Connor Syme sets sights on Carnoustie after strong second round at Gullane

Connor Syme has admitted that he has one eye on a place in next week’s Open after carding new course record at Gullane in the Scottish Open second round. 

European Tour rookie Syme shot a bogey-free 62 this morning to force his way back into the tournament after a disappointing one-over 71 in his first round.

At the time of writing, that has him sitting just outside the top ten and well positioned to make a charge over the weekend both for the title and for one of the three spots that are up for grabs at Carnoustie next week.

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The top three finishers who are not already exempt for the Open will get a place in the field and Drumoig-based Syme, who missed the cut on his championship debut at Royal Birkdale last year, admits that he’d love to be one of the lucky trio.

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“It would obviously be a dream come true to play Carnoustie, being so close to home,” said the 23-year-old. “It was obviously a goal at the start of the week to give myself a chance to do it and, after today, I somewhat have. Positive through 36 holes but a long way to go.”

Syme added that he was ‘ecstatic’ after setting a new course record at Gullane, which saw him go out in 29 for the first time as a professional.

“It was a special round,” he said. “I’m absolutely over the moon. I knew 65 was the minimum requirement today after 71 yesterday, with the scoring being so good.”