Conners’ crazy qualification

CANADA’s Corey Conners clinched an astonishing two-shot victory over American Charley Hoffman at the Texas Open on Sunday to punch the final ticket to the Masters.

Conners, ranked 196th in the world, compiled a crazy, rollercoaster six-under-par 66 that included 10 birdies in the final round at TPC San Antonio.

He followed four early birdies with four consecutive bogeys on the front nine before storming home with six birdies and three pars to claim his first PGA Tour title.

“It just doesn’t seem real,” Conners said after finishing at 20-under 268 to secure his second shot at the Masters after playing as an amateur in 2015.

Hoffman birdied the par-five 18th to shoot 67 and claim second place, a shot ahead of fellow American Ryan Moore (64).

South Korean overnight leader Kim Si-woo (72) faded to equal fourth with American Brian Stuard (66) on 15-under.

“I’ve been close a few times and feel like I’ve learned a lot in those situations and that really helped today,” said Conners, the 15th Canadian to win on Tour.

“I couldn’t be more excited to get over the edge. There’s so many perks that come with it.”

The 27-year-old from Ontario was so low on the pecking order that he was not even exempt into the Texas Open.

Instead, he had to run the gauntlet of a Monday qualifier, among 73 players competing for four spots. |