Syme Buoyed Heading From Kenyan Heights To Coastal South African Open

8 months ago by Comments Off on Syme Buoyed Heading From Kenyan Heights To Coastal South African Open

Scot Connor Syme is heading for a first time to coastal Durban and this week’s Investec South African Open seeking a double ‘Open’ championship goal.

Syme left the near 6,000 foot heights of Nairobi after birdieing the closing hole for a third day running in a last round 69 for an eight-under tally and secure a share of 13th in the Magical Kenya Open.

South African Jacques Kruyswijk, 32 captured a 12th pro tour title and a maiden DP World Tour success posting a last day 67 to win by two shots at 18-under in heat wave conditions on the host Muthaigra course in the Kenyan capital.

Indeed, Kruyswijk in a smart move was observed a few times using talcum powder on his ungloved right hand to help dry his sweaty palm.

Though it was a champagne and soft drink soaked new champ who said: “This win is special.

“I am a little bit lost for words though this is for my family back home, my friends, my team and this win is for South Africa.

“I am African so it means I can keep this trophy on African soil and obviously bring it back to South Africa. It makes me very proud”.

England’s John Parry, seeking a second win in six events, signed for a 68 to finish runner-up on 16-under.

Syme’s effort is a third top-13 finish in his seven appearances on the tight and three-lined course that the Fifer admits this past week played the hardest.

He said: “I had a really good round on Friday with the 64 and just didn’t get much more going over the weekend.

“I hit a lot of good shots but probably didn’t have my best stuff today but I did manage my round today a bit better than yesterday.  If it had been a lot better yesterday than a 72, it would have been a really solid week.

“Either way, it’s a solid start for my three events down here”.

Syme is among four Scots teeing-up later this week and back at sea level for the 114th hosting of the South African Open, being staged on the famed Durban Country Club course.

It will be Syme’s third showing in the tournament but a first since finishing 10th in 2015.

And not only will Syme be looking to join fellow Scot Richie Ramsay by winning the South African for a long overdue first Tour title but the top-3, not already exempt this coming week in Durban, earn a place into July’s Open Championship at Royal Portrush.

Syme said: “It’s been some time since I last contested a South African Open and it will also be my first visit to Durban, so I’m looking forward to both.

“I’ve heard good things about the Durban course with Lucas Bjerregaard telling me it is good and all the South African guys are raving about it, so I am looking forward to it.

“I have never been to Durban before, so one to check off the list.”

OTHER SCOTS …

Daniel Young – Last round 71 (282 total).

Grant Forrest – 79 (286 total)

 

 

 

 



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