Connor Syme gets back to basics at the Hero Open

Connor went into this weekend’s European Tour event on the back of a disappointing missed cut at the Betfred British Masters.

But the 25-year-old refused to beat himself up and instead used the extra time on his hands to refocus and refresh.

It paid off, five birdies were scored in the opening nine holes before a further two down the back nine with just two bogeys blemishing an otherwise terrific scorecard.

“It felt like a week off last week, missing the cut in the morning, so it was good to recharge the batteries,” said Connor.

“Back to basics this week and just trying to fully knuckle down in the weeks ahead.

“Feeling good, another great opportunity - it’s a beautiful golf course and happy to be out.

“Taking the positives from today and carrying it through the week.

“Didn’t really get anything going, over the last few weeks and finding a bit of a difference in my numbers from my irons.

“Adjusting to that.

“Was definitely a bit shorter last week (at the Betfred Masters), a bit cooler.

“I was probably still stuck on my Austria numbers with my irons, a little bit short into flags, didn’t really get pin high.

“Probably still should have made the weekend, I had a good opportunity for birdie on 17 and didn’t take it, had a bit of a nightmare on the last.

“Overall still felt my game was OK.

“Certainly on the Thursday I played well but didn’t get anything going.

“That’s just golf, isn’t it? You can’t put your finger on it.

“You wish you had your best stuff every week, unfortunately that’s not the way it goes.

“This week it’s a good start.”