Corey Conners’ quest to add a medal to his trophy case is off and running at Le Golf National just outside of Paris.
The Canadian opened his 2024 Olympic Games with a three-under par round of 68. Conners’ was four-under — and near the top of the leaderboard — heading to the final hole, before making his second bogey of the day at the 482-yard par-4 18th.
On a day of optimal scoring conditions with little breeze and warm but not stifling temperatures, the 32-year-old was out on the golf course early, playing in the fourth group of the morning beginning at 9:33 a.m. local time.
It was a very Corey Conners’-style round for Canada’s top-ranked golfer on Thursday, as the Listowel, Ont. native showed off the ball-striking prowess that he’s known for in his day job on the PGA Tour. Conners hit 14 of 18 greens in regulation on Thursday, hitting his approach shot within 10 feet of the hole on six occasions.
Travelling to Paris with his wife Malory, the 2024 Games are Conners’ second trip to the Olympics. What’s different this time compared to his previous trip three years ago, is this time there are spectators in attendance.
Despite the sting of a bogey on the closing hole, it’s a solid start for Conners who is looking to earn a medal after finishing 13th in Tokyo.
The Tokyo Games three years ago were played without fans due to COVID-19, but early returns from Paris have French golf enthusiasts showing up in good numbers. Associated Press golf writer Doug Ferguson estimated a Thursday crowd of approximately 25,000 fans to watch the world’s best battle for an Olympic medal.
Hideki Matsuyama is the early clubhouse leader, posting a sparkling eight-under round of 63
Nick Taylor is the other Canadian in the field and he was one-over par through 11 holes.
Brooke Henderson and Alena Sharp begin play in the women’s tournament next Thursday.
MORE TO COME…