(Toronto) Much like soccer, hundreds of fans chanted “Corrr-eyyyy! Cor-ey! Cor-ey! Cor-ey! » to the green of 18e hole Friday, day 2 of the RBC Canadian Open.
Corey Conners responded well to the cheers, closing in on point guard Carl Yuan of China at Oakdale.
“That song was new to me,” said the Ontarian from Listowel, between Toronto and London. It feels good to have all this support. »
PHOTO NATHAN DENETTE, THE CANADIAN PRESS
Corey Conners
Conners (69) is joined in second by Tyrrell Hatton, (64), CT Pan (66) and Aaron Rai (69).
After a 67, Carl Yuan shows 135, minus nine. He got seven birdies.
Conners scored two birdies on each half of the course.
“I’m very happy with my start to the tournament,” said Conners, who was tied for the top after one round. It’s very pleasant to play in front of Canadian fans. »
Conners finished 12e at the PGA Championship in late May.
“I’m much more relaxed here,” said the 31-year-old golfer. I feel good. I play freely and with confidence. I have a lot of fun. »
The last Canadian to win the tournament was Pat Fletcher in 1954 at the Point Gray club in Vancouver.
Six players are at 137 including Harry Higgs, author of a 66. He collected six birdies and did not commit a bogey.
Other than Conners, Adam Hadwin (68) and Rogers Sloan (70) are the other Maple Leaf players in the top 20.
At 139, they are one stroke ahead of Will Bateman (66), who is taking part in the tournament for the first time.
Playing only a second PGA tournament, the Edmonton golfer wowed with five birdies on his front nine.
“When it’s the cameras and the sound, you know it’s going well for you,” Bateman joked. I just tried to stay in the moment. I look forward to the weekend. »