If there is something that is universally true about great athletes, it is that they all have someone they look up to for inspiration. For Villanova sophomore Connor Daly, that person is Jordan Spieth, a three-time major champion and one of the brightest stars in the world of golf today. 

“He has so much confidence,” Daly said. “I love the way he plays the game. It might not look pretty per say, but he just knows how to get it done and knows how to win.” 

Daly has chosen his favorite player wisely, after all, winning is something he certainly knows a thing or two about himself. Throughout his golfing career, the Bronxville, NY native has racked up the accolades. As a junior player, Daly won the individual New York Public School State Championship. Additionally, Daly qualified for the prestigious US Junior Amateur the summer before his senior year of high school, an accomplishment he ranks as his most significant to date. 

The success on the links has continued here at Villanova, where Daly, a co-captain for the Wildcats, tied for first at the Wildcat Invitational last spring. At this event, consecutive sub-par rounds of 70 and 69 gave Daly a three under par tournament total. This led to his first collegiate victory. 

“Finishing co-medalist at the Wildcat [Invitational] last year was probably the biggest tournament for me,” Daly said. “I just really wanted to get the monkey off my back. To finally win, that was really special.”

This season, Daly followed up last year’s victory with another outstanding performance in Villanova’s home tournament. By carding rounds of 74 and 67, Daly placed in a tie for third overall, making him the top finisher for the ‘Cats.  

Just like his favorite player, Daly can attribute much of his success to the putter, the club he feels most comfortable using. 

“When you make those crucial putts out there, those are the ones that can keep your round going,” Daly said. “I think it gives you so much momentum when you have a lot of confidence on the greens.”

While Daly’s prowess on the greens has helped him achieve as an individual, the success of Villanova’s team as a whole is also very important to him. 

“I love my teammates and I’m just really enjoying going out there and competing with them,” Daly said. “I feel like this team is going to accomplish some special things in the future if we just keep working hard and trying to improve the best we can.” 

Although Daly dedicates much of his time to trying to improve his golf game, when he’s not on the course, the liberal arts student enjoys spending his time like many others at Villanova: watching the men’s basketball team.

“I think it’s so enjoyable to see a team that plays so hard and plays for each other and is so unselfish,” Daly said. 

There is clearly no denying the greatness of Villanova basketball, but, for fans of golf, watching Daly play the game is captivating in its own right.