High-flier Connelly keeps feet on ground

CANADA’S Austin Connelly did not hang around after finishing in a sixway tie for 14th place in the British Open at Royal Birkdale.

Barely dwelling on his first experience of a Major, the 20-year-old headed off to the airport for his next tournament in Germany, one more stop on his rapid rise up golf ’s crowded career ladder.

Connelly, though, will surely take time out this week to reflect on an impressive display which announced the Texas- born Canadian as a player of stature.

Unfazed by a bogey at the first hole, he battled away for a 73 to finish two-under for the tournament.

“I played very solid today,” he said. “It was extremely difficult out there. It was very windy, got very cold. It was definitely a rough start on the front nine. But it was nice to battle back the way I did.”

It would have been even better had he not found three bunkers but Connelly said he was delighted with his overall showing.

“Happy with the way I played, happy with the way I hit it. Take a lot of positives away from it. Just looking forward to getting back into the same position.”

“I’m just going to play the European Tour the rest of the year. I mean it should be fine. It will be good. Just like normal, just had a good week this week and hopefully have another one next week.” – Reuters