Connor Syme heads into a 10th year in the pro ranks teeing-up this week in Dubai, hoping he gets his ‘stats’ right for another Tour victory.
Syme is among just four Scots teeing-up in this week’s limited 60-player field for the second hosting of the Dubai Invitational at the Dubai Creek course.
The Fifer contested the inaugural event two years ago, finishing inside the top-40.
And Syme tees-up in the new season clearly with a bigger spring in his step than normal, staring not only at being five events shy of playing 200 DP World Tour events and also still riding high from the events of seven months ago, when he ended a 182-winless run with victory in the KLM Open.
McGUIRE ….
Reigning @KLMOpen champ Connor Syme heads into his 10th pro season @DPWorldTour hoping he’s got the ‘stats’ correct for further @DPWorldTour success
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✅ @TOURMISS (Bernie @Record_Sport ) pic.twitter.com/qhH8fUNU9H
— Fatiha (@TOURMISS) January 14, 2026
Syme said: “It was just so good to get that first win finally under my belt last year.
“Now heading into twenty, twenty-six, I still have goals, as I am quite goal-orientated.
“I have my goals listed on my team sheet, so they’re not a secret.
“Overall, I know I have ways around my stats so that I can achieve those goals”.
Syme has spoken of a goal to join fellow Scot Bob MacIntyre on the PGA Tour but after finishing 49th last year on the Race to Dubai money list he needs to end the year among the top-10 non-exempt if he’s to join the present World No. 8 on the PGA Tour.
His best season remains 28th on the Race to Dubai money list and that was in 2022, and helped by back-to-back seconds, one third place and two other top-10s.
In contrast, season 2025 while capped with his KLM Open triumph, Syme only managed just one other top-10 and that being a tied ninth at the Joburg Open.
Syme said: “It was just great to get the first win and hoping now I can enjoy that incredible feeling again.
“I’m excited also to be back at Dubai Creek having played really well over the weekend last time we were here two years ago.
“So, very much looking forward to a new year, a new season”.
Joining Syme will be fellow Scots Ewen Ferguson, Grant Forrest and Calum Hill.
All 60 pros will be accompanied by amateurs for the opening three rounds.
Footnote ….
Talented young Dubai-based Italian Emanuele Gleppine will be honoured at this week’s Dubai Invitational with a special minute’s silence at 1.30pm local time Thursday at the host Dubai Creek GC course.
As well, players, caddies, officials and workers will wear black ribbons in memory of the 17-year-old Emauele who died on New Year’s day morning from the Crans Montana nightclub blaze.
