20-year-old Connelly not backing down

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 on Saturday, leaving him six 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 a 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.”

Connelly, who turned pro instead of taking a scholarship to Arkansas, has been toiling on the Challenge Tour in Europe. He missed the cut last week in Italy before coming over to Royal Birkdale. He opened with rounds of 67-72, and then started Saturday 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 Sunday?

“I think I’ll feel the same way I felt today — confident,” Connelly said. “I’m just going to stand up there and hit every shot to the best of my ability.”