Noah Connor would have rather been in Southern California this week rather than playing in the N.C. Open at Starmount Forest Country Club. And that sentiment was probably shared by the rest of the field.
Connor, a recent UNC Greensboro graduate and the defending Carolinas Open champion, shot 7-under-par 64 Wednesday to grab a six-stroke lead after the morning wave of the second round. Combined with his 66 Tuesday had a 12-under 130 total in the Carolinas PGA tournament.
The margin held up Wednesday afternoon with Alistair Tidcombe of Seneca, South Carolina, at 136. Host pro Savio Nazareth added 71 to a first-round 66 to join a tie for third, seven behind, with Seth Sweet of Okatie, S.C., Tyler Jones of Jacksonville and Allen Caldwell of Johns Island, S.C.
Though he can win the tournaments an amateur, Connor (pictured above putting on No. 18) cannot accept first-place money, only $750 in merchandise. The leaders will tee off around 9:30 a.m. in Thursday’s final round.
The Reidsville native tied for 38th place at 5-over 218 in the individual standings last week at the 54-hole NCAA Austin Regional as the Spartans finished in a tie for seventh, nine strokes behind Wake Forest, which claimed the fifth and final qualifying spot for this weekend’s NCAA Championship at La Costa North in Carlsbad, Calif.
Connor did manage to shoot 69 in the regional’s second round.
“I defnitely didn’t play up to my potential,” he said. “I tried my best. I had one really good round. It was fun. The guys on the team are so close.”
UNCG freshman Kelvin Hernandez finished fourth at Austin to grab the regional’s only individual spot at La Costa.
Keenan Royalty of Raleigh, another UNCG player, added 71 to a 67 in the opening round.
Connor made eight birdies Wednesday, four on each side. He made two bogeys on the back, rebounding from his final bogey at 17 with a two-putt birdie on the par-5 18th. Near the turn he made consecutive short birdie putts at Nos. 8, 9 and 10.
“I’m relaxed, trusting what I’m doing,” said Connor. “Not doing anything special. Just trying to give myself chances.”
Connor said he would remain an amateur throughout the summer — at least through qualifying for the U.S. Amateur, which will be held in mid-August at Hazeltine National near Minneapolis.
“It’s always been a dream of mine to play at the U.S. Amateur,” Connor said. “I wanted to give myself one more chance. After the U.S. Am, I’m going to turn pro and go to Q School.”
Connor grew up playing Monroeton Golf Club near his home. He later played at Pennrose Park and Greensboro National.
Along the way, he believes he’s exceeded expectations, giving him the confidence to take a shot at a pro playing career.
“I know the statistics aren’t on my side,” he said, pointing out the small percentage of collegiate golfers that make it to the PGA Tour.
Connor said he doesn’t want to wonder “What if?” years down the road.
“I’m just looking for chances here,” he said. “If I don’t make it, I’ll know I tried. Whatever happens, happens.”
This week at Starmount has afforded him a chance to relax and have fun.
“I love playing with the pros out here,” Connor said. They’re just out here trying to have fun. They don’t get a lot of chance to practice. It’s enjoyable to be around them. It’s a relaxing atmosphere, I think that’s why its so fun to play in it.”
