In 2019, when Corey Conners emerged victorious in the Valero Texas Open. He was presented with a pair of cowboy boots instead of a conventional trophy. During the initial days of the COVID-19 outbreak, Conners was occasionally spotted sporting these boots in his Florida home. This time around, the native of Listowel. The Province Ontario has expanded his collection of footwear. Thus, following his triumph in the Texas Open for the second time in five years on Sunday. Conners clinched a one-stroke victory over rookie Sam Stevens with a closing 4-under 68. “As a result of winning for the second time, I receive a brown pair of boots. So, at least I don’t end up with two pairs of black boots,” Conners chuckled. “Perhaps I’ll mix it up a little and wear the brown pair around.”
Corey Conners, who also won the tournament in 2019, finished with a 15-under 273 total on TPC San Antonio’s Oaks Course. The 31-year-old golfer from Listowel, Ontario will now compete in the Masters, where he earned his second consecutive top-10 finish last year by tying for sixth place at Augusta National.
Conners noted that his two victories in San Antonio unfolded differently for him. After completing a bogey-free final round, he said, “Today, I definitely had more control. I think I made some errors in judgment in 2019.” He went on to say, “I also hit a lot of great shots in a round full of ups and downs in 2019. Today was a little more consistent. I aimed to remain as steady as possible, put the ball in play, and create numerous opportunities for myself.”
3rd Canadian to win on PGA Tour this season
Corey Conners now joins Mackenzie Hughes from Dundas, Ontario, and Adam Svensson from Surrey, British Columbia, as Canadian golfers who have claimed victory on the PGA Tour this season. When the FedEx Cup standings are updated on Monday, Conners is anticipated to ascend to the No. 18 spot.
All three golfers, as well as Mike Weir from Brights Grove, Ontario, will participate in the Masters, marking the first occasion that four Canadians will participate in the first major event of the men’s golf season.
“It’s truly thrilling,” stated Conners, who competed alongside Hughes for Canada in the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. “I’m looking forward to playing a practice round with Mack and the other players on Tuesday. We’ve all been performing exceptionally well.”
At the start of the game, Corey Conners trailed Patrick Rodgers by a single shot. However, after birdieing the 15th hole, he secured a three-shot advantage. Although Sam Stevens eagled the 17th hole, he missed a nine-foot birdie putt on the 18th that would have tied the score. Conners concluded the game by sinking a three-foot par putt on the 18th hole.
Sam Stevens earned a 6-under 66, whereas Sam Ryder (66) and Matt Kuchar (68) finished at 13-under. Patrick Rodgers, who had an opportunity for his first tour victory and first Masters invitation, came in fifth place with an 11-under score after a 73. Nick Taylor from Abbotsford, British Columbia, completed the tournament tied for 15th place with a 7-under total score. He ended the final round with a 1-under score.
Since winning the 2019 Texas Open, Conners’ highest finish was a third-place result at the Arnold Palmer Invitational last year.