Connor Syme got the new year off to a triumphant start with victory in the Australian Amateur Championship at the Metropolitan club in Melbourne.
The 20-year-old, who reached the semi-finals of the British Amateur Championship in 2014, made his big breakthrough on the international stage with a 3&2 win over Sydney’s Travis Smyth in the 36-hole final as he became the first Scot since Eric Ramsay in 2005 to secure the coveted crown.
Syme, the son of Tartan Tour stalwart Stuart, had been one hole down after 11 holes of the morning’s session but he mounted a telling surge on the back nine and was three-up by lunch.
Smyth’s bogey at the 19th took Syme four ahead and he increased the lead to five after 26 holes thanks to a trio of birdies. Syme still had to stave off some menacing advances from his opponent but the Scot closed out the match with a par on the 34th to seal the victory. His success was also rewarded with a place in the Australian Open later this year.
“It’s been a long week and I’m absolutely delighted,” said Syme. “I’m following in good footsteps among the past champions.”
Ian Rae, the national coach with Scottish Golf, added: “He played some awesome stuff. He hit fairways and greens, and his short game and putting were tremendous. He made it really difficult for his opponent to compete. I’m so proud of his golf and the way he conducted himself all week.”
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