In-form Connor Syme defies wind to share lead at Andalucia Masters

Scot happy with opening two-under-par 69 on ‘brutal’ Valderrama course

Connor Syme of Scotland tees off on the first hole during the first round of the Andalucia Masters at Real Club Valderrama. Picture: Luke Walker/Getty

Scotland’s Connor Syme will be hoping it is a case of third time lucky as he chases a maiden European Tour title in the Andalucia Masters.

Syme held a one-shot lead after 54 holes of the Celtic Classic before finishing third and shared the lead at the same stage of the following week’s ISPS Handa Wales Open, only to slip to eighth at Celtic Manor.

After a week off the 25-year-old returned to action at Valderrama and defied blustery winds to card an opening two-under-par 69 to share the lead with Spain’s Jorge Campillo, Italy’s Guido Migliozzi and American John Catlin.

Spain’s Pep Angles was the only other player to break par with a one-under 70 while UK Championship winner Rasmus Hojgaard was part of a six-strong group on level par and former world No 1 Martin Kaymer returned a 72.

Syme, who finished his round in style with three straight birdies, said: “It’s a brutal course, obviously very, very challenging and anything under par round here is a very good score so very, very happy with minus two today.

“I didn’t actually hit the best tee shot down 16 but managed to get something on to the green and holed a nice putt for birdie.

“Seventeen was an opportunity today downwind and I missed it in the right spot and managed to get up and down, and 18 I hit a nice shot round the trees and managed to hole a nice little chip to finish.

“It’s nice to just keep it rolling. Although it was only one week off I felt a little bit fatigued this morning and didn’t get off to a great start.

“I certainly felt the juices flowing a little bit once I got into the round a little bit.”

Best of the rest of the Scots was Ewen Ferguson who opened with a two-over 73. He was followed by Craig Howie (75), Calum Hill (77), Grant Forrest (78) and Bob MacIntyre (80).

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