Connor Syme plans to build on Celtic Classic finish and seal a US Open place

The Drumoig 25-year-old finished in a terrific third place at last weekend’s Celtic Classic, played at the same venue as this week’s ISPS Handa Welsh Open, seeing the narrow final round lead he took into Sunday eaten into and overtaken by eventual winner Sam Horsfield.

Despite being obviously disappointed not to have closed out what would have been his first win on the European Tour, Connor is determined to take his positive form into the Welsh Open, the penultimate event in the six tournament UK Swing.

And there’s plenty at stake.

Exemptions will be granted to the top-10 aggregate point-earners for the first five events of the swing to the US Open at Winged Foot Golf Club, in Mamaroneck, N.Y. in mid-September.

Reflecting on last week, and looking ahead to the events around the corner, Connor said: “I’m disappointed not to get the win, but it was a good week.

“I had a great round (on Saturday), I just didn’t quite have my best stuff (on Sunday).

“I drove it well, gave myself some chances but didn’t make the opportunities.

“I wasn’t hitting as many fairways as I have been, especially on the back nine.

“It was a long day, maybe that had something to do with it.

“I didn’t quite have my best stuff off the tee.

“A great week still, a step in the right direction.

“In the position I was in, I was hoping to win, but hopefully it’s another step.”

Connor, who shot four rounds of 68-67-63-71 to finish on -15, held only a slender lead going into the final day’s play.

There were plenty of competitors packed in behind him but, after a bogey at the first, Connor refused to buckle and it took until the final couple of holes for Horsfield to finally shake him off.

The Drumoig pro had to settle for a share of third in the end, his second best finish on the top tour.

“It’s a new experience, having a 54-hole lead,” added Connor.

“I enjoyed the opportunity but didn’t quite have it.

“I’ll have a couple of days away and play next week (at the Welsh Open).

“My goal is to get in that top ten for the US Open.

“It’s given me a step towards that.

“If someone offers you third at the start of the week, no matter the circumstances, you’ll take it.

“I’ll build on that and hopefully have a good week next week on the same course.”

Calum Hill, from Kinross, was also competing at the Celtic Classic and some steady weekend scoring saw him finish in a tie for 39th.

Calum carded four rounds of 70, 68, 70 and 79 and will tee it up at this week’s event, too.

He’ll tee off on Thursday morning with Northern Ireland’s Cormac Sharvin and American Julian Suri. Connor partners Englishmen Chris Paisley and Jordan Matthew.