For the first time since 2004, a Canadian holds a share of the first-round lead at the Canadian Open. Corey Conners was the man to rise to the occasion as the two-time PGA Tour winner signed for a 5-under 67 to sit alongside Aaron Rai, Justin Lower and Chesson Hadley atop the leaderboard at Oakdale Golf & Country Club.
Not since Pat Fletcher in 1954 has a Canadian won his national open, and Conners looks primed to bring the streak to an end. It will not come easy, however, with reigning U.S. Open champion Matt Fitzpatrick lurking just one off the pace. The Englishman was terrific Thursday and looks keen on contending this week ahead of his title defense at Los Angeles Country Club.
Swedish superstar Ludvig Aberg made his professional debut with a stunning 3-under 69 to match the scores of Justin Rose, Lucas Glover, Mackenzie Hughes and Taylor Pendrith. Pre-tournament favorites Rory McIlroy, Tyrrell Hatton and Cameron Young all signed for rounds of par-or-better and are still within shouting distance with 54 holes to play.
Contents
The leaders
T1. Corey Conners, Aaron Rai, Chesson Hadley, Justin Lower (-5)
It’s an eclectic bunch leading this tournament, but the attention is drawn to Conners. Given his ties to Canada, his ability to win on the PGA Tour and the manner in which he strikes the golf ball, the 31-year-old is the early hopeful to break the near 70 year drought. He could do no wrong Thursday, carding five birdies and getting around a stingy Oakdale in a bogey-free fashion. A lot of great Canadian golfers like David Hearn and Mike Weir have come close to shipping this tournament, and now Conners will have his chance.
Other contenders
T5. Jonathan Byrd, Brice Garnett, Matt Fitzpatrick, Mark Hubbard, Ryan Gerard, Brendon Todd, S.H. Kim, Will Gordon (-4)
T13. Eric Cole, Justin Rose, Ludvig Aberg, Lucas Glover, Roger Sloan, Cody Gribble, Callum Tarren, Andrew Novak, Mackenzie Hughes, Richy…
Source : cbssports
