Connelly makes name for himself
SOUTHPORT, England — Austin Connelly is making a name for himself at the British Open this week. Just not to Jordan Spieth. Connelly birdied his last two holes for a 66 yesterday, leaving him 6 shots out of the lead and in the penultimate group with U.S. Open champion Brooks Koepka.
The 20-year-old Texan, who plays under the Canadian flag because of dual citizenship, earned one of 15 spots from the 36-hole qualifier on links courses in Britain two weeks ago. And he’s clearly not spooked by the big stage at Royal Birkdale.
Spieth has known Connelly for several years, and they share the same swing coach in Cameron McCormick.
“He’s got a great head. He’s got a killer instinct,” Spieth said. “He’s a guy that’s not afraid of the moment, as you can tell. And it will be a matter of time.”
It’s only fitting that Connelly is playing the final round with Koepka.
Connelly, who turned pro instead of taking a scholarship to Arkansas, has been toiling on the Challenge Tour in Europe. That’s where Koepka was four years ago until he worked his way up to the main tour, the PGA Tour and then became a U.S. Open champion.
Connelly missed the cut last week in Italy before coming over to Royal Birkdale. He opened with rounds of 67-72, and then started yesterday with a birdie on No. 1 and holing out from the fairway for eagle on No. 2. He played the final 10 holes without a bogey. As for today? “I think I’ll feel the same way I felt (yesterday) — confident,” Connelly said. “I’m just going to stand up there and hit every shot to the best of my ability. ... I’ve believed when I turned professional that I was going to rise and be able to play with the best in the world. And it’s just nice to have confirmed.” Smilin’ Stenson
Henrik Stenson will likely leave Royal Birkdale without the claret jug he has enjoyed caring for much of the past year.
He’ll be minus some valuables and clothes, too, after a burglar broke into the rental house he had this week in Southport.
But he still had his sense of humor after shooting a 65 in the third round of the British Open.
“I’m glad to inform you I haven’t lost anything in the last two days, so things are pretty good at the moment,” Stenson said.
Stenson, who won last year in a brilliant duel with Phil Mickelson, is 3-under for the tournament, 8 shots off the lead held by Spieth. He said he’s had a great week defending his title, despite the theft of his belongings.
Poulter regret
Ian Poulter was the only player in the current top 28 who was over par yesterday on an ideal day for low scoring at Royal Birkdale.
And he wasn’t happy about it.
Poulter took four questions from reporters after his 1-over 71. All of the responses were brief, and two were interspersed with curse words.
Then he took to Twitter to apologize for his play.
“Amazing fans today. Simply the best set of fans in the world,” he wrote. “I can only say Sorry. Disappointed with my performance today.”
Poulter, who was second at Birkdale in 2008 and started the day 3 shots off the lead, is tied for 11th, 9 strokes back.