Home News Canada Tough day at Masters for Conners but gives shoutout to Auston Matthews

Tough day at Masters for Conners but gives shoutout to Auston Matthews

13.04.2024

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Published Apr 13, 2024 • Last updated 1 hour ago • 2 minute read

Corey Conners of Canada at the second green during the third round of the 2024 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Ga., Saturday, April 13, 2024. Photo by Andrew Redington /Getty Images

AUGUSTA, Ga. — Corey Conners birdied all three holes in Amen Corner. Unfortunately, there weren’t many other highlights for the two Canadians here for the weekend at the Masters.

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“In my experience here, it was probably the firmest day with the way that the greens were,” Conners said after shooting a four-over 76 on Saturday. “I hit a lot of pretty good shots that are bouncing away and into tricky spots.”

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After opening the tournament with a two-under 70 and finishing the first round tied for eighth, Conners has shot back-to-back 76s on a wind-blasted and now sun-crisped Augusta National that is giving players everything they can handle and more.

Adam Hadwin shot a 10-over 82 on Saturday, tying Tiger Woods. He will begin Sunday at 14-over par.

“The course got a little baked out,” Conners said. “I got myself in some tricky spots and wasn’t able to make the saving putts. I haven’t really had time to digest the round. I feel good with things, but when it adds up to 4-over par, it’s not very pleasing.”

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Friday’s blustery conditions mercifully calmed on Saturday, but left a fiery terror of a golf course with landing targets narrowed on its famously diabolical greens. Near-perfection is the only answer this weekend at the Masters.

“Obviously I want to finish it off well. I want to play well every time I tee it up here. I will still be giving it my all tomorrow and try and get myself up the leaderboard as far as possible.”

If Conners has any energy left for Saturday night, he likely will be an interested observer in Toronto Maple Leafs star Auston Matthews’ quest for 70 goals.

“I hope so,” Conners said when asked if Matthews can hit the mark. “The fellas are going to be feeding him. That would be pretty sweet.”

Matthews needed two goals to hit the mark as the team was set to take on the Detroit Red Wings on Saturday night. Back in Augusta, Conners would probably also be happy with 70 on Sunday.

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