PAUL LAWRIE predicted “big things” from Connor Syme after helping the Scottish amateur prepare for his first ever Open championship. The pair enjoyed a practise round in the sunshine at Royal Birkdale yesterday and Lawrie was impressed with the composure and temperament shown by the debutant. Syme first came to the 1999 champion’s attention when he won a junior event at Lawrie’s own tournament five years ago.
“I have been in contact with Connor for a while,” revealed Lawrie, who described his performance at last week’s Scottish Open as “as bad as I can play”.
“He mentioned a practice round and I suggested Tuesday morning. That was ideal for me as the weather is not too good [today]. He was very impressive. I had not played with him before but he has got all of the shots. He has great ball flight, keeps it down easily and a nice lad too. I think we’ll see big things from him.
“He won the Junior Jug [at the Paul Lawrie Foundational invitational] twice. He is the first Junior Jug winner to play in the Open which is nice. It was great to play with him today. I thoroughly enjoyed it and I think he will kick on.”
Lawrie was also impressed with the Birkdale set-up. “It is just magnificent. It is one of the best courses on the rotation, I don’t have any doubt about that. The condition and set-up of it is just beautiful.
“It is not easy out there and the wind picked up for the last few holes. It was reasonably difficult but that is how it should be.
“Last week was just one of those weeks when I struggled, didn’t play well and got what I deserved. I was nine over par and that was about how I played. This week I am trying to get back to basics, take the club away slowly, get a bit of height and better posture.”
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