The two holes that “helped” Connor Syme most at Royal Portrush are gone, but there’s plenty of memories of the course to tap into as he looks forward to his second Open experience.
The 24-year-old from Drumoig, who for the second time came through Final Qualifying to reach the championship, played Portrush all the way to the semi-finals of the 2014 Amateur Championship and again seven or eight times when in the Scotland team for the Home Internationals, so has plenty of insider knowledge.
Two new holes have been added – the seventh and eighth out in the country – and the two that were removed to make way were the ones Connor did well on in 2014 in his run to the last four, where he was beaten by the eventual winner, fellow Scot Bradley Neil.
“The two new holes are excellent and look like they’ve been here the whole time, but I’m disappointed because 17 and 18 were so good to me in 2014,” he said. “It seemed every single tie I was one down playing the last two and turned it round.
“The new ones are a good addition, and it looks a bit different anyway with all the huge stands, but it the course comes back to you.”
Knowledge of the course can help him, even with a few new tees and added length.
“Obviously there are a lot of guys in the field with heaps and heaps of experience, which probably outweighs whatever edge I might have,” he said. “But the run-offs are a big key here and they’re still the same, so that will definitely help.”
Connor played a practice round yesterday with the great Spaniard Miguel Angel Jimenez, but didn’t get a good Rioja recommendation.
“No, he was keeping quiet about that,” he said. “He is a really, really nice guy and a real character, although he was a bit more low key today than he will be in the tournament, maybe.
“I spent a bit of time talking to him, listening to the stuff he’s up to now, and he went through the cigars alright, I don’t think he stopped.”
Connor’s first experience of the Open was two years ago at Royal Birkdale, and the main change form then is that he’s graduated from amateur to professional.
“I will see what it’s like come Thursday but I’ve still got those nerves on the practice round,” he admitted. “It’s a bit different to what you’re used to, even standing on that first tee for a practice round.”
One thing that should be different is the starters getting his name right. In 2017 they twice called him “Sim” instead of Syme.
“He apologised me last time,” said Connor. “Hopefully he doesn’t have to apologise to me again because he’ll get it right. Fingers crossed.”
