Southeast Missourian Player of the Week: Corey Connell

Central junior golfer Corey Connell got a quick lesson from an experienced teacher Monday.

It helps when that experienced teacher is your father.

Connell, the son of Dalhousie Golf Club director of golf Jack Connell, fired a 73 at Bent Creek Golf Course to earn medalist honors at Monday's Notre Dame Invitational. The 73 came after a little session with his father earlier in the day.

Connell, who was a state qualifier as a sophomore, carded three birdies during his winning round.

"I'm pretty stoked," Connell said. "I hit it really good on the back and made a couple mistakes on the front nine, but I got it back. I was really happy."

Connell's 73 was a six-shot improvement over his 79 last year.

"It's a big improvement," Connell said. "I've been practicing a lot more this year. I thought I would play good this year, but I didn't know I would play that good. Hopefully I can keep it up."

Connell shot a 4-over-par 39 in the Tigers' opening match March 22 at Kimbeland Country Club. His score was the second best at the four-team tournament.

"I'm hoping big this year," Connell said after Monday's victory. "I'm hoping to shoot some lower scores like I did today and compete a little better. I didn't hold up real well with the top guys last year, but I'm going to try to do that this year."