Crail, Scotland … Ultra-talented Connor Syme set about making up for last year’s disappointment with a superb one under par 71 in the first round of the 2016 Battle Trophy at Crail Golfing Society.

The reigning Australian Amateur champion was the only player, and with just a handful of groups remaining, to break par on the first day of the prestigious event behind played in the Gil Hanse designed Craighead Links course.

Syme, who is based at the nearby Drumoig Club, recorded four birdies and with his only hiccup in taking a double bogey at the par three, 5th hole.

Connor Syme very pleased to shoot a one under par 71.

“It was tough out there and condition very different to last year when I shot a 64,” he said.

“So aside from the fifth hole, I was very pleased with my round and looking now to build on that score.”

As Syme mentioned, he had posted a 64 twelve months earlier and a score just one shy of matching the Craighead Links course record.

Syme also is a former Paul Lawrie Foundation 2012 an 2013 Scottish Schoolboys champion and is coached by his father Stuart.

Two players – Boat of Garten’s Jordan Shaw and Ballumbie Castle Golf Club’s Dan Lawrence posted level par 72s while there is three players with scores of a one over par 73.

They include GB & I Walker Cup star Grant Forrest, who capped his round eagling the short downhill par four, 10th hole, along with Prestwick’s James Bunch and Inverness’s Rory Franssen.

Forrest was not so pleased with his start but walked off happy to have got a few shots back over his inward half.

“I got off to a poor start but the eagle at 10 helped turnaround my effort, so that gives me something to build on,” he said.

“I first played the Craighead course when I was about 12 years ago and while I can’t remember much about that visit, the course is in superb condition.”