2021 RSM Classic: Top 10 power rankings at Sea Island

Corey Conners is trending up at the RSM Classic. The Canadian first touched down in St. Simons Island in 2017 when he tied for 37th (69-69-68-69). Conners improved to T-23rd (69-67-70-64) in 2018 and T-10th (67-70-66-64) in 2020.

In three rounds at Seaside last year, he was third in the field in strokes gained approach (5.715 total) and third in SG tee to green (8.708).

Despite not cashing in for a win in 2021, this has still been the most consistent year of Conners’ career. He recently rose to a career high 32nd in the Official World Golf Rankings and has five top-10s against just three missed cuts this year.

The 29-year-old is getting it done thanks to his ball striking. Conners ranked ninth on the PGA Tour last season in SG approach (.698) and eighth in SG off the tee (.625).

The Kent State alum’s last action was at the Shriners Children’s Open last month where he finished T-40th, snapping a streak of four top-25s.

Conners should be well rested for Sea Island against a field filled with a lot of guys grinding all fall to maintain or improve their status. That’s no worry of Conners who once had to live the Monday qualifier life to get out here.

Now, he’d love to grab a win to keep that confidence going through the 2023-24 season.

Conners is hopeful the work he’s putting in on and around the greens will help push him over the top. He saw glimmers of it last season.

“Overall, I had more good weeks than bad,” Conners said of his short game in a TSN article. “I like the progress I’m making and I’m getting more confident but it’s clearly a focus of my preparations.”