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By Dave Shedloski
PGATOUR.com Senior Correspondent

ILE BIZARD, MONTREAL, Canada -- There is no question that Mike Weir owns the hearts of minds of Canadian golf this week as he represents The International Team in The Presidents Cup.

Jim Furyk has owned the PGA TOUR's annual Canadian stop in the past two seasons. (WireImage)

American Jim Furyk can counter with the hardware.

Furyk, the No. 3 player in the world rankings, is the player most likely to draw more than his share of grudging applause and appreciation from fans when the seventh edition of the Presidents Cup begins Thursday at Royal Montreal Golf Club.

Furyk is the reigning two-time Canadian Open champion, having successfully defended his title in July at Angus Glen Golf Club in Markham, Ontario, with a final-round 64 highlighted by a hole-in-one.

He beat International Team rival and friend Vijay Singh by one stroke.

"It's been great coming to Canada the last two years," Furyk said at the time. "We'll see you next year."

Of course, he was talking about the tournament. But he is north of the border again much sooner, and his presence is not without its share of distinction.

Not counting American stops along the way, the last player to compete in a Presidents Cup or Ryder Cup in the country in which he owned the national golf title was 1989 when Mark Calcavecchia represented the U.S. in the Ryder Cup at The Belfry in Sutton Coldfield, England.

While such an accomplishment won't garner Furyk out-and-out devotion, it does afford him some positive vibes, which he felt on Tuesday during a practice round with Tiger Woods, Charles Howell III and David Toms.

"I've been treated real well obviously the last two victories and playing well in Canada," Furyk, 37, said. "Different area, different province, but I still feel a lot of people were very positive today and mentioned me winning both events. I appreciate it very much, and I'll try to continue and come back and play in Canada quite a bit and show my thanks.

"Obviously, they will be rooting for the other team this week, and I know that, but I still feel a lot of support and appreciate it."

Weir, of course, was aware of recent history of golf happenings in his home country. "Obviously, Jim has won the last couple Canadian Opens. He's always come and supported Canadian golf and the Canadian Open. It's always great to have the top players come and play here."

Furyk, who posted a 3-and-1 singles victory over Weir in The 2003 Presidents Cup matches in Fancourt, South Africa, admittedly hasn't felt like a top player since his lone 2007 victory. He had to withdraw the following week from one of his favorite events, the World Golf Championships-Bridgestone Championship, after hurting his upper back on the driving range.

Furyk's torrid summer streak was halted by a balky back. (WireImage)

The former U.S. Open champion then missed the cut at the PGA Championship, and, although he was healthy, Furyk was largely a non-factor during the recently completed PGA TOUR Playoffs for the FedExCup. His best finish was a tie for 11th at THE TOUR Championship presented by Coca Cola.

"I just didn't play very well. I was not sharp, at least not mentally," said Furyk, whose early summer schedule featured five top-5 finishes in a span of six events that included his second at the U.S. Open and his victory at Angus Glen. "It's something I definitely have to look at going forward with regard to my schedule. I have to work on fixing that."

Even with his withdrawal at the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational in Akron, Ohio, Furyk competed in seven of the last nine events. He said his normal competitive rhythm is to play two or three weeks in a row and then take a week off.

"I might have to look at playing two or three and then taking two or three off," he said. "It was a grueling end to the season, and there is no way to get around it next year either. So, I have to be smarter maybe leading into that stretch."

Taking last week off helped him better understand just how tired he was. But Furyk, 10-6-2 in his four Presidents Cup appearances, says he has no excuses this week.

"I'm 100 percent healthy," Furyk said. "It's just a matter of getting my game in shape for match play and helping my partners and doing what I can for the team."

Of course, it doesn't hurt to be back in Canada.

"I do have to say I like it here," he agreed, grinning.