Starstruck Conners continues ‘crazy’ ride
A FORTNIGHT ago he wasn’t even in the field for last week’s Texas Open, much less the Masters, but the extraordinary transformation in the life of Corey Conners continued here yesterday. First man out in the 83rd edition, he found his path to the first tee interrupted by none other than Jack Nicklaus, who congratulated him on his remarkable week in the Lone Star state, where he earned a place in the Texas Open field at a Monday qualifier and then won the event itself. Not only did he claim a £1.1million first prize, he got the last invitation to the Masters. ‘It doesn’t get much cooler than the greatest player of all time saying well done to you before you start out at the Masters,’ said the 27-year-old Canadian, who might feel that then going out and shooting a two under par round of 70 came close. ‘I was able to stand on the back of the tee and watch them tee off and really appreciate what they have done for the game of golf. I just tried to soak it in and really enjoy it. And then being in the first group following them, that was pretty special as well. ‘I’m just riding the highs at the moment. I’m a maths and stats guy at heart so I know how unlikely and crazy this all is. ‘I had lots of adrenaline out there after watching Mr Nicklaus and Mr Player hit their ceremonial drives and then I just played really well.’ Not even a three-putt bogey at the 18th could temper his delight. The highlight came at the par-five 15th, which he eagled to win a crystal wine goblet — and his wife, Malory will no doubt be delighted. Last week she celebrated her husband’s win in colourful style outside the ropes while drinking chardonnay from a plastic glass. ‘I didn’t really sleep much the beginning of the week, I felt energised with positive things that have happened,’ said Conners. ‘This is a great place to be and I’m just really enjoying it.’