Canada’s Corey Conners makes early push at BMW Championship

Corey Conners, of Canada, drives on the 18th hole during the second round of the St. Jude Championship golf tournament Friday, Aug. 16, 2024, in Memphis, Tenn. (Mark Humphrey/AP Photo)

Canada’s Corey Conners needs a solid result this week to secure a spot in next week’s Tour Championship.

So far, so good.

The Listowel, Ont., golfer walked off the BMW Championship course two shots off the lead held by American Keegan Bradley, after shooting 4-under 68 in the first round on Thursday in Castle Rock, Colo.

Conners entered the week tied for 33rd in the FedExCup standings. The top 30 after this week’s event (featuring the top 50 players) advance to the Tour Championship, an event Conners has qualified for the past three years.

“Just business as usual,” Conners told reporters after birdieing three of his final four holes. “I’ve been in a similar position the last few years needing to have a good week here. Yeah, just having fun playing golf and happy to have gotten off to a good start today.”

Conners currently is in a four-way tie for third at the tournament. If the event ended right now, he’d be 20th in the season standings.

Hideki Matsuyama of Japan is one stroke back of the tourney lead and solo second.

Taylor Pendrith of Richmond Hill, Ont., shot even par. He entered the week in 27th in the standings.

Adam Hadwin of Abbotsford, B.C., ranked 42nd in the season standings, shot 4-over 76.

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