CONNOR SYME’S Open championship may be prematurely over but he departs bolstered rather than chastened by his Royal Birkdale experience. The Fife-based amateur had hoped his maiden outing would extend over the weekend but a second round 76 in blustery conditions saw him post a total of nine-over to miss the cut.

It ended his chances of competing for the Silver Medal – Alfie Plant takes it as the only amateur to make it through – but the 22 year-old Syme collected more memories than regrets, especially at being given the chance to play alongside 1995 champion John Daly.

“It’s been an absolutely amazing experience to play in front of such big crowds,” he said. “Playing with John as well was really good and I will definitely take a lot from this week. There have been a lot of positives. I made a good number of birdies again today but just had too many mistakes which cost me.”

Next on Syme’s agenda is a trip to the USA to compete in the American amateur championship, while the Walker Cup in Los Angeles in September is another target for the Scot.

“If it was done on world rankings, I am third in terms of Great Britain and Ireland players at the moment so hopefully that helps. But you never know. It’s a team pick and hopefully I am the right fit”.

Best of the amateurs this week, then, is Englishman Plant who is on four-over after two rounds and will return for the weekend, while Maverick McNealy, Luca Cianchetti and Harry Ellis all head home.