Corey Conners rocked the traditional winner’s boots again, this time after stomping the field on Sunday at the Valero Texas Open in San Antonio, Texas.
The 31-year-old Conners notched his second PGA Tour victory – both at TPC San Antonio’s Oaks Course – by shooting a bogey-free 4-under 68, one stroke better than Texas native Sam Stevens.
Conners, who trailed by one stroke entering the final day after rounds of 64-72-69, carded three birdies on the front nine, including an 18-footer from the fringe at nine to build a four-stroke advantage at the turn. Overnight leader Patrick Rodgers faded quickly with three bogeys on the front nine and finished fifth (73). Only rookie Sam Stevens, who made two eagles en route to posting 66, put up a fight on the back nine as Conners coasted home with eight pars and a birdie.
The Canadian was a Monday Qualifier when he won the Valero Texas Open in 2019 to earn a spot in the Masters. This time, he already was exempt into next week’s major. He represented the International Team in last year’s Presidents Cup and entered the week at No. 40 in the Official World Golf Ranking, but a second Tour title had remained elusive.
Conners is a perfect five-for-five in making the cut at TPC San Antonio, never finishing worse than T-35 and owns the low scoring average at the course since 2010.
“I love this golf course and feel really comfortable out here,” Conners said.
So does Matt Kuchar, who closed with 68, and finished in a tie for third with Sam Ryder. Kuchar was runner-up a year ago and recorded his fifth top-10 finish at the event.
Conners made birdie at 15 to go 15 under and parred in to finish with a 72-hole total of 15-under 273. In doing so, he became the 10th multiple Valero Texas Open winner, joining the likes of Arnold Palmer, Ben Crenshaw and Justin Leonard. Conners also became the first player since K.H. Lee to record his first two PGA Tour victories at the same event.
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