Connolly, a 24-year-old resident of San Francisco, shot a final-round 4-under 67 Sunday at Poppy Hills to come in at 9-under 204 and win the NCGA Amateur Stroke Play Championship by four shots over runner-up Kevin Huff.
For Connolly, the win is his first since the Southern Methodist University standout has won the 2017 Amateur Stroke Play Championship.
Having entered the final round tied with mid-amateur Marc Engellenner, Connolly for the third straight day was solid. He’d post a back-nine 32 to break away from both Huff and Engellenner. Huff finished at 208 after a final round 69, while Engellenner had a 72 to come in at 209.
On the par-5 holes Nos. 4, 9 and 18, Connolly would go 9-under over his three rounds. The par-5 10th was the holdout. There, he’d go two-over thanks to a first-round double-bogey. He also bogeyed No.11 in the first round, making him 3-over through two to start the 54-hole event.
“Other than that two-hole start, I played really solid each day,” said Connolly, who at least for now plans to keep his amateur status. “On my approach shots, I was really dialed in. Overall, I just played some really good golf through and through.”Back to the Future: San Francisco's Daniel Connolly returned to the NCGA Amateur Stroke Play Championship and walked away a winner, as he did in 2017 https://t.co/799lWgM8E4 pic.twitter.com/3VtNq2W533
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As was the case in 2017, Connolly also had some good company with him. His father, Martin, who owns and runs Johnny Foley’s Irish House pub in The City, was again on the bag as caddie.
“It’s so awesome having him with me,” the younger Connolly said. “It’s just special. We have so many great memories over the years. Having him on the bag just makes it that much more extra special.”