Busy year for Connor

GOLF:

RACHEL Connor is preparing for a busy 2012. The 22-year-old, from Royton, embarks on her third season on the Duramed Futures Tour in America at the end of next month — but is also hoping to show off her skills on the fairways and greens in other parts of the world.
Connor just missed the cut for the last round of final qualifying at the European Tour School.

But her efforts at the La Manga Club in Spain, where she fired rounds of 73, 76, 76 and 73, still means she will be able to compete on the circuit.

Dad, Brian, explained: “Rather than playing for sevens months of the year, Rachel wants to competitive golf all-year round. Although she didn’t make the final cut, she will be allowed to take part in a limited number of events. For example, eight instead of say 14.

“And even though it is the European Tour, the tournaments could be elsewhere in the world.”

Connor, who is based at the David Leadbetter IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, picked 6,623 dollars from 11 events on last year’s Duramed Tour. Her best finish was tied eighth a the Ladies Titan Challenge in Iowa.