Schools golf: Syme follows in dad’s spikemarks

Published on 03/07/2012 00:00

GOLF: In 1987, Stuart Syme won the Scottish Schools’ Championship at Carnoustie. Twenty-five years on and his 16-year-old son, Connor, lifted the trophy at Murrayshall.

A one-time football fanatic – he had a spell as a 13-year-old training with Rangers and then moved on to Queen of the South – rounds of 71 and 67 in the event sponsored by the Paul Lawrie Foundation proved that the 16-year-old Dumfries High School pupil has found his true sporting niche. Last year, Connor played for the Scottish Under-16 side and he is now assured of a place in the Scottish Cchools’ team for the match against England in September.

Understandably, he has a proud father. Stuart, a former pupil of Madras College in St Andrews, won his Scottish Schools’ title at Carnoustie and he is now the professional at Dumfries and County Golf Club. He played for Scotland many times at boys’ level. “Connor is playing off scratch and he is just about to go into sixth year at school,” he said. “I would be keen for him to go to the States on a golf scholarship. But it will be his choice.”

Lesley Atkins (Loretto) won the girls’ title. She shot rounds of 73 and 68. The one handicapper will be one of the favourites for the Paul Lawrie Foundation Scottish Girls’ Championship at Crail from July 17-21. She won the title two years ago.