Scotland’s Connor Syme is predicting tougher course conditions after a scoring spree on the opening day of the Mallorca Open.
Syme, 31, was proud to post a bogey-three four-under par 66 in bright but windy conditions on the host Santa Ponsa course located on the somewhat exposed south-western tip of the holiday island.
Dane Jeff Winther muscled his way to an eight-under par 62 that included eight birdies, and two lots of four birdies in succession on each nine.
Swede Niklas Lemke and South African Bryce Easton share second at seven-under par with a further 10 players between the leading three and Syme, the leading Scot who shares 14th spot with a dozen others.
Scotland’s Connor Syme predicting more bite in Mallorca Open host course
Syme said: “I didn’t see someone coming out today and shooting eight-under in playing the pro-am yesterday but then I am not too sure if the scoring will trend like that for the rest of the tournament.
“There’s a couple of holes out there that give the feeling the golf course is playing quite long and all depends this week on how they have set-up the golf course.
“It’s challenging enough with the winds they experience here but I think over the remaining three rounds, it’s going to be an even stronger challenge”.
Syme grabbed birdies at the first, seventh, ninth and 11th holes ahead of seven closing pars and a great lift for the Drumoig golfer after missing the club at Valderrama.
He said: “The game has been a little bit better the last few tournaments even though I missed the cut last week at Valderrama but then it’s trending nicely.
“So, it was good today to get off to a good start and starting with a bridie also helped me quickly settle into my round”.
While the former Crail Battle Trophy winner seeks a maiden pro career win, Syme’s also staring at improving his current 99th standing on the Race to Dubai to be among the leading 60 to tee-up in the season-ending DP World Tour Championship.
He said: “I am trying to press on as much as I can and finish as high-up in the Race to Dubai, as possible. I will need a really strong finish over these last three events to qualify for the DP World but you never know as I still have three events to contest.
“So, you never know what could happen and it all could be locked-in in just one week. It’s been a good start to my week and hopefully I can now build on this round”.
OTHER SCOTS
Richie Ramsay – 69
Daniel Young & David Drysdale – 71
Liam Johnston – 74
