Canada’s Conners inspired by ailing coach in Masters fight

Corey Conners, of Canada, hits his tee shot at the third hole during the second round of The Sentry golf event, Friday, Jan. 3, 2025, at the Kapalua Plantation Course in Kapalua, Hawaii. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP/Matt York

Corey Conners says he is taking inspiration from his cancer-stricken college coach as he chases a first ever major championship title at the Masters.

The 33-year-old Canadian fired a two-under par-70 in Saturday’s third round at Augusta National to stand third after 54 holes on eight-under 208.

That’s only four strokes behind Rory McIlroy, the four-time major winner from Northern Ireland who fired a 66 on Saturday playing alongside Conners.

“Rory is a world-class player and a lot of people cheering him on,” said Conners. “Felt great to be in that type of atmosphere. It was fun, great place to be.”

Conners, who could join 2003 winner Mike Weir as the only Canadians to capture a green jacket, has had three top-10 Masters finishes in the past five years, with a best of shared sixth in 2022.

Conners is playing with a heavy heart, however, as retired Kent State University coach Herb Page battles pancreatic cancer.

“We exchanged some texts earlier in the week. I know he’s always watching us and always cheering us on,” Conners said. “Wishing coach nothing but the best and look forward to seeing him again soon.”

Conners said Page was an inspiring figure.

“For sure. No one is more of a fighter than coach Page,” Conners said. “I know he’s doing everything he can. I know he’s always cheering for us.

“He taught me so much. He’s just such a passionate guy. He cared so much about all of his players. He taught us so much on and off the golf course and made us good players and better people. Really owe him a lot for the success that I’ve had and the person that I am.”

Conners won his only PGA titles at the 2019 and 2023 Texas Opens but is in the hunt again for a green jacket.

“It’s a cool position to be in, in the mix in a major championship,” he said. “Just doing my thing, and we’ll see what happens tomorrow.

“I’ve got a lot of faith in my game. What the other guys do is kind of out of my control, but I’m going to have to play a really good round.”

Conners birdied the par-five second hole, stumbled with bogeys at the par-three fourth and then reeled off three birdies in a row -- sinking putts from 15 feet at the par-five eighth, seven feet at nine and nine inches at 10 -- before closing with eight pars.

“I felt like I did a good job,” Conners said. “I knew I’d get my opportunities and try and capitalize when I did give myself opportunities.

“Was able to make a few towards the middle of the round. Just couldn’t quite get them to fall at the end. But it was a solid day.”