Connor has the mettle to stand up to US Open test

Ten spots were made available for the highest placed finishers in the mini order of merit after the first five events.

Connor, from Drumoig, had been in good form on the European Tour before coronavirus.

Top tens in Mauritius and Oman helped him grab a foothold in the Race to Dubai rankings, as he aimed to retain his tour card following promotion from the Challenge Tour.

Of course, circumstances changed and, with them, the golfing season.

Gone went any threat of losing tour status and that allowed players, like Connor, the opportunity to swing freely when competitive sport resumed.

There’s little doubt we’re now seeing the 25-year-old at his best.

Having already played a season on the European Tour before losing his card and having to grind his way back to it from the Challenge Tour, Connor is now reaping the benefit of being able to blend his undoubted talent with professional experience.

It’s a winning combination ... well, almost.

The only thing missing from the CV is a win on the European Tour, but you sense it’s a case of when, not if, that finally happens.

He couldn’t have come closer on a UK Swing, where the Fifer really made his presence felt and elevated himself from a hopeful to a genuine challenger.

The proof is all there.

In the two events played in Wales, on back to back weeks, Connor headed into the fourth and final round in front.

It’s no mean feat to go into your last 18 on consecutive weeks with over 100 names on the leaderboard staring up at you.

The win, sadly, never materialised, but it will, and soon.

Instead of a tour victory, Connor’s prize was a place on the entry list for the US Open – not a bad consolation.

He’s played in Majors before, twice appearing at the Open Championship, but Winged Foot will present another tough challenge.

When Geoff Ogilvy won there the last time it hosted the Major in 2006, he finished +5.

The suggestion is from those who have walked the course, including Jon Rahm, that it’s unlikely a score under par will win this year either.

It’ll be a grind, a real challenge and a test of character at times.

But, if anything, Connor has shown over the past couple of seasons that that’s exactly what he’s all about.