Charities are the big winners thanks to Connor Syme

Given the current lockdown restrictions, it’ll be no surprise to learn that this win was one with a difference for the Drumoig 24-year-old.

The event saw 28 European Tour players compete in the second of five virtual golf tournaments using simulator technology.

Connor, who shot an -8 round of 64 to secure a two shot win at the 148th Open Championship venue, picked up 10,000 euros to donate to a charity of his choice.

He has opted to split the money between two good causes, FoodTrain, which supplies meals to the elderly in Dundee and Hospice of the Valleys, a charity close to his heart which provides palliative care.

Connor and the rest of the field, including the winner of last week’s inaugural BMW International powered by TrackMan, Joost Luiten, and former World Number One Martin Kaymer, competed virtually over the historic links layout from their own homes in the one round, 18 hole strokeplay event.

“Seeing the scores from last week I wasn’t really sure how I would fare, but it was great to get a good score around Royal Portrush,” said Connor.

“I played solid on the front nine and then I just went crazy for a few holes ten through 14 –that was a cool run to go on.

“It was my first time competing in something like this on Trackman, so I really had no idea what a good score would be, but I was very happy with the numbers.

“I’ve actually been following a program with Spencer Henderson, the Scotland under 18 national coach.

“He’s been keeping us busy on Trackman,so I probably owe a lot of this win to him.

“I don’t know how sharp I would have been otherwise.”

Connor was pleased to be able to make a difference to two causes that are close to him for different reasons.

“I’m honoured to have won and have the opportunity to hopefully change a few people’s lives.

“Half of my donation will be made to Food Train in memory of Sean Hearn, who I read about this week.

“He was a really valued member of the community in Dundee, a proud charity worker and a community football coach and referee who gave up his time for others in the town where I live.

“Food Train is the charity he worked with and it distributes food and gives support to elderly people in the city.

“Stories like Sean’s, and so many others, are reminders of the people who are constantly putting themselves out there and how many incredible people we have lost during this crisis.

“The remaining $5,000 will go to Hospice of the Valleys. A bit further away from home, but very much close to our hearts. My girlfriend’s grandfather unfortunately passed away a couple of days ago after a two-year battle with bowel cancer.

“Hospice of the Valleys have been with him every step of the way and $5,000 would mean a lot to them as it could offer more than a month of service towards someone like my girlfriend’s grandad.

“An incredible cause.”

Footage of the BMW Indoor Invitational powered by TrackMan is now available on the European Tour’s social media channels.

Picture of Connor in action is courtesy of www.europeantour.com

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