Canada’s Connelly two strokes off lead at Open Championship

Canada's Austin Connelly tees off the 5th during day one of British Open Golf Championship Royal Birkdale, Southport, England Thursday July 20, 2017. (Peter Byrne/PA via AP)

Canadian golfer Austin Connelly is in good shape after Round 1 of The Open at Royal Birkdale, just two strokes back of Jordan Spieth for the lead.

Connelly shot a 67, which currently has him tied for sixth. Spieth is tied with Brooks Koepka and Matt Kuchar after hitting 65.

Though he was born in Texas, Connelly has represented both USA and Canada and has most recently worn the maple leaf thanks to his deep Canadian roots. His father, Bill, was born in Toronto and Connelly is a member of the Clare G&CC in Nova Scotia, where he has spent many summers with family.

Fellow Canadian Adam Hadwin is tied at No. 58 after shooting a 71 on Thursday.

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