Not even a 3-putt from 46 feet on the bottom tier at 18 could wipe the smile from Conners’ face, as he walked off with the early clubhouse leader at 2-under 70.
AUGUSTA, Ga. – The biggest problem Corey Conners might have this week is pulling a muscle by smiling too much.
“He just congratulated me on the win, that felt pretty special,” said the hopelessly grinning Conners of his Nicklaus encounter. “Never thought in a million years that Jack Nicklaus would know who I am and it just felt pretty cool. I was able to stand on the back of the tee and watch he and Mr. Player tee off and really appreciate what they have done for the game of golf and it was a really cool experience to be part of. I just tried to soak it in and really enjoy it.
He stuck an 8-iron from 152 yards to three feet on 14 for birdie and then drew a majestic 6-iron from 202 yards to five feet on the par-5 15th and knocked in the downhill slider for eagle that vaulted him into sole possession of the lead at 3-under. “Quite a lot better,” he said. “I had a great day out there, it was beautiful, it was fun to be first off this morning, felt pretty special to be out there on the tee and I am really happy with how I played.”
Conners’ wife, Mallory, gained notoriety with her expressive reactions during his dramatic final round in San Antonio, and her heart was still racing Thursday.
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