Corey Conners can claim his own version of the Texas two-step.
Four years after his first PGA Tour victory at the Valero Texas Open, Conners added a second win in San Antonio, edging rookie Sam Stevens by one stroke Sunday.
The two victories were separated by 101 starts, but Conners has a comfort level on the Oaks Course at TPC San Antonio, and it came in handy as he held off a handful of challengers over the final nine holes.
Conners, who already was qualified for this week’s Masters, will roll into Augusta National where he has finished in the top 10 in each of the past three years.
“Regardless of the outcome, I was going into the week with a lot of confidence,” said Conners, who closed with a bogey-free 4-under 68 for a 15-under 273 total. “I feel like everything is rounding into where I want it to be. Getting the win definitely boosted the confidence.”
Conners likes the San Antonio layout because it fits his preference for hitting right-to-left shots, and he relied on his comfort level when trying to close out his second career win. It was apparent to Matt Kuchar, who tied for third with Sam Ryder, two strokes behind Conners.
“There were a lot of shots that you kind of had to step up and execute or else it was going to be a potential big number, and he just, he didn't miss one,” Kuchar said of Conners. “Every time, stepped up and just hit beautiful shot after shot. It was a clinic that he put on. It was impressive.”
Conners, 31, is the third Canadian winner on the PGA Tour this season, joining Mackenzie Hughes (Sanderson Farms) and Adam Svensson (RSM Classic).
Stevens is quietly on a hot streak that began with a career-high third-place finish one week earlier at the Corales Puntacana Championship. Playing the 72nd hole one stroke behind Conners, Stevens faced a 9-foot birdie putt that would have tied him for the lead, but he missed, allowing Conners to par the last hole for his victory.
“Obviously my best week so far out here,” Stevens said. “So, yeah, a little disappointed. I played great (Sunday). My game felt just OK, but kind of the right things happened, made the putts when I needed to make them, hit a few great shots when I needed to.
“I'm getting more confident, more comfortable, and I feel like hopefully I can get in contention again soon.”
Nicolai Højgaard and Ryan Gerard secured special temporary membership on the PGA Tour. The status allows both players to accept an unlimited number of sponsor exemptions through the 2023 season, including the fall portion of the schedule.
Ron Green Jr.