Corey Conners posted a second-day 2-under 69 and heads into the weekend with a two-shot lead at the Valspar Championship.
Starting on Copperhead’s back nine, the 26-year old Canadian made birdies on 11, 14 and 16 to turn at 3-under 32. After a double-bogey on the par-3 4th, Conners gained one back with a birdie on the 7th to claim a second-straight sub-70 round and a two-day score of 6-under par.
“Obviously been very good. Happy with everything in the game. I think the biggest thing that’s helped me is having the ball in play and give myself chances to attack some of the pins whenever that is possible,” said Conners, who has hit nearly 70% of his fairways.
“Just haven’t really gone into too much trouble and that’s definitely a big key at this golf course, keep things simple.
“Hit as many fairways and greens as possible and made some birdies.”
Tiger Woods shot 68 to reach 4-under par 138. He sits T2 alongside Paul Casey (68), Brandt Snedeker (68), Ryan Palmer (66), and Kelly Kraft.
Five more players were one further back at 3 under, including Justin Rose (69), Webb Simpson (68), Keegan Bradley (70), Jason Kokrak (67), and Sean O’Hair (68).
Jordan Spieth posted an even-par 71 to remain 5 over and miss the cut by three shots. Rory McIlroy followed up a 74 with a 73 to also finish 5-over par. Henrik Stenson shot a second-straight 74 to post +6.
TOP 10
1 Corey Conners -6
2 Paul Casey -4
2 Brandt Snedeker -4
2 Tiger Woods -4
2 Ryan Palmer -4
2Kelly Kraft -4
7 Sean O’Hair -3
7 Jason Kokrak -3
7 Justin Rose -3
7 Webb Simpson -3
7 Keegan Bradley -3
NOTABLES
12 Jimmy Walker -2
12 Louis Oosthuizen -2
12 Patrick Reed -2
20 Zach Johnson -1
30 Sergio Garcia E
38 Jim Furyk +1
38 Charl Schwartzel +1
38 Adam Scott +1
38 Matt Kuchar +1
66 Graeme McDowell +3
66 Ernie Els +3
NOTABLES MISSING CUT
Jason Dufner +4
Jordan Spieth +5
Ryan Moore +5
Rory McIlroy +5
Tony Finau +6
Henrik Stenson +6
Ian Poulter +7
Davis Love III +10
VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS
QUOTABLE
“Really happy to be in the position I am and to be here, first of all. Yeah, really excited. Kind of a new position for me but what I work for and looking forward to a fun weekend.”
– Corey Conners
Credits: PGA Tour Media, Getty Images
