Who the heck is Austin Connelly?
Spieth, Kuchar, Koepka ... Connelly?
Of the top four players on the leaderboard heading into the final round of The Open Championship, Austin Connelly's name is certainly the one that stands out.
The diminutive 20-year-old sits tied for third with U.S. Open champion Brooks Koepka, and trails Matt Kuchar and Jordan Spieth by three and six strokes, respectively, with 18 holes to play at Royal Birkdale.
So who exactly is this guy?
Height: 5-7
Weight: 150 lbs
World rank: 524th
Birthplace: Irving, Texas
Represents: Canada
Tour: European Challenge Tour
Where's he from?
It may have seemed jarring to hear a player representing Canada speak with a Texan accent, but Connelly was actually born and raised in the Lone Star State. However, Austin's father, Bill, was born in Toronto, and growing up, Austin spent a large portion of his summers playing golf in Nova Scotia with his grandparents. He's represented both Canada and the United States in international play, but currently plays with the maple leaf beside his name.
How'd he get to The Open?
(Photo courtesy: Action Images)
Connelly holds partial status on the European Tour and full-time status on the European Challenge Tour this season. He was able to qualify for The Open at Royal Birkdale with a win in a four-man playoff at Royal Cinque Ports Golf Club in early July. Connelly drilled a 15-foot putt on the first playoff hole to nab the spot.
Where'd he play college golf?
He didn't. Connelly committed to play at Arkansas but opted to turn professional instead at age 18 after speaking with some players on Tour. Interestingly enough, one of those players is a man he's chasing tomorrow - Spieth. They're both pupils of swing coach Cameron McCormick and clients of the same management company.
Has he had a strong season?
Not particularly. Connelly currently ranks 115th on the Challenge Tour's Race to Oman, appearing in only six tournaments so far this season. In the full European Tour's Race to Dubai, Connelly ranks 167th after appearing in just six tournaments.
What can we expect Sunday?
The fact he sits tied for third after 54 holes in his first major championship is astounding, and with Spieth holding such an enormous lead, Connelly can play carefree golf Sunday. It seems unlikely he will make a run at the trophy, but another solid round would ensure his largest payday as a professional by a massive amount. It would also help him secure his status on the European Tour for next season.