Kirkcaldy’s Connor Syme is relishing his maiden Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open appearance following his late inclusion to this week’s tournament.
The withdrawal of some of the biggest names to the Gullane event, including Tommy Fleetwood, Henrik Stenson and Alex Noren, presented the opportunity for Syme to be added to the entry list on Monday.
Syme, who turns 23 today, is excited about playing his home European Tour event in front of friends and family, and he said: “It was looking positive about getting out of my category but kind of touch and go.
“There’s been a fair amount of chat about it over the last few weeks with friends and family and stuff. I’m mega excited that it’s panned out well and I’m playing this week.
“It’s a massive event. I’ve had a few more messages than normal I guess. A lot of people are excited that I’m playing, and I’m looking forward to it.
“I’m seeing my girlfriend this week, which doesn’t happen very often. It’s nice. My dad’s down, he walked a few holes with me yesterday and carried a bag.
“It’s cool, it’s pretty relaxed but I’m looking forward to getting kicked off on Thursday.
“I think it shows the strength of the field this week. It’s a massive tournament, a massive field.”
Syme, whose best result of his career came when he finished second behind Finland’s Mikko Korhonen in the Shot Clock Masters in Austria in May, hopes his knowledge of the Gullane course can stand him in good stead.
He added: “My two best results this year have both been on courses I’ve known. I think you ask anybody. It’s definitely nicer going back to somewhere you know. Both courses I’ve been able to take it a little bit easier, and I definitely have to work harder than most guys to learn a golf course.
“I know Gullane and hopefully that plays into my hands a little bit.
“It’s obviously a lot firmer than what we would have played in the past. It always plays pretty firm and it’s always been in immaculate condition – it’s never been too soft or anything like that.
“I think every course I’ve played, certainly when I’ve been home, has been very, very bouncy and firm. It’s been so warm here the last few months or so. Hopefully that does help.”
Syme is currently 125th in the Race to Dubai rankings, and he feels full European Tour status next season is a realistic target, adding: “I think getting my European Tour card would be a great achievement for me this year.
“Obviously I had a few more opportunities now than I might have had at the start of the year. I find myself in a pretty good position. Race to Dubai is not too far away, I guess the magic number is 110.
“That would be a great step in my career, having a full schedule next year and being able to plan a full schedule. I think you’re still waiting on the reshuffle, two weeks in advance.
“Having that next year would obviously be a great goal to hopefully be able to kick on. If I was able to have achieved that, my goals would be different and obviously be higher up The Race to Dubai.
“This year, if I got into the top 110, my team would look at it as a great season.”