IT’S not been a bad start to life as a pro for Connor Syme. In his first event a fortnight ago, he finished in 12th place in the Portugal Masters, writes Nick Rodger.
Here in St Andrews at his second, he enjoyed the illustrious company of Rory McIlroy for a pre-tournament batter about on the Old Course prior to this week’s Dunhill Links Championship.
A decade ago, McIlroy arrived at this very championship for what was only his second event as a pro. He finished third and earned a hefty six-figure cheque which secured his European Tour card in double quick time. “Rory mentioned that going down the first,” said Syme with a smile.
Syme would need to do something equally as barnstorming to avoid going through the rigmarole of the qualifying school process but the canny Fifer is not one to get swept along with grand, fanciful fantasies. Then again, he might change his tune if he’s standing on the 18th tee come Sunday a shot off the lead.
“For Rory it was a big stepping stone and these are opportunities you have to grab with both hands,” said the 22-year-old. “But I’m well away from thinking about that. It’s not in my personality to get too up about things. I definitely try to keep my feet on the ground.”
Syme’s quiet, level-headed approach to his new surroundings certainly impressed McIlroy. “His game is very good but I was more impressed just with him as a person,” added the four-time major winner.
“It seems like he’s got a really good head on his shoulders. By finishing where he did in his first event, you can tell he’s not fazed by this sort of environment. I don’t see any real weaknesses.”
A shimmering endorsement from the world No 6 will work wonders for the morale but Syme is not resting on any laurels. Plaudits are one thing but its performances that matter.
“Obviously it’s great to hear Rory talking highly about my game,” he said. “His game is a little different than mine. Everyone has their different strengths, though, and you just have to stick to your own game.”
Away from the cut-and-thrust of tournament play, club members across Scotland have been officially informed of a proposal that could see the annual subscription they pay to the governing body, Scottish Golf, rise from £11.25 to £24.
The £1 per month increase is part of a wider strategy aimed at bringing in more revenue to the game and a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ vote on the levy will be taken in December.
Members were notified of the figure on Tuesday, the same day as Beith Golf Club in Ayrshire was forced to close due to a lack of members.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here