A professional golfer with ties to Nova Scotia finished in the Top 20 at the British Open, one of professional golf's premier tournaments.

Austin Connelly began the day in a tie for third but was derailed by four bogeys on the front nine. He had a good back nine and ended the round with a 3-over 73, good enough to put him at 2-under for the tournament and in a six-way tie for 14th place.

American Jordan Spieth won the tournament and finished at 12-under.

Golfers from around the world compete in the tournament known as "the Open Championship" in Britain, the only one of the four major PGA championships held outside the United States.

Nova Scotia connection

Connelly, 20, has dual Canadian-U.S. citizenship. Born in Texas, Connelly started playing the game at the Clare Golf and Country Club in Comeauville, N.S., when he would visit grandparents during the summer.

The club has been following his progress through updates from Connelly's parents and on Twitter.

"He's always made time for everyone here," said Claude Comeau, a member of the board of directors at the club.

Connelly represented the club in 2011 at the Nova Scotia midget championship and he won the tournament by 10 strokes. The banner still hangs at the club. Connelly also helps the club with its programs for junior golfers.

'I'm really proud of him'

"Over the last couple of summer we've offered free golf to all our juniors and Austin being part of the entire situation, to be here for clinics has definitely created a buzz and they are all excited. They're all following him on their Facebooks," said Comeau.

Donny Comeau met Connelly about eight or nine years ago during a practice round at provincials and the two have been friends ever since. He said having a professional golfer as a friend helped improve his own game.

"It does make me play better," said Donny Comeau, 19. "I'm really proud of him and it's really fun to watch."

He said watching Connelly's rise to the British Open is "an amazing thing."

Skipping the traditional route to the pros

Unlike many golfers his age, Connelly has chosen to turn pro instead of playing college golf. This year, he's playing professionally in Europe and has made six cuts in 12 events.

Connelly has finished in the Top 10 twice in 2017. His world ranking is now 524, up from 1,711 two years ago.