Crazy success continues for Canada’s Conners at Masters

The 27-year-old last man into the field this week at Augusta National fired a 2-under par 70, a closing bogey costing him a share of the early day-one lead at the year’s first major tournament.

“It has been crazy,” Conners said. “I’ve been running off some adrenaline at the start of the week but starting to settle down now. A lot of positive things have been happening and I’m looking forward to another good few days.”

Conners played the Monday qualifying tournament at last week’s Texas Open, needing a last-hole birdie to make a playoff where a first-hole birdie put him into the field for the PGA Tour event.

Then Conners matched India’s Arjun Atwal as the only US PGA qualifiers since 1986 to win a title, collecting his first tour triumph.

That booked him a last-minute ticket to Augusta, where he needed to go shopping for clothes and get some rest before teeing off in the first group on day one.

“It has been wild,” Conners said. “Definitely unexpected but I’m playing some good golf and really excited. Just trying to keep riding the good play.

“I had a great day out there, a lot of fun, and hit some quality shots. Just trying to really enjoy the experience.

“Could have said almost certain that I wouldn’t be here, but it has worked out really well and I’m really happy.”

– Congrats from Nicklaus –

Not even in his wildest dreams did Conners imagine when he was looking over his clutch qualifying putts in Texas they would lead him to the first tee at Augusta National and a chat with 18-time major winner Jack Nicklaus, whose ceremonial tee shot to open the Masters came just before Conners started.

“He just congratulated me on the win. That felt pretty special,” Conners said. “Never thought in a million years that Jack Nicklaus would know who I am. It just felt pretty cool.”

So did the reception Conners receivers from the early morning crowd at Augusta National.

“There are way more Canadians or people pretending to be Canadians out there than I would have guessed,” Conners said. “I got a lot of positive cheers from them and it felt pretty special. It was awesome.”

Conners made his major debut at the 2015 Masters after being the previous year’s US Amateur runner-up. He opened with an 80 and missed the cut but was pleased to shave off 10 strokes in his next attempt.

“I felt quite comfortable,” he said. “I knew I was striking the ball really well. I was a little cautious on the greens. I know how tricky they are and how they can make you look silly. I think the comfort on the greens will grow the rest of the week.”

And he might even step down from cloud nine long enough to make his first major cut in his third try.

“Everything’s still high. I’m just having a lot of positive emotions,” he said. “Didn’t really sleep much the beginning of the week. I felt energized. Relaxed a little bit the last few days. Just trying to get back into some golf.”