Tim O’Connell is turning his attention to the NFR after announcing Friday that a thumb injury will keep him out for the rest of the regular season.
“Earlier this week I tore a ligament that stabilizes my thumb. Today I am undergoing surgery to repair everything. In other words that’s a wrap in my 2022 regular season, but I have a beautiful wife and two wonderful children to take my full attention now,” he wrote on Instagram. “I’m blessed in knowing that in 6 weeks I’ll get to start preparing for the NFR and getting back to the sport I love. Good luck to all my brothers out there finishing up the year. Super thankful for all the support from everyone! Gods plan is always better than mine, I’ll see ya at the top!”
O’Connell has earned $137,007 in 2022, which is less than $600 behind World No. 1 Jess Pope. O’Connell should have more than enough to make the NFR as his 2022 total would have been fifth entering the 2021 NFR.
O’Connell has made eight consecutive NFRs and won three Gold Buckles in that timeframe.