OAKMONT, Pa. — Canadian golfer Corey Conners faced a challenging day at the U.S. Open after experiencing a painful arm injury during his third round. The event at Oakmont Country Club showcased both his talent and resilience, especially when dealing with setbacks.
Conners began the round on a high note but soon encountered trouble on the par-4 11th hole. After hitting a tough approach shot with a plugged lie in the rough, he struggled to recover, ultimately chunking the ball out to the left side of the green. Frustrated and in pain, he immediately grabbed his right wrist, signaling an urgent need for medical assistance.
He promptly called for a rules official, requesting the help of Dr. Stuart Love, a Canadian sports chiropractor. However, patience became a necessary virtue, as Conners had to wait for a response. A second rules official arrived, reminding Conners that he needed to proceed before Dr. Love could attend to him. In spite of the discomfort, Conners managed to two-putt from a daunting 38 feet, scoring a bogey.
When he made it to the 12th tee—one of the par-5 holes measuring over 600 yards—Dr. Love finally arrived. With his small black Nike medical kit, Dr. Love worked on Conners’ forearm and wrist, employing stretches that took approximately three minutes. During this treatment, Conners expressed how immobile his arm had become, saying he “couldn’t move [it] at all.” Yet, demonstrating exceptional determination despite the pain, he launched a drive over 339 yards and followed that with a 3-wood approach shot traveling over 300 yards.
Conners exhibited tenacity, managing to par both the 12th and 13th holes. However, the difficulty reemerged at the 14th, where he missed a relatively easy 2-foot putt for bogey. The strain of the back nine took its toll, culminating in a final bogey on the par-4 18th hole after he found himself in a bunker, resulting in a back-nine score of 5-over 40.
Addressing the media after the round was understandably not a priority; Conners rushed into the clubhouse for further treatment, highlighting the significance of his injury on his gameplay. His playing partner, Michael Kim, shared the day’s experience via X (formerly Twitter), noting that Conners was “obviously in some pain” after the troublesome shot on the 11th and expressing doubt about whether his partner could continue.
Remarkably, this was not the first instance Conners had encountered arm-related issues during the tournament. Earlier in the week, he had another mishap where his club caught on a television cable during a swing, adding to the complexity of the competition.
Despite the struggles on the back nine, the early part of Conners’ round shone brightly, as he started strong, going 3 under after the first five holes. His precision was evident, with approach shots landing just feet from the pin on several occasions throughout those holes. By the end of the day, despite the later struggles, he still maintained a lead in strokes gained: approach, showcasing his talent and skill on the course.
Looking ahead, Conners is listed to participate in next week’s PGA Tour event, the Travelers Championship, proving his commitment to the sport even amidst injuries. Meanwhile, fellow Canadian Nick Taylor emerged as a leader in the Canadian contingent at the U.S. Open, finishing with an even-par 70 on Saturday. Taylor, who faced tough conditions early in the championship, made a commendable recovery after being 4 over through the opening six holes.
Mackenzie Hughes finished the day with a score of 4-over 74, while Taylor Pendrith encountered significant struggles, resulting in an 8-over 78, including two double bogeys on his card. The dynamic between these players highlights the challenges and unpredictabilities of professional golf—the physical demands, the mind games, and the ever-shifting nature of competition.
As fans and fellow players alike reflect on Conners’ resilience in the face of his injury, it serves as a testament to his dedication to the sport. The commitment, skill, and fortitude displayed by players like Corey Conners represent the heart of golf, creating narratives that inspire not only their peers but also fans around the world.
While the excitement of the U.S. Open continues, all eyes will be on Conners as he prepares to face the next challenge. The journey of a professional golfer is often paved with uncertainty and resilience, qualities that Conners exemplifies with every swing he takes. Whether it’s managing an injury or recovering from a tough round, the determination shown by these athletes reminds us of the spirit of the game itself. As the weeks go by, one can only hope that Conners continues to push through challenges with the same passion and drive that has brought him this far.
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