Henry Captures 2022 Texas Cup Invitational
ABILENE – Connor Henry overcame tough final round conditions at Abilene Country Club’s South Course to win the 2022 Texas Cup Invitational, the first boys LJT major of the season, by one stroke.
The junior from Fort Worth, who rolled in five birdies on the week, shot a final round 3-over 75 for a 36-hole total of even-par 144. He recorded a one-shot win over Edmond, Oklahoma’s Parker Sands, final round 75. Two strokes behind Henry was Dallas’s Brooks Harper who shot a final round 1-under 71.
Belton’s Chandler Cooke finished solo fourth at 3-over 147 for the week. Holden Webb, Elijah Galvan, Andrew Tan, and David Martinez all tied for fifth at 4-over 148 with scores of 71, 72, 74 and 74, respectively.
“This win means a lot. I kind of told myself I wanted to win it at the beginning of the week,” Henry said. “To get it done now is a good feeling.”
On a day that saw the majority of the field shoot over par Henry was able to put together a strong enough round to maintain his round one lead. Only two players were able to card rounds under par in Sunday’s final round. A total of four rounds in total were under-par for the weekend.
“I think the support of my ace caddie helped keep steering me straight. I hit some terrible shots and some really good ones,” said Henry. “I made some putts and just kept fighting down the stretch.”
Both Henry and Sands were neck and neck all day amidst the hard conditions. Sands held a one shot lead when he made the turn.
Sands continued to lead after the 16th hole but carded back-to-back bogeys on the 17th and 18th holes, while Henry made pars. Sands had a putt on the 18th green to force a playoff but lipped out.
This marks Henry’s first LJT win and one he certainly won’t forget. Henry earned 2000 points and now sits atop the Boys 15-18 Player of the Year standings.
“I had been playing well and once I figured out I had my ace caddie on the bag it just gave me that extra confidence. I started to roll in putts and just build on it,” said Henry.
Next up on the schedule for the LJT will be a trip to Brownwood for the Bluebonnet Championship in early May. For final scores at the Texas Cup Invitational, click here.
For more information on the Texas Cup Invitational, click here.