well in his current role with Conners.
The Sahl-Conners partnership was built on a firm foundation. Both attended Kent State University and first crossed paths nine years ago on the Korn Ferry Tour. This shared history facilitated an immediate bond, which quickly translated into on-course triumphs. Ever since Sahl’s transition to Conners’s team in January 2021, Conners has been a consistent top-10 finisher, demonstrating the positive impact of Sahl’s fresh perspective.
Before he became a caddie, Sahl had a nearly decade-long professional playing career. He turned pro in 2001 after his stint at Kent State and mainly competed in the PGA Tour Canada, securing a career-best ninth place finish on the Order of Merit in 2011. His sole professional victory came at the 2011 Syncrude Boreal Open in Alberta. Although his playing career didn’t reach the heights he had hoped for, Sahl’s firsthand experience at the professional level has equipped him with invaluable insights, especially in understanding the mental rigors of competitive golf.
The Conners-Sahl partnership’s crowning glory came during the 2023 Valero Texas Open. Throughout the tournament, Sahl’s calming influence and course management knowledge were instrumental in helping Conners navigate the demanding TPC San Antonio course. After his victory, Conners was quick to credit his caddie’s significant contributions.
“We both stayed in the moment. Just stuck to our normal routine, and you know he’s been really helpful over the past few years,” Conners said, acknowledging the pivotal role Sahl played in securing his second PGA Tour victory.
In an interview with The Caddie Network, Sahl underscored their natural compatibility on the course, stating they “kind of see the same shots”—a testament to their extraordinary synergy that is a cornerstone of their player-caddie dynamic.
As Corey Conners continues his pursuit of major championships and additional PGA Tour victories, Danny Sahl’s seasoned voice will undoubtedly remain a key factor in his journey. The partnership of Conners and Sahl is a testament to the essential chemistry and mutual respect that underpin a successful player-caddie relationship.