Can Corey Conners Win The US Open?

Can Corey Conners win the US Open?

It’s the question on the lips of every Canadian golf fan…

Can Corey Conners win the US Open?

Okay, so maybe it isn’t the question on everyone’s lips, but perhaps it should be.

The world number 30 heads to Brookline, Massachusetts as the lowest ranked Canadian at the tournament, and will be looking to build on an impressive sixth place in the recent RBC Canadian Open. He was the lowest scoring Canadian in Ontario, and an eight under par final round, only bettered by England’s Justin Rose, suggests that he has the staying power to push the big boys all the way this time around.

Finishing just seven shots behind the eventual winner in Rory McIlroy, Conners will know that he has his work cut out if he wants to add to his solo PGA tour win to date.

That came back in April 2019, when he held off the challenge of Charley Hoffman to lift win the Valero Texas Open at a hugely impressive 20 under par.

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Sure, his US Open form might not inspire a huge amount of confidence, but the fact that he has held his own in the United States before proves that he does in fact have the ability and mental strength to perform outside of his native land.

The 30-year old also managed a sixth place finish during the Masters back in April, so the big stage is no issue for the Listowel shooter.

A third place finish in the World Golf Championships-Dell Technologies Match Play back in March has been followed by some promising efforts, only missing the cut in one event since then.

Conners does have form at the US Open, albeit back during the 2013 Amateur tournament that saw him reach the semi-final stage.

Even still, his iron play and precision off the tee is perfect for this course, and given that he has enjoyed considerable improvements in his short game of late, he should make a mockery of his current +6600 US Open odds to win the tournament outright.

After his sixth-place finish at the Canadian Open, Conners was upbeat on his chances in the US.

“I feel like a lot of the things that I did here will serve me well next week at The Country Club,” he said. “The course was set up great this week and sort of major championship rough and needed to hit different types of shots to make sure you kept the ball in the short stuff. It was a great week this week and try and have some more fun next week.”

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Despite not enjoying some of his best golf during this tournament previously, Conners is adamant that he has learned how to deal with the pressures that come with playing on the biggest stage – particularly as the lowest ranked Canadian taking part.

He added: “I’ve learned over the last few years how to manage the energy, how to be ready to play and how to prepare for big championship. I’ve got a good plan heading in, try and stick to it and just have some fun. I think I’m still feeling pretty energized.”

Meanwhile, McIlory himself seems to be the man to beat after his heroics at St George’s. Who do you see coming out on top at the Country Club?