Calum Hill and Connor Syme tee off in Kenya

Connor Syme made the final two rounds in Qatar and is aiming to build on that this week in Kenya. Stock pic by John Stewart

Connor Syme and Calum Hill teed off the first of two European Tour events in Kenya on Thursday morning.

The Magical Kenya Open is followed up by the Kenya Savannah Classic next week, with both local tour pros aiming to add some crucial Race to Dubai ranking points to their tally.

Last week’s event, the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters, saw Connor, from Drumoig, shake off some ring rust following an extended spell out of action.

Playing his first event since the Omega Dubai Desert Classic in January, Connor made a positive start in Qatar, opening with a 69 and a 72 to ensure a safe passage through to the weekend.

Sadly the 25-year-old was unable to build on his his opening two rounds and back-to-back 75s saw him have to settle for a final position of a tie for 62nd.

While Connor was at least able to take the positive from making the weekend from his event, things didn’t go quite to plan for Calum, of Kinross.

Aiming to build on his highest ever finish on tour, a tie for fourth at the Saudi International, the 26-year-old misfired at Qatar.

Rounds of 72 and 75 on Thursday and Friday say him labour someway off the cut mark and he missed out on the final two days.

Both will be aiming for improvement over the next two events before the tour takes a brief break.

Guido Migliozzi arrived at Karen Country Club in Kenya to defend the title he won in 2019 after last year’s edition was cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.