SAN ANTONIO — Corey ConnersHe won the Valero Texas open for the second consecutive time in five years on Sunday. It was his second PGA Tour title. He closed with a 4-under 68 to win by one stroke over rookie Sam Stevens.
Conners was also the 2019 winner. His total on TPC San Antonio Oaks Course was 15-under 273 Conners will now head to the Masters where he tied sixth last year for his second consecutive top-10 finish at Augusta National.
Conners stated that Conners had been feeling positive about his game and was looking forward to returning to San Antonio. “When I won 2019 it was different, it’s a real rollercoaster final round. I was very focused on the back nine so I tried to channel it today.
A shot behind Patrick RodgersAfter birdie No. 2, Conners led by three shots at the start of play 15. Stevens eagled 17th, but missed a 9 foot birdie putt at 18, which would have tied it. Connors tied it on 18 with a 3-foot par.
Stevens said, “I saw he hit in the fairway so I figured that he could manage to make a 5,” Stevens said that he had the ball in the bag when he missed my putt on 18. I knew I had to do something different on the last few holes. I was very calm and at peace on 17. It was amazing that I was able to get it so close. That gave me a chance.”
Stevens shot a 66. He finished third at the PGA Tour’s Dominican Republic stop last week.
Sam Ryder(66) Matt Kuchar(68) was followed by 13 under.
Rodgers lost the chance to win his first tour victory, and to earn his first Masters spot. He shot a 73 and finished fifth at 11 over.
Rodgers, who held the 54-hole lead at an event for his fourth time in his professional career, said, “Yeah. Disappointed day.” “I feel like i made some good swings, that kind of wind got or they landed in the wrong spots and it ended with me making bogeys.” That was my day today.
Conner’s best result since lifting the 2019 Texas Open trophy was his third-place finish at the Arnold Palmer Invitational last season.
Conners was leading after the first round, with a 64. Friday’s weather delayed opening 18 saw Conners finish in second place. After 36 holes, Conners was three behind Rodgers with a 72. Conners however cut the gap to one stroke with his third-round score of 69.
