Rookie Scottish pro Connor Syme has won the praise of four-time Major winning Rory McIlroy.
Syme, the brilliant winner early this year of the Battle Trophy at Crail Golfing Society, is contesting just his second event as a pro at this week’s Alfred Dunhill Links Championship and wrapped-up his preparations in playing a practice round on the famed Old Course in McIlroy’s company ahead of the $US 5m event.
It helped that McIlroy is a good friend of One Direction’s Niall Horan, who has turned his hand to managing golfers.
Horan’s Modest Management latest signing was Syme, and with the company announcing today (Wed) the Scott will be backed by Adidas.
Connor Syme and Rory McIlroy on the famed Swilcan Bridge at St. Andrews (Photo – European Tour/Gettys)
And after their practice round McIlroy was asked what he thought of Syme’s game.
“His game is very good and I was more impressed just with him as a person,” said McIlroy.
“He seems like he’s got a really good head on his shoulders, 22 years old. He seems very mature. Not fazed by anything at all. He finished 12th in his first event as a pro in Portugal. Just by that, you can tell he’s not really fazed by that sort of environment.
“Connor has a nice game, solid swing and sort of does everything the right way. I don’t see any real weaknesses. Yeah, it was good to get out and play 18 with him.
“Hopefully he has another good week this week and he can do well on his way to getting his Tour card.”
Connor Syme tees off the 2nd at the Old Course as Rory McIlroy looks on. (Photo – European Tour/Getty)
Syme will be looking to duplicate what McIlroy achieved at the Home of Golf and in the 2007 Alfred Dunhill Links and that is to secure his 2018 European Tour card in just his second event.
McIlroy had done that in 2007 when Paul Lawrie, and the then Open Champion, missed a birdie putt on the 72nd hole to hand McIlroy third on his own and with the prize-money good enough for McIlroy to earn his full 2008 Tour card.
And while the nearby Drumoig-based Syme is no stranger to the three host courses this week, and will get to stay at home, he in turn was asked about playing alongside McIlroy.
“It was great to hear Rory talking highly about my game there and it was great to play with him,” said Syme.
“It’s a great insight for me to see how he does it. He’s obviously been at the top of the game for a very long time. You. Know, it definitely means a lot to have that coming from Rory.
“Certainly, just kind of keep on doing what I’m doing and obviously his game is a little different than mine with how far I can hit the ball. Everyone has their different strengths and you just have to stick to your own game with that.”
And when Syme was reminded of McIlroy’s efforts a decade ago in the 2007 Dunhill sponsored event, Syme commented: “Rory mentioned to me going down the first what he had done here in 2007.
“It was obviously a big steppingstone for him. I think, again, he spoke about it and how he certainly — it was his ambition to do it but you can’t really think about that sort of thing.
“So, when it comes around, I want to grab the opportunity with both hands. Certainly, for me, I’m well always from thinking about that. I can only hit the first shot at Carnoustie tomorrow, and you know, that’s all I’m thinking about, really.
“If it becomes a good week, then brilliant, but I’m looking forward to the challenge for sure”.
