This might be Corey Conners’ lucky day at the PGA Tour’s Valspar Championship.
The Canadian tour pro holed out for back-to-back eagles in the first round Thursday, March 19, at Innisbrook Resort and Golf Club in Palm Harbor, Florida.
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Starting his round on the back nine, Conners hit the flag stick on the fly from 145 yards out for a 2 on the par-4 No. 18. Then, on his next hole, he chipped onto the green and in the cup at the par-5 No. 1 from 40 yards out for a 3.
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As a result, Conners went from 1-under par to 5-under par in the span of two holes. No putts necessary.
Additionally, a post from PGA Tour Communications shared that the back-to-back eagles are a first for Conners in 743 career rounds. Meanwhile, he is the first player to complete the feat at the Valspar and the second player to do it this season. David Ford eagles Nos. 2 and 3 at the Cognizant Classic.
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Connors, a 34-year-old pro who played at Kent State, has two career PGA Tour wins and $31.5 million in earnings. He won the 2023 Texas Valero Open and the same event in 2019. He finished in a tie for 13th at last week’s The Players Championship.
Unfortunately, it appears Conners’ fortunes may be taking a turn for the worse. He dropped two shots immediately after his back-to-back eagles and stands at 3-under through 13 holes. Sungjae Im leads the tournament at 7-under.
Overall, the Valspar Championship features a $9.1 million purse and top players Brooks Koepka, Xander Schauffele and Matt Fitzpatrick. The Golf Channel will provide coverage beginning at 2 p.m. ET on March 19 and 20. NBC and Peacock offer coverage of the third and final rounds from 3-6 p.m. ET on March 21 and 22. The entire tournament streams on the ESPN app.
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